Page 44 of Her Hat Trick Daddies
She hesitates, then shakes her head. “No. I guess it can wait.”
But she looks so disappointed. I can see the weight in her expression, whatever it is, she’s still holding on to. So I reach for her hand, squeeze it, then press a kiss to her temple. Gentle. Quick. Reassuring.
“It’ll be okay,” I tell her softly.
“We’ll find you later,” David says, one foot out the door.
I look between them, then back at her. “How about after we get back, you come to David’s place. I’ll text you the address.”
She frowns. “I can’t tonight. I have other… obligations.”
She checks the clock, but her expression gives her away, guarded. Like she’s already bracing herself for whatever storm is coming next.
Andy reappears from the hallway. “Yo, what’s the holdup?”
“I’m coming,” I call back, but I don’t move. Not yet.
I turn to her instead, letting my gaze linger, meeting those beautiful blue eyes that have haunted me more than I ever cared to admit to the guys.
I’m glad you found us,” I say, my voice lower now. “Even if it was by dumb luck. I never stopped thinking about you, Leighton. None of us did.” I pause, giving her a chance to respond.
She says nothing.
“And if we weren’t being pulled away for this emergency, I’m pretty sure this conversation would’ve ended differently. And… I’d show you exactly how much I’ve wished we could relive that night.”
I catch the faintest smile tugging at her lips. A small, knowing smile that says she might feel the same way.
And somehow, I know. This is just the beginning.
Chapter 12
Leighton
Well, that didn’t go quite as planned. But at least now they know who I am. The first step’s done.
The next one? That’s the real bombshell.
Before I can even start to figure out how I’m going to tell them about Luna, my focus shifts to the news. I’m scared—for the rookies involved in that pileup, for anyone else caught in it. The second the guys left, I pulled up local coverage, and the footage isn’t easy to watch.
“Interstate 70 traffic is at a complete standstill in the westbound lanes due to a massive seventy-car pileup, caused by two separate jackknifed semi-trucks,” a reporter in a bright yellow rain jacket says, nearly shouting over the storm. “Emergency crews are on site, but at this time, it’s unclear how many injuries there are. No fatalities have been reported. We’ll continue to bring you updates here on Local 8.”
Once I finish drafting a few statements with Wilson for release from the stadium, I gather my things to head home. But just as I’m pulling out, I spot Eric getting into his truck and roll down my window.
“Hey, Eric. I’m on my way to pick up Luna. Any update on the pileup?”
He glances over, face tense. “Hey, Leigh. No, nothing yet. A few of the guys headed that way, but with that kind of traffic? I don’t know how they’ll get through.”
“They’ll probably have to get police escorts or something.”
“Yeah, could be,” he says. “If I hear anything, I’ll text. You do the same?”
“Of course. See you at your place,” I say with a wave, and head out.
By the time I get to Ava’s and the guys’ house, the scent of garlic and fresh tomato sauce hits me the second I step inside. My stomach growls. I haven’t eaten all day, nerves and adrenaline winning out. But now? I can’t wait to crash whatever dinner they’re having.
As soon as I open the door, I see Ava standing at the bottom of the stairs, smiling widely at Lu-Lu. “We’ve got a surprise for you, don’t we, Luna-girl?”
Luna grins, nodding, then hands Ava her sippy cup like it’s a delicate treasure.
