Page 54 of The Wrong Move

She giggles and places a hand on his arm. “Of course.”

Brandon hugs her, and the urge to push him away surprises me. Now I’m making mental notes about kissing Giana’s hand and hugging her when I appreciate the little things instead of thinking about my opponent for the game.

I’m in the middle of traffic when Giana asks her first question. “What time will the game finish?”

“Around eight thirty,” Brandon answers.

“Are we going for dinner after the game, or do we eat there?”

I laugh. “It’s not high school, Gi. Food is available, but you have access to the VIP area and the restaurant during the game.” I meet her gaze in the rearview mirror.

She offers a warm smile. “Any chance we can go for pizza after instead?”

“I like her,” Brandon says.

“Unlike many in LA,” Giana continues, “I eat gluten. People act like I’m robbing the place if I walk in holding a bagel.”

Brandon chuckles. “I’m up for pizza after the game.”

“If we invite you.”

“Of course, you can join us. Can I call you BJ…” Giana asks, “… or do you prefer Brandon? And how did you get the name BJ?”

“It’s not what you think,” he adds quickly.

“Bullshit,” I cough, and Giana laughs.

“For fuck’s sake, Hendricks.” He shakes his head. “My birth name is Brandon Johns, and being from Down Under, that nickname was always going to stick.”

“Right,” she says. I keep an eye on her as she gazes out of her window. “I’ve always wanted to visit Australia.”

“Well, if you do and I’m home, I’d be happy to show you around.”

Not without me.

We arrive at the LA Sharks’ special parking lot for players. I take Giana’s hand and lead her past security. I stop at reception and introduce her to Kirsten. Her eyes round in surprise, as I’ve never introduced anyone to her. Kirsten acknowledges what the introduction implies. She’ll be seeing more of Giana, so she needs to organize a pass to allow her entry whenever she needs to visit. Taking Giana’s hand, I lead her toward the office where Charlotte will be dealing with last-minute business.

“I’ll see you in the locker room,” Brandon calls out over his shoulder.

Giana squeezes my hand. “Where are we going?”

“To see Charlotte so she can escort you to our family seats.”

“Oh. I thought you were taking me to the storeroom. I’ve heard about what happens in those rooms.”

I stop walking and stare at my beautiful, sexy girl. Is she my girl? All I can think about is whipping up her skirt and recreating her fantasy.

“You’ll be the death of me tonight.”

13

GIANA

We pass multiple offices,and I read the signs on the doors in my head as we walk. Director of Mental Health and Wellness. Team Nutrition Manager. Director of Legal Operations. Accountancy. Security. Director of Information Technology. Human Resources Manager. Chief Executive Officer. General Manager. Assistant Coach. Coach. Chief Financial Officer. We stop outside the door labeled Owner.

Byron knocks, and Charlotte opens the door.

“Byron. What’s wrong?”

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