Page 32 of Power Pucking Play

"You okay there, Gi?" Gabi asks, eyeing me suspiciously as we deplane. "You look like you're about to face a firing squad."

I tighten my grip on my luggage. "Just pre-game jitters, sis. Nothing to worry about."

She doesn't look convinced. "Uh-huh. And it has nothing to do with Lexi joining us?"

"Gabi, come on. You know she's not my biggest fan."

Gabi rolls her eyes at me as we make our way through the airport. "Yeah, because you and your big ego didn't exactly makethe best first impression on her. But hey, maybe this trip will change that."

I highly doubt it, but I keep my thoughts to myself. The last thing I need is Gabi getting any more ideas about me and Lexi. And with Jacob walking up and joining us, it's clear that the topic isn't going to go away anytime soon.

"What are you two whispering about?" Jacob asks, grinning at us.

"Nothing," I reply quickly, giving Gabi a warning look. But of course, she can't resist the urge to tease me.

"Just how nervous Gio is about spending a whole week with his arch-nemesis," she says with a smirk.

Jacob shakes his head, barking out a laugh. "Arch-nemesis? You guys sound like characters from a comic book."

Gabi laughs and swats him playfully on the arm. "You know what I mean, Jake."

"Yeah, yeah. We all could use a little 'kumbaya' time together," Jacob says, winking at Gabi.

"Trust me." I head over to the baggage claim area to retrieve my luggage. "I have no intention of 'kum'ing Lexi's 'baya'."

I hear Gabi groan behind me as Jacob doubles over in laughter. I'd smile, but then I remember that I've already dug myself into a hole with both of them over this whole Lexi situation.

I don't need to make it any worse by actually getting along with her.

As we grab our bags, I catch sight of Lexi across the terminal. She's rocking a wavy ponytail and wearing jeans and a Blades hoodie, looking more like a fan than the hard-hitting reporter I know her to be.

Beneath the casual outfit, I can make out her toned figure and long, lean legs. I quickly look away, willing my thoughts to stay focused on anything but those tight curves of her body.

"Look," I tell Gabi and Jake, "I gotta go. Best if I get this over with as soon as possible, right?"

"Right," Gabi says, patting me on the shoulder. "Good luck."

"Yeah, man." Jacob claps me on the back. "Hope Lexi doesn't chew you up and spit you out."

I roll my eyes at his unnecessary comment and head toward Lexi, who is already making her way over to me.

"Hey, Gio," Lexi says with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Ready for a fun week together?"

"Ecstatic," I reply dryly, trying to keep my voice even. "You have a car picking you up?"

She shakes her head, gesturing to the exit. "Not yet. Just gonna grab a cab."

"By yourself? In a city you don't know?" I question, already reaching for my phone.

"I can handle myself, Gio." She swats my hand away. "I've been to Seattle plenty of times."

"And yet, you never bothered to get a car service," I retort.

Lexi narrows her eyes at me, and for a moment, I think she's going to snap back. But then her expression softens and she lets out a sigh. "Okay, fine. If it makes you feel better, I'll take your offer."

"Good. Hope the team bus isn't too cramped for you."

She rolls her eyes but doesn't say anything as we make our way out of the terminal and toward the bus that's waiting for us.

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