Page 70 of Over the Moon

“Well, here’s hoping Bridger’s wrong and you don’t write about it in theTaylor Tea,” I said, trying to hide my smile as we both started laughing.

“I actually wish I was clever enough to write that damn column. I’d use it to put Bridger Chadwick in his damn place.” She shook her head and smiled. “Don’t make it bigger than it is. Just enjoy the time you spend with Clark, and know that it’ll have to change when you go back to the city. The season will start anyway, so things are going to be different no matter what happens between you two.”

“Good point. I’ll be working with all the athletes on the team once we get back. I like this idea. I’ll just see how he acts tomorrow and go with it. It would be easier if he was a dick tomorrow because I would much rather be annoyed with him than attracted to him.”

“Exactly. That would make life a lot easier. You’ll have to text me tomorrow morning, or come by the flower shop after and fill me in. I’ll be dying to know what happens.” She pushed to her feet. “I better go get some sleep.”

I gave her a hug. “Thanks for being such a good friend, Em.”

“Of course. This is the most exciting thing to happen to me in a long time,” she said over her laughter. “See you tomorrow.”

I watched as she ran across the yard, and she waved from her doorway.

My phone rang, and I was surprised to see my father’s name flash across the screen because it was late for him to be calling.

“Hey, Dad. It’s late. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Everything’s fine, Els,” he said. Just wanted to check in. I just got home from dinner with Wolf and Sebastian Wayburn.”

There was something about my father’s voice that always comforted me. He’s always been my person. My safe place.

After my mom passed, it was me and Dad against the world in a way. The only two people who truly understood the other’s pain.

“Oh, nice. How did that go?” I made my way down the little hallway to the bathroom and turned on the water in the tub.

Wolf Wayburn had been the one to interview me, but he shared that his brother was going to be taking over the day-to-day routine with the Lions, as he’d be stepping back to have more time with his family and take on some other ventures.

“It went great. They’re excited for the new season. Sebastian is really going all in on the new position, and he’s definitely invested in taking this team to another championship. Of course, everyone wants to know how Clark is doing. So it looks like we’re taking a trip to Rosewood River next weekend,” he said. “Sebastian wants to come see how Clark is doing and meet you, as well.”

Oh, boy.

This was unexpected.

My mouth was slightly dry. “That’s amazing. Who all is coming?”

“Me, Randall, and Sebastian.”

So this was basically my worst nightmare.

I cleared my throat. “That’s so great, Dad. How long will you be staying?”

“Sebastian is having rooms booked for all of us at the hotel in town, and we’ll be there for two nights. You can show them how you train Clark and what you two have been up to.”

Not sure you want me to show them everything we’ve been up to.

“I can’t wait,” I said, turning the bath water off and sprinkling in some bath salts, even though I knew in thismoment it would take a lot more than bath salts to calm me down.

“I’ll give you a call tomorrow with all the details. Miss you, Els.”

“Miss you, too. See you in a couple of days,” I said. “Love you.”

“Love you.”

I ended the call, got undressed, and sank into the water, stopping just at my neck.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

The universe was clearly bitch-slapping me in the face for my poor choices.

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