Page 33 of Bad Teammate
And so, as I slipped into a daring, scarlet-colored jumpsuit, all I wanted was for Derek to see what he wouldneverhave. Because he didn’t deserve it.
***
By the time I was ready, I could hear the lively banter of a small gathering through the closed bedroom door.
I could’ve followed my nose down the hall—a sweet and smoky aroma grew more mouthwatering and irresistible with each step I took. I floated through the crowded condo, weaving my way through groups of people as I explored the party.
The athletes stood and chatted in clusters, some of them with attractive women standing by their sides. It was a casual event, but everyone was still dressed so nicely—the women in flattering dresses and the men in suits, though most of them left their ties at home.
In the kitchen, party guests piled food high on their plates while others ate and gushed over how good everything tasted. Derek had gone all out with the catering—chafing dishes lined the kitchen countertops with barbecued ribs, brisket, burgers, sides, andplentymore. There were trays filled withhors d’oeuvresif you wanted something lighter.
I didn’t make a plate, though. I moved along, because I was looking for someone.
I spotted Derek by the living room windows, entertaining a group of his pals. He gestured with his hands as he recounted some story that must’ve been hilarious, because he had everyone hanging on his every word and busting out in punctuated laughter.
My heels clicked as I breezed past Derek and his group, purposely placing myself where he would have to see me. I caught his attention, and the details of his story suddenly grew hazy. As I walked past, his eyes journeyed down my jumpsuit’s plunging neckline, and he began to stammer and stutter.
“And … um … I told Coach Q … uh … I said … what was it? …”
I smirked.
Mission accomplished.
I found Sasha on the couch with a plate of savory barbecue and a bottle of beer held between his thighs.
“So where’s Julia?” I asked as I sat next to him.
“She’s on her way.” He took a swig of his beer.
I stared him down. “So you’re just having thatonebeer tonight, right?”
He waved his hand at me. “Come on, Katya. It’s a party.”
“Mm-hm.” I folded my arms and looked around the room. “And are you going to introduce me to your teammates or do I have to do it myself?”
He took a massive bite from his sandwich, smearing sauce all over his mouth and chin.
“I’m eating,” he mumbled, his cheeks as full as a chipmunk’s. “Besides, how do you expect me to introduce you? If anything, you’d be the one introducingme.”
I rolled my eyes. “Sometimes, I wish you’d humor me.”
But I didn’t need Sasha to introduce me to the happy little family that approached us—there were three of them, a handsome man, with his arm around his striking wife, and an adorable daughter who held her Daddy’s hand.
The wife’s eyes lit with excitement as she joined me and Sasha on the couch. “You must be Katerina! I’m Emma.” Emma was simply gorgeous, her smile so inviting and warm. “This is my husband, Jack.”
I shook hands with both of them.
“Pleasure to meet you, Katerina.” Jack shook my hand and remarked, like any serious hockey player would, “Your brother’s a hell of a player.”
“He sure is.” I smiled politely, turning my attention to the little girl with the curly blonde hair. “And who isthiscutie? What’s your name, sweetheart?”
She belted out her name. “Mackenzie!”
“Nice to meet you, Mackenzie. I’m Katerina.” I shook her precious little hand. “How old are you?”
She proudly displayed four fingers. “Four.”
“Four and a half,” her mom said.
