Page 122 of What If I Knew You

The both of us stand by watching, emphatic smiles on our faces, as the men from the Chicago Red Tails enter the room already intermingled with our beloved Anaheim Stars. Milo Landric and Oliver Magallan shake hands in what looks like a secret handshake and head for the bar followed closely by Scarlett and Milo’s wife, Charlee, who is also Oliver’s sister. Colby Nelson, Harrison Meers, Dex Foster, and Griffin Ollenberg pose for a picture taken by Carissa Nelson, Colby’s wife. Zeke Miller and Barrett Cunningham are like old-time bros with what looks like an old fashioned already in their hands. The last group though, that’s the group I watch the longest. Hawken Malone, Ledger Dayne, Quinton Shay, August Blackstone, andBodhi are all laughing over something Ledger must have said as they enter the room.

“Holy hell, Corrigan,” Layken murmurs next to me. “Your man looks like a fucking snack, no?”

Bodhi is dressed head to toe in black, his dress pants fitting his form perfectly as they hug his sculpted legs. With his suit jacket covering the top, I feel confident that nobody in this room except for me and his teammates know what a fine specimen his ass is. His black button-down shirt giving his outfit a sexy monochromatic vibe underneath his jacket, the only color on his body tonight is his tie. Designed by children with several handprints and squiggly lines all over it in different colors of the rainbow, his outfit is the perfect background to showcase the colorful piece.

My jaw hanging so low I wouldn’t be surprised if drool is dripping down my chin, I nod. “Not just a snack, Lake. A full four course meal.”

She giggles and nudges my elbow. “Well don’t look now but that four course meal just spotted you and is coming this way.”

Somehow her words finally translate in my brain and I shake my head, pulling myself from whatever trance I had myself in.

“Corrigan,” he says when he finally approaches. “Layken.”

“Hi Bodhi,” Layken says with a smile and a wink. “Thank you for coming tonight.” She reaches out and gives Bodhi a gentle hug, careful not to get her makeup on his jacket or mess up her own gown and hair.

His gaze falls to me as Layken steps back and then his arms are around me and he’s whispering, “You look fucking stunning tonight.”

My cheeks heat at his compliment. “You don’t look so bad yourself, stranger.”

“Please tell me I get to peel you out of this dress later because it’s all I’m going to be thinking about all night long.”

“I guess we’ll see if you play your cards right.”

He pulls back and I smile mischievously.

“Layken, I’ll just go ahead and buy all the art so we can call this night over,” he tells her while still staring at me.

Layken laughs out loud and pats Bodhi on his shoulder. “Oh Bodhi. I’m afraid your salary can’t quite cover the amount of money I hope to make tonight on its own. I therefore have no choice but to run the event as planned.”

“Ah, I see Mr. Roche has already found a few ladies to try to flirt with, huh?” The voice I hear behind me is a voice I could never not recognize as I turn around and spot my father joining our group conversation.

“Dad!”

He wraps his arm around me. I know he thinks it’s a loving gesture but I also know it’s a protective one since Bodhi is standing here talking to two single women.

I’ve got to sit him down and talk to him about me and Bodhi.

Soon.

“You know me, Coach.” Bodhi chuckles and shows off his charming smile. “How could I not tell these ladies how beautiful they look tonight?”

“It’s true,” Dad agrees with a friendly nod. “You do both look exquisite this evening.” He wags his finger at Bodhi. “But I would encourage you to stay away from this guy. He’s nothing but young trouble.”

“Aww come on, Dad. He can’t be that bad, right?”

Seriously.

Come on, Dad.

Bodhi is a perfect gentleman.

What makes you see anything but?

“Yeah, I can’t be that bad, right?” Bodhi repeats my words, causing my dad to laugh. “Pretty sure you were calling me MVP not too long ago.”

“Uh huh. Right. Like we haven’t read all about your reputation in Boston.” He laughs like he’s teasing but he steps forward and wraps an arm around Bodhi’s shoulder. “Come on, Roche. Let’s go get a drink and get far away from my daughter.”

What the hell, Dad?

---