Page 65 of Branded
Next, I’d be raising my hand at meetings and demanding that I be able to talk.
Ha.
But it was a nice thought.
Today, I’d settle for an awkward conversation turning pleasant, for a new member of my guild and a few calmly exchanged words with Rafe. I’d take the goodbyes I managed to call out, and I’d take the bag Rafe asked me to pass on to Smitty.
No doubt the reason for the mischief on his face.
And the reason he’d tagged along.
“Why?” I asked as he handed over the bag. “Smitty and I?—”
“He looks at you right, darlin’,” Raph said lightly. “And”—he nodded at me—“you blush very prettily whenever his name is mentioned.” He leaned in, asked quietly, “Want to tell me about it?”
“So, you can use it for blackmail?” I returned.
Then realized I’d made a mistake.
Because instead of denying anything was happening between me and Smitty—and I’d now been around the Breakers enough to understand that not denying was as good as confirming for the gossip-loving crew (sometimes everyone knew each other’s business more than a small town in a romance novel)—I’d confirmed that something was already happening.
And it was blackmail worthy.
Shit.
That was…not good, very not good.
Raph surprised me by winking and tugging lightly at a strand of my hair. “Secret’s safe with me.”
Sure, it was.
But before I could say anything further or press him for details, he’d turned away, tossing a wave over his shoulder, and disappeared into the hall.
I glanced down at the bag, shook my head, and decided that I’d deal with it later.
Nineteen
Smitty
I walked down the hall after my appointment with Hazel, glad that we didn’t have any additional sessions scheduled.
I’d read through the papers she’d given me.
Was in agreement, for the most part, with what the results and additional information stated.
But that was as far as it went.
Interesting information.
What that had to do with improving the team, I didn’t know.
Of course, I couldn’t say that. Hazel was good at her job, and probably had her reasons, so I was just going to go along with what she said, strap in and take that roller-coaster ride, and leave the majority of my focus for the team.
And for Kailey.
Because that was more interesting than understanding why my brain worked the way it did.
Now, I’d finished with Hazel, needed to get ready for practice.
