Page 62 of Playmaker

“How did that watch thing go?” Hunts asked as he helped himself to more rice. Faith had made a stir-fry, something I could eat while still training. Faith was also working out in preparation for the new hockey season in the fall.

I shrugged. “Fine. Pretty well as expected.”

Callie looked at me, questioning. I hadn’t mentioned the shoot to her, had I?

“What was this one?” Faith asked, nudging Hailey’s plate back in front of her. “You have to eat it all, Hailey.”

“New watch line they’ve called Playmaker.”

Faith laughed. “How can you show off a watch when you’re in hockey gear?”

“That doesn’t appear to be the kind of playmaking they were going for.”

She rolled her eyes. “So who did they pair you up with for this one?”

“Do you know a model called Monique?”

Her brows creased. Then she pulled out her phone. “She must be new.”

“I think so. They made her stretch out on a piano. A baby grand.”

Faith was tapping on her phone. “And what were you doing?”

“Holding a glass of whiskey while staring out the window, thinking important playmaking thoughts.”

She snorted. “Is this her?”

She held the phone out, with an array of photos of Monique. Callie narrowed her eyes at the phone before dropping her attention back to her plate. I wished Faith hadn’t done that.

“That’s her.”

“Was she nice?”

“Seemed very nice.”

“Did you go out with her?”

I shook my head, still a little confused by how I’d behaved that day.

“Oh, is she with someone?” It would drive Faith nuts if I pointed out to her that she was assuming Monique would have said yes.

“I hope not. Since she wanted to have dinner.”

“Just dinner, I’m sure.”

I smirked. “What can I say? Even your daughter wants to marry me.”

“But you didn’t?—”

Hunter interrupted his wife. “He said he didn’t go out with her. We don’t have to pry.”

Faith’s eyes widened, looking at her husband. Hunter looked at Callie and then back. I did not need Hunter and Faith thinking there was something going on between Callie and me. I glanced over at her, concerned that they’d make her uncomfortable. Or else they’d watch us, twist everything I did to fit that narrative, ask questions I had no answer to.

Fortunately, Hailey decided she’d been overlooked long enough and called my name. I helped her finish her veggies and the awkward moment passed.

* * *

I helpedFaith clean up while Hunter took Hailey for a bath, and Callie, at our insistence, stayed out enjoying the weather. Faith had been studying me and Callie for the rest of the dinner, so I expected an inquisition.

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