“You didn’t think about getting down, did you?” I ask, laughing.
She frowns. “Spontaneous plans aren’t meant to be thought through.”
I shake my head. “Come here, I’ll get you down.”
She steps to the edge of the desk. I grab her hips and lift her up, then gently set her down on the floor. I take a second too long to let her go. Her gaze burns into mine.
“Thanks,” she murmurs.
I dip my chin, words failing me. I shouldn’t have touched her. I’ve done that far too much lately.
“I-I should probably get back to work,” she stutters and takes a step back. “I’ll see you Wednesday.”
She speeds to the door and quickly slides on her heels before leaving. I watch her go, wondering if Ariel might be the vice Slater warned me to stay away from.
Chapter twenty
Ariel Cambridge
Sutton screams when she sees me, drawing the attention of several tired people in the airport. Shaw watches with a smile as she barrels into me.
“It’s been way too long,” she says as she squeezes me tight.
“Agreed.” I squeeze her back.
After a long hug, we separate, teary-eyed. It’s hard not being near Sutton when we spent eight years of our lives attached at the hip. I’m happy she’s living out her dreams of working for a hockey team and is married to the love of her life, but I can’t say I don’t wish she’d move back. I’ve thought about moving myself, but I’ve never been able to go through with it. Looking at houses online is the furthest I’ve gotten.
Shaw gives me a side hug. “It’s good to see you again, Ariel.”
I smile up at him. “You too. Have you been taking care of our girl?”
He grins. “Always.”
“He’s been getting on my nerves, is what he’s been doing,” Sutton spouts off in a sassy tone.
I laugh. “What are you two arguing about now?”
“I didn’t know we were,” Shaw says with a chuckle, then looks at Sutton. “How have I offended you today, Love?”
Sutton blushes at his nickname, but stands her ground. “You made fun of me for overpacking, then when the clerk said my bag was over the weight limit, you laughed.”
“What was I supposed to do?” he asks, amusement written all over his face.
“I don’t know, fight him? What’s the point of having a hockey player husband if he doesn’t punch people who say things I don’t like?”
My shoulders shake as I laugh at them.
“It’s not like you couldn’t take your bag, we just had to check it.” Shaw looks at me. “Your best friend has gone on the team’s jet too many times. She’s even more spoiled than the last time you saw her.”
Sutton gapes and smacks his chest. “I am not!”
I don’t say a word. They have enough fire without me adding any fuel.
“I’m going to get your bag, that we had to check, because you’re my beautiful but spoiled wife.” He kisses the crown of her head. She frowns as he saunters off to wait by the baggage claim.
“I see you two are just as in love as the day you got married.”
Sutton rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile on her lips. “He’s incorrigible, but it makes me love him all the more.”