Page 205 of Vegas Heat

It’s a big deal, but I’m more excited than nervous. We’re guaranteed most of the players we want since we’re the only team taking part in this draft—except for the first two picks that Troy traded. It’s an historic occasion as the last time the leagueexpanded, two teams were added. This time, it’s just us, which means we have our choice of all the men the teams in the league put up.

We’ve already talked to most of them. Most of them even know what position they’ll be drafted in. With the men we’ve already put on the team, we’re adding eighteen more to get to the forty-man roster—some of which will end up in the minors since the active team only has twenty-six men on it.

The resort sends a car that will deliver us right to the stage, and as it pulls up, the first face I see in the crowd gathered is AJ Winters, who agreed to play with us.

Excitement fills my veins.

I spot Gabby standing next to Joanie. They’re both clapping as they clamor to get a look at the car, knowing the men they love are waiting inside, excitement and anticipation on their faces.

Gabby’s mother stands on her other side. She’s still here, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is what tonight represents, and after that, tomorrow morning we’ll tell Troy the truth and then our relationship will be out in the open. I’ll be able to hold her hand in public. I’ll be able to kiss her in front of her parents. It’s more to be excited about even though it comes with a healthy dose of nerves.

There’s so much excitement, in fact, that I don’t even notice what’s happening in the car right beside me. The man who has spent the majority of the day sweating is now panting.

“Hey, man, you okay?” I ask Troy, my brows pinching together as I study him.

He nods. “Fine. Just nerves.”

It’s the same thing he’s said to me all day.

The car pulls to a stop, and Mike gets out first. We all file out behind him, and as we walk up the red carpet to the stage, Troy stumbles a little.

And then he grabs his chest right before he collapses.

TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK 4, GROUNDBALL

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