Page 82 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“I’ll sit by the window. Sit here, Verity.” Jonas shot up from his aisle seat, giving Dean a look that saidI’ve got you.
All eyes in the plane burned into me as I attempted to project confidence. I’d love to sit with them, but I didn’t want to cross Coach Atkins.
“I should sit in the back with the others,” I whispered, looking back toward the rookies, who were all makingsit with themmotions.
“No. Sit with Dean. The goalie gets what he wants,” Elias, the team captain, assured. Several other players nodded.
“He’s right. But can you look at pictures of my pothos plant later? It doesn’t look so good,” Jean-Paul, the other goalie, asked in his thick accent.
“Of course, I don’t want your girlfriend getting upset with you again,” I laughed. Both of them were gone so much I should suggest a plant-sitter.
Dean gave me an expectant gaze and my heart tightened. I looked toward Mercy. Ultimately, I was her chaperone.
“We’re on the same plane. I’ll befine.” Mercy rolled her eyes.
“I demand you sit with us. Lucky insists,” Dean clamored, arm around Grif. They looked adorable snuggled up together.
“Lucky insists! Lucky insists!” Carlos chanted, with Clark and some others joining in.
“I need everyone tosit. I don’t care where, as long as it’s not a lap.” The flight attendant gave Dean a sharp look.
Coach Atkins shook his head and returned to his seat near the back, muttering about being steamrolled by omega goalies and pretend cats.
“Let me take your things. Overhead or with you?” Jonas took my backpack.
“With me is fine. I have work to do. But this can go up.” I handed him my crutch.
“I’ve got it. Please sit. We need to leave.” The flight attendant put it in the overhead compartment. Frustration tinged her scent.
I was about to sit when I noticed everyone around us was watching. Oh!
“Hey, Lucky, sit with me. I’ve missed you.” I acted like I was scooping something up off the seat and held it close.Can’t sit on Lucky.
My phone buzzed.
Mercy
We’re working, no airplane sex please.
My cheeks warmed, remembering that flight with Grif. Not that my sister knew aboutthat.Before I could put my phone away, another message popped up.
Mumsy
You’re heartless.
Anxiety spiked through me as I sat down, pretending to place Lucky on my lap. I had no idea how they’d unblocked themselves from my phone and started a group chat. It had been going off all morning, pelting me with mean messages for daring to question the cows not being bought.
“Are you avoiding me, Little Alpha? Haven’t seen you since your date with Grif.” Jonas buckled himself in, giving me a pointed look.
“I’mbusy, Jonas. Just because I haven’t sought you out doesn’t mean I’m avoiding you,” I huffed, securing my belt. It was exhausting trying to keep up with all my classes and research while doing everything I needed for Mercy.
“Then why are you so nervous?” he goaded. Like all the hockey players, he wore a suit, though his jacket was off. His button-down had the sleeves rolled up, revealing plenty of tattoos.
Between his clothes, his piercings, and that scar on his jaw, he looked like adelectable, if slightly dangerous, morsel ready to be devoured.Focus.
Without answering, I opened theLet’s Shame Veritygroup chat on my phone and shoved it at him. I glanced over at Grif and Dean as they swapped seats.
Odd. I thought Dean wanted to sit by me. But Grif could be quite persuasive.
