Page 55 of One Touch

“No, son. It’s not. Which is why we have to protect our own. We can’t change other teams, but we can ensure ours is a safe place.”

I nodded. “We have a good team, sir.”

“We do. There are a few outliers, but I’m working on that. You just keep being the alternate captain the team needs.”

“Yes, sir.”

“All right. Get out of my office. It’s been long enough for everyone to think I ripped into you for fighting.” He smiled, and I chuckled.

“Thanks, Coach.”

Miller was the last one on the plane, so I didn’t get a chance to talk to him before we taxied down the runway and flew toward Vegas. It was a quick flight, just a little over an hour, but it felt too long to know how he was doing. I’d have to be patient and hope I got a chance once we landed.

Luck was not on my side.

Since he was the last one on the plane, he was the first one off and caught the first van to the hotel. The second van took forever to arrive, and I was two seconds away from ordering my own ride when it finally pulled up. My knee bounced the whole drive to the hotel. I just wanted to know if he was all right. I fiddled with my phone, but before I could send a message, the fucker died.

Seriously? Was the universe out to get me? I got laid, and this was my punishment.

Fuck. This was why I didn’t care about people. They complicated things.

Even knowing that, I couldn’t stop worrying and needing to ensure he was okay. He could hate me all he wanted for punching that guy. I didn’t care. I wouldn’t apologize for it, but I didn’t want him to ice me out.

The van pulled up to the hotel, and I rocketed out of the door. I was halfway across the lobby before anyone else had entered the hotel, so I didn’t feel bad when the elevator door shut in their faces. Oops.

The second I entered my room, I threw my suitcase onto the bed and pulled out my charger. While my phone charged, I tugged off my tie and jacket and tossed them onto the bed. I couldn’t even hang up my clothes until I knew he was okay.

A minute later, my screen came alive, and I dove for the device. Pulling up his contact, I typed out the first message that came to mind. I was tired of second-guessing myself.

Come to my room. Number 545

CHAPTER21

MILLER

My jaw ached,and the last place I wanted to go was to Lathan’s room. I didn’t have the strength to face him and see the resignation in his eyes.

We were over.

He’d gotten into a fight because of me! He was going to end things. I’d caused too much disruption to his perfectly crafted life, and now he would kick me to the curb.

I’d hoped he’d wait until we returned to Austin, but it didn’t appear I was that lucky. Instead, I’d have to wallow in my misery in an empty hotel room and try not to let it ruin my game. Crap. I’d need to find a new place to live.

I’d submitted a few applications to leasing offices, but nothing had felt right yet. I hadn’t found a place that felt like home.

That’s because you already found it.

It was stupid to hope I could stay with Lathan forever, but my mushy heart had latched on while I wasn’t paying attention. All the boundaries in the world hadn’t been able to keep me from catching feelings. The only person I had to blame was myself.

“Better get it over with,” I muttered, shoving my key card into my sweats. I’d just changed out of my suit when his message had come through. Shoving my feet into a pair of shoes, I ran my fingers through my curls as I walked down the hall. We were on the same floor but at opposite ends. There weren’t any other players out as I strolled, and I relaxed at that small mercy. I didn’t want to lie about my whereabouts tonight.

With a deep breath, I rapped my knuckles against the door. It opened instantly, and I was pulled through before I had time to blink.

“Fuck, Mills.” Lathan’s hand bracketed my face in a tender gesture, and he tilted my head to and fro as he inspected me. “I was so worried. I kept envisioning the worst possible outcome.” His fingers trailed lightly over the stitches lining my jaw. Goosebumps broke out across my skin, and I sucked in a breath.

This wasn’t what I’d expected when I’d trudged down here. “I’m okay,” I whispered and gripped his hand. If he kept doing that, I would lose my mind.

Lathan’s ministrations froze, and his eyes lifted to mine. The blue swirled with an intensity I wasn’t used to seeing in their depths. I searched his face and my body heated at the black eye blooming on his face.

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