Page 35 of One Pucking Destiny

“When?”

“When I told you I’ve barely thought about thatnight since it happened. The truth is, I think about that night every single day.”

My breath hitches, getting lodged in my throat, and my pulse races. Ari moves off the ledge.

“Wait.” I grab her wrist. “Where are you going?”

“My mom has looked over here a couple of times now. Don’t want to make it too obvious. I guess it’s time for me to go and play with the other boys.” She shoots me a wink and swims away.

I’m left alone, stunned by her admission. I knew as soon as she said it that she was lying. But assuming I know what she thought about and hearing the words from her mouth are two very different things. Her words, whether she intended them to or not, gave me the answer I needed.

She wants me just as much as I want her. That knowledge is a game changer.

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

ARI

The opposing volleyball team did not have cleanup duty tonight. The catering staff left everything in pristine condition. Less than an hour after we’d finished eating, they loaded the last of their supplies into the white vans and took off. The dinner spread consisted of the most delicious barbecue I’ve ever had. There was brisket, ribs, chicken, and all sorts of delicious sides. I’ve always heard that Texas knows how to do barbecue, and now I know that’s true.

I’m usually not much of a foodie. As I grew up, elaborate meals were not a thing under our roof. I always had enough but never food in excess. Yet I was excited to see all the tins of leftovers the caterers had left in the refrigerators. Undoubtedly, more incrediblemeals are planned for tomorrow, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the guys opt for the barbecue leftovers instead.

The dinner was nice, almost like a wedding reception. I’m sure the caterers do many weddings. They had tables with linens and chairs set up and taken down with ease. All the Crane families from the other houses on the properties came over, and it was one big party.

It was nice seeing my mom in her element. She seems to have a good relationship with everyone, from the secretaries to the coaches and team owners. The sight fills me with joy. I love that so many lovely people surround her. That’s never been the case. While I’m sure she had classmates, professors, and coworkers she had friendships with over the years, I never saw it. Never like this. These people are her extended family now, and she deserves that more than anyone in the world.

Most everyone has returned to their own mansion, and I’m not complaining. Having us all together is nice, but it’s even better to be here with the players. There is some unspoken understanding that this outside area, complete with a gorgeous open pavilion next to the pool and hot tub, is designated for the players. At one end of the pavilion is a wall with a fully stocked bar, a big flat-screen TV, and a sitting area.

I’ve yet to take a tour around the estate, but I’m told each grand home has its own area like this, complete with an outdoor living space and a pool. The house where the families are staying has playground equipment and a more kid-friendly pool with slides and a splash pad.

After dinner, the guys, Iris, and I sat at the tables at the other end of the TV/bar area beneath the pavilion and have been playing a heated game of poker. I’ve lost track of how long we’ve been at this, but it’s been hours.

Iris, who’s been out for a while, walks around and refills everyone’s drinks. “Ari?” She stands beside me with a few options. I reach for the blue can of Long Drink. I tried this beverage for the first time earlier today and am currently obsessed. It’s so delicious and refreshing.

“Thank you!” I set my cards on the table, crack open the gin drink in my hand, and take a swig.

Only four of us are left in the game—Bash, Beckett, Gunner, and me—and the stakes are high. I get the feeling that Beckett and Gunner do not like losing. And Bash, the handsome guy, is just along for the ride. I secretly love that about him. He’s just so carefree all the time. Given his status on the team, I know he's fiercely motivated and competitive. Yet he doesn’t come across that way. In the romance books I read, he would totallybe classified as a cinnamon roll hero. I always thought I’d be into the alphas and more dominant men, but I find no one here more attractive than Bash. There’s something to be said for a guy who is so into you that he wants to give you the world and put all his ego aside.

Not that I’m into him. Because I’m not. But if I were forced to choose—it’d be him.

The pot of money in the center of the table is huge as the four of us have gone all in. This is the final hand, and I’m feeling really good about my four kings.

“I’m calling it!” Bash throws the remainder of his chips into the center of the table and throws me a beautiful smirk. “Alright, show us what you’ve got.”

I give him a smug smile and lay out my hand. “Four kings! Beat that,Cookie!” I put emphasis on his nickname because it drives him crazy.

“Dammit.” Bash throws his cards down. He grumbles, “Monster,” under his breath.

Leaning over, I whisper in his ear, “The monster part doesn’t make it any better.”

A smile forms on his lips. “I know. I like to pretend it does.”

Dreven sighs and tosses his hand onto the table. Neither of their hands can beat mine.

I look at Beckett with a challenge in my eyes. “What about you, Stepdad?” I tease.

He slides his cards facedown across the table. “You won it all. Congrats.”

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