Page 72 of The Game

“Sorry,” he says in a husky tone.

“Not your fault. Listen, I’ve got to go join Amira up on stage to deal with the last speech and then we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us to get this place cleaned up.”

“I’ll stay to help out. I’m here for you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know, Coffee Girl, but I want to. I’d wait for you way longer than the couple of hours it’s going to take to clean this place up.”

A shiver runs up my spine, and every part of me wants to stay here in his arms. My lady parts are especially insistent, throbbing with need, but I can’t. Not yet. We’ve got the rest of the night to sort things out. It can wait.

Chapter 25

Wasted Seconds

Cole

The guys stayed tohelp out. Even Hail, although I think he was more interested in finding some fresh blood among the bidders than cleaning up, so he bailed early. Still, it’s progress. He’s stepping up for the team, and the way everyone rallied around me tonight really shook up all the doubts I’ve been having since I got burned by my former best friend. Real bonds can exist, and I’ve been an idiot to hide from them for so long. If Hail can change his ways, then so can I.

But then there’s the reminder of from my past that keeps popping back up in my life. A churning dread at Charlene’s win left me cold even as I was celebrating Jazz’s success. I’m happy for her, but the thought of spending even an hour or two with my ex is unbearable. I wish Jazz could have bought me, but I get it. Money is tight, and the way the price skyrocketed near the end of the bidding blew my mind. Maybe I shouldn’thave agreed to this. Put myself in this position, but Jazz needed me, and I’m finding it very hard to refuse her anything. She could ask me for my signed Zetterberg jersey, and I’d pluck it off my wall.

Dev carries the last table into the crowded storage room at the back of the atrium, leaning it against the others before walking back out to join us. Most of the heavy lifting is done, and these guys have been an immense help.

“Thanks so much for everything.”

“We’re your teammates. Of course we’re going to be here for your girl,” Grant says, and a ribbon of guilt twists around my guts.

“I really appreciate it anyway, but I think we’re good here now. You can head out. I’ll help Jazz with any last details and give her a ride home.”

“I bet you will,” JJ says, throwing a hand up in the air for a high five. “Am I right?” He turns to the team.

“Grow up, and leave poor Cole alone,” Beau says. “He’s got to save his energy for later.”

They all burst out laughing, and I roll my eyes. Figures. For a mere second, I thought Beau was going to be the voice of reason, but he devolved into macho nonsense, just like the rest of them.

“Get out of here.” I tell them, but I say with a smile.

“Bye, Jazz. Great event,” Grant calls out to her. “Thanks for looking out for my balls.”

I turn around to find her walking toward us, shaking her head. “Thanks, Grant, and you’re welcome. I guess. Are youguys leaving?” She turns to me, her lips twisting down into a little frown I want to kiss away.

“They’re going to head out. I’m here until the bitter end. What’s left?”

She shakes her head. “Not much. Just have to load up the van with the tablecloths and glasses. Then we’re good to go. Don’t feel like you have to stay. It’s been a long day. I can get a ride home with Amira.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t leave you here after all your hard work. I’ll give you a ride home.”

“Perfect.” Her smile is a little tired, but still just as beautiful.

Soft snores are rumbling out of Jazz when we pull up in front of her building, rivaling Mabel’s old engine. I hate to wake her up, so I pull around to the visitor’s parking area in back, sliding into a spot and cutting the engine.

I lean my head back on the headrest, turning to drink her in. Moonlight is cutting through the window, highlighting the curves of her cheeks, and her slightly open mouth. She’s always beautiful, but in the dark of night there’s a vulnerable quality to her beauty. Like her defenses have all been washed away in sleep. All the hurt she’s experienced in her life, the doubts and fears are gone, and what’s left is peace and contentment.

“Cole.” My name on her lips has power. Especially in her sleep when she’s not second guessing herself or our relationship, whatever that is.

“Oh, Jazz.” I sigh, reaching out to brush a strand of black hair behind her ear. She blinks awake, brown eyes taking a minute to focus on me.

She clears her throat, throwing a hand up to cover her yawn. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. It’s been a long day.”

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