Page 76 of One Touch

I grimaced. “Both. Thank goodness Lexi needed to ask the caters a question, or I’d be screwed when it came time for my introduction speech.”

“Jesus, Bambi. This place is a mess.”

“Uh, yeah. Sorry. I spend most of my time…” I suddenly remembered where I was and stopped myself before admitting to our teammates that I slept in his bed. “Elsewhere.”

“Fuck, yeah, you do. Okay, I’ll find it. Send me the address on Samson’s phone, and I’ll let him know when I’m there.”

“I’m sorry to make you late for your mother’s.”

“Seriously, it’s no hardship. The later, the better, in my opinion. I’ll find it and see you shortly.”

“Thanks, Lath.

“Anytime, Bambi.”

I hung up and shot the address over to him before I handed Samson back his phone. “Thanks. He’s on his way. Can you let me know when he’s here? I told some of the kids I’d listen to them warm up before their performance.”

“Yeah, sure. If I can’t find you, I’ll text Lexi.”

“You’re the best.”

“Nah. Just what friends do, Fahn.” He smiled and squeezed my shoulder.

Friends. It had been a long time since I’d made new friends. I nodded at the rest of the guys before I left. Moisture welled in my eyes, and I quickly wiped it away. I wouldn’t cry openly in front of all these people. No, I’d wait until I was home and in the privacy of my home before I did that.

Last summer in Chicago, I’d felt adrift and wondered if I’d ever belong. It was wild that five months later, not only did I have friends but a solid place on the team. Having the Rainbow Lounge and Lathan almost felt like too much.

Was I being greedy? Would I have to give something up?

I shook the fear away that I would. Reese had taught me that love wasn’t finite. I would believe that goodness wasn’t either.

As I entered, the group was finishing their song. They sounded great, and I was so impressed by their ability to get up in front of a crowd and perform. I hated being the center of attention unless I was on the ice. The rules were simple there, and I knew my role.

Clapping, I drew the teen’s attention. “That was amazing. You all are going to be great.”

“Thanks, Miller,” Ace said. I ruffled his hair and spoke with a few of the others until a knock on the door drew my attention. Lexi poked her head in and motioned for me.

“I’ll see you all out there. You’ve got this,” I encouraged. My steps quickened at the thought of catching Lathan in a tux.

Lexi pointed in the direction Lathan was. I squeezed her arm in thanks and headed there. I pushed through the doors, my heart racing more than it should. It had only been a few hours since I’d seen him, but I missed him.

His profile came into focus, and my heart stuttered at the sight of him. I’d seen him in a suit hundreds of times now, but this was something else. The tux was fitted and tailored to his body perfectly. I took my time memorizing every line of his body wrapped in Italian silk. Was it possible to be jealous of a fabric?

His jaw flexed, and I faltered at the hard line of his face. It wasn’t a look I’d seen in a while, and the sudden arrival had my heart galloping for a different reason.

“Hey,” I greeted, hoping the look wasn't for me. His gaze swept to me, and the ice-blue that filled his iris was staggering. “Lath?” I choked out in a whisper, on the verge of breaking my earlier promise to wait until I was home to cry.

“When were you planning on telling me?” he barked.

“Tell you what?” I asked, pleading with my eyes to give me a chance to fix whatever it was.

“I found them in your room. I know.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Lath, baby, talk to me.” I reached for him, but he stepped away before I could make contact. “Just tell me, and we can fix this. I don’t know what I did.” My heart pounded, and the fear I’d already lost my entire world clogged my throat.

“Don’t play dumb, Bambi. It’s not becoming.”

“I honestly have no idea what you’re referring to. Please, just tell me,” I begged. I was tempted to drop to my knees and throw myself at his feet for mercy. He was slipping through my fingers, and I had no idea why.

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