Page 19 of Their Perfect Daddy

Bellport and Merry wave their hands at me as they slow their treadmills down. Fawkes and Mendoza don’t acknowledge me. Likely because they’ve both got on headsets and are deep in the zone.

I drop my bags next to the others near the door, then head over to the two friendlier people in the room. Merry pretends to box at me when I reach them. I bob and weave, playing along with the goofier of the two men.

“What are you doing here so early? Trying to earn brownie points after getting the line drunk not too far back?” Merry asks.

Bellport snorts, then shakes his head. “Nothing makes up for the team blowing chunks at practice. I didn’t think hangovers lasted that long.”

“They shouldn’t. I think the guys probably kept the party going after leaving my place,” I admit.

It’s never my goal to affect the way everyone plays the game. My parties are always meant as a way to decompress rather than to become destructive. Unfortunately, not everyone ends the party after last call. I can’t help what grown men do outside of my home.

Bellport’s expression tells me I might be wrong. I feel confident about my choice to hold off on partying and drinking altogether. I really think it could be the reason behind it all? I’ve been thinking it’s on them. The truth is that I’m the root—or rather, the start.

Just thinking I’m the cause has me shifting in place. I hate being the one at fault. It’s part of the reason I’m obsessed with fixing things with Danny. He needs to know I’m not disgusted by him. It’s my fault since I couldn’t fucking speak clearly once I saw that fabric.

Shaking my head, I focus back on the conversation happening in front of me. The guys have taken to discussing the plan for today’s workout. Part of the Bulldogs training plan includes a weekly email with a breakdown of the exercises we’re doing. It allows the early guys who come in ahead of practice to get started before all the trainers get here.

“Where’s your head at, Tempest? You didn’t even laugh at my joke.” Merry pushes my shoulder.

I shrug. “It’s nothing. Lots on my mind. My brother just told me he’s going on a trip for the holidays. This comes after finding out our parents are too. I’ll be alone for Christmas.”

Bellport’s eyes widen slightly. It’s so quick, anyone else wouldn’t catch the movement, but I’m used to watching him enough that Idonotice.

Before I can ask what’s going on, he says, “You should come to the Bellport holiday dinner. We always have people outsideof the family there. Mama loves feeding the masses. It would be good for you to not be alone.”

“I can’t?—”

“Nah! Fuck that. You totally can. You just said you don’t have plans.” Merry gives me a firm look. It’s opposite his norm so all I can do is nod.

“Then it’s settled,” Bellport adds.

Laughing at them, I agree. “Sure, I guess so. No reason for me to have an opinion I guess.”

“Don’t be a brat, Tempest. We’re trying to help you out. Be happy about it and know you’ll eat good while you’re there. Our boys are coming too, so you’ll have someone else besides teammates around that you know.”

I brighten at the mention of their partners. Finn and Raymond are fun to be around. They always make me feel lighter when we all wind up in the same place. I don’t know how to explain it or why it happens. I only know that I crave it when I think about the duo.

I won’t dare admit it aloud though. Don’t need my teammates thinking I have crushes on their men.

“Guess I can make it. You’ll send me details, right?”

Bellport smirks. “I’ll do you one better.” He grabs his phone and texts as he talks. “Sending Mama an update to let her know you’re coming. She’ll reach out to you for if you’ll have a plus one.”

I shake my head. “Not happening. I don’t have anyone to bring.”

“That could change before the party,” Merry says as he towels sweat off his face.

“Doubtful.”

Especially not when the one person I’m obsessing over won’t even speak to me.

CHAPTER 7

SKYE

Ipull my car down the long drive leading to the Bellport family mansion as my mother reminds me for the third time when family dinner is. Never mind that I have never been late to a single family function in my life. There's no need for her to tell me this many times.

She should really be reminding Dewey and Gale about the time. Those two are the worst about showing up anywhere less than half an hour late.

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