Page 56 of The Stud

“And I get it. You’re an adult woman who can make her own decisions-”

“Typically.”

“However, you are stillmylittle girl, which means Iwantand am going tonagyou into making the right call for your health.”

Against my own volition my shoulders sulk in defeat. “Fine.”

“Fine, what?”

“Fine, I’ll schedule the appointment.”

“Now.”

“Not now,” I bite at the same time the elevator doors open to spit out the last of the players. “I’m working.”

“You’re always working.”

“Yes, and I hope you know most parents would be proud of that.”

“Arden.”

“I’ll call Monday.”

“Tomorrow.”

“If I get home in time. Deal?”

“Deal.” She doesn’t even pause long enough for a breath. “But I will be following up on this. Clear?”

“Clearksies.”

Peck knocks his fists against mine and continues walking while Tanner completely stops.

Slides his hands into his dark coat.

Wordlessly declares no pregame tap will be given unless he has my undivided attention.

Ugh.

Sweet stubborn bastard.

“Gotta go, Mom.” Meeting Khurana’s stare for a brief moment is accompanied by a head tip to get moving. “Loading up.”

“Quack. Quack.”

The code phrase successfully pulls a crooked grin to my phrase. “Quack. Quack.”

Ending the call has barely been completed when Tanner squawks, “Did you just quack at your mum?!” Mirth floods his bright crystal stare to the point that it almost takes my breath away. “Like was that an actualthingthat just happened? That I just had the pleasure to witness?!”

Rather than engage in his taunting, I begin my own, “You look like Robin Hood.”

He places an open palm of intrigue over his emerald green tie. “Prince of Thieves?”

“Men in Tights.”

The glare he twitches prompts me to extend my fist for the traditional bump that he instantly delivers. Afterwards, we begin heading side by side for the bus. “Which of those should we watch postgame tonight?”

“Shouldn’t you be focused onpregameritchies rather than post?”

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