Page 25 of Hat Trick Holidate

Babysitter +Teammate’s sister = Off limits.

Somehow, I manage to walk out after giving her no instructions.

My driver drops me off at the swanky Skyloft Hotel, and I take a breath before stepping onto the red carpet. The paparazzi get a few photos by myself before my agent, Paul Rossi, appears by my side.

“No arm candy tonight?” he asks.

“No but remind me to get something sweet to take home,” I say, thinking it would be nice to come home with a present for Jolie.

He laughs, throwing his head back as we smile for a few more pictures. “That shouldn’t be a problem for Bryce Wynward.”

“Not that kind of sweet. Candy for my daughter.”

“Did you say daughter?” His brows surge up his forehead in shock. “Because if you have a child, we need to redo your wealth management. You need a will, a trust fund for her, a 529 plan, and a bunch of other legal things. Are you sure she’s yours?”

“Yeah, we had a DNA test done, but I knew it from the time I saw her picture. I saw my brother in her. She’s almost six,” I say, understanding his concern.

A model-like brunette whisks Paul away. “I’ll be in touch,” he calls over his shoulder.

I’m the spokesman for an all-natural energy drink, but it’s high in caffeine. There are no preservatives or artificial flavors. I allow myself any food I want, but I do try to stay away from food dyes. Except Cheetos. I fucking love Cheetos.

Milani, the energy drink executive, moves me around the room, making sure to talk with all the big executives. Milani and I take pictures making a craft cocktail which includes the energy drink, vodka, and a sprig of mint. Wepour it into a glass with a ball of red ice, colored by beet juice. The hint of beet as it fizzes awakens my tastebuds, and the photographers take pictures while I’m talking with the glass in my hand. I do my best to stay focused on the conversations I’m having with fans and sponsors, but my thoughts keep wandering back to the girls at my house.

Women saddle up next to me, and at least five times I’m propositioned by married women. It’s amazing how rich people have very little morals, present company excluded. I don’t cheat. Never have. Both people in a relationship deserve to be the only one. Not that I’m an expert, I haven’t had a girlfriend since college.

I decide to bounce and sneak out since I don’t see any of my best friends or teammates. My obligations have been fulfilled so I leave. It may be the first time I’ve left an event alone in my professional career. This is what Reed meant by saying Jolie will be a good change for you.

When I walk into the house, it smells of broccoli and cookies—not a combination any sane person would put together. I continue to the living room and find Emmaline with the television on a low whisper. As I look over the couch, Jolie’s head lies on Emmaline’s lap, and both are fast asleep. A grin creeps across my face, taking in the sight of my little girl in the arms of a caring woman. And peaceful. Why are kids so angelic when they’re sleeping?

Slowly, I scoot around the couch, lifting Jolie into my arms, and take her up to her room. As I peel the comforter back, Jolie’s lips vibrate against my neck as she lets out a dreamy sigh, and her body relaxes against me. Laying her down and covering her with the blanket, I stare for a moment. Love shoots through me. I may not know her well,but this blond-haired, blue-eyed little girl already has my heart.

It stings that she doesn’t feel the same way about me, but hopefully, that will change. I turn on the mermaid nightlight, close the door, and tiptoe downstairs. Emmaline stretches her arms up and as she stands, her shirt creeps up her body, revealing the small of her back and creamy skin. Seconds tick by until she sees me.

“Where’s Jolie?” she asks in panic mode. Her eyes skitter around the room.

“Shouldn’t you know?” My tone sounds accusatory.

Emmaline pops her hip out, folding her arms over her waist. “She was asleep on my lap.”

Damn this woman for changing my focus to her hips. Hips that beg for me to grab them and pull her flush with my body.

“I put her to bed.” It comes out matter-of-factly with no love in my voice, which isn’t what I intended.

“Why are you so grumpy when you’ve been partying with rich people under the guise of doing good?”

“Partying?”

Emmaline’s eyes narrow. “I’ve been with my brother through three years of college and eight years in the pros. I know you raise money for organizations that need money, but I also know what else the events are about. Women, free drinks, and food.” She sighs and says, “I should go.”

She snatches her purse from the table and heads toward the front of the penthouse. I stand there. What the hell just happened? It only takes me a few strides to grab her hand. “Wait.”

Her auburn hair flies over her shoulder as she whips aroundtoward me. “Why? I do you a favor, and you come home snarky? Are you always an asshole after you’ve had a few drinks?”

I gloss over her attitude, thinking about the only time I’ve had drinks in her presence. Now, I need to reset our interaction. Put her on her heels.

“You know I’m not.” I stare into her eyes and gently tug her toward me. Her pulse quickens against my fingers.

She knows—I know.

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