Page 85 of Face Off
“No, I haven’t. Have you?”
“I have a standing appointment on Wednesdays, whether in the arena or virtually if we’re on the road. Being a professional athlete is really fucking difficult, but remember what I told you? You’re not alone.”
“Yeah.” I smile at the bartender when he hands me my drink. I open the jar of olives and drop two in the glass. “It doesn’t feel like I am anymore.”
“You arenottaller than me,” Maverick challenges.
“I’m an inch taller,” Hudson argues. “At least.”
“Bull fucking shit! I’m listed at six-four and you’re barely six-three.”
“I’ve grown in the last year.”
“That’s not even possible.”
“Boys,” I say, and they both whip their heads to look at me. “There’s an easy way to settle this. Take off your shoes and stand back-to-back.”
“This is going to be good.” Riley grins.
“I’m not sure who I want to be right,” Connor adds.
“Hudson,” Riley says. “Definitely Hudson.”
Maverick leaps off his chair, eager to prove a point, and kicks off his shoes. One goes flying in the air and the other hits Connor in the shoulder.
Hudson moves slower. He bends down and carefully unlaces his Converse and sets them neatly to the side.
“You’re going down, motherfucker.” Maverick rolls his shoulders back and puffs out his chest. “You’re the judge here, Red.”
“Why am I involved in this?” I ask.
“Because it was your idea.” Hudson leans back and stands up straight. “And you’re an impartial party. Every other woman in this bar would give Maverick the win so they could sleep with him. You won’t do that.”
Been there, done that,I think, and Maverick smirks.
“Fine.” I finish the last of my drink and stand next to them. My eyes bounce to the tops of their heads. “Hudson is taller.”
“What?There’s no way. Do it again,” Maverick urges.
“Sorry, pretty boy. You’re not the tallest one on the team anymore.”
“I don’t believe you.” Maverick crosses his arms over his chest. “We’re using a tape measure at the arena tomorrow.”
“Are you sure you want to use a tape measure?” I ask, and the guys burst out laughing. “You might be disappointed.”
“We’re going to use every tape measure in the building, and you assholes are going to be wrong.” Maverick scoops up one of his high-top Nikes, slips it back on his foot, and looks at me. “Want to play a round of pool?”
I check the time on my phone. It’s only eight, and Piper mentioned she was meeting up with some work colleagues tonight. The idea of sitting at home alone sounds miserable, and I’m having fun.
It wouldn’t hurt to hang out here a little longer.
“Okay,” I agree, and his eyes light up. “One round.”
“See you soon,” he tells Riley, Connor, and Hudson, and I follow him to the table in the back of the room. “Am I really shorter than him? Or are you messing with me?”
“Hudson was standing on his toes,” I admit. “You’re still taller.”
“I knew it. That bastard is inches shorter than me on a good day.” Maverick racks the balls. “Do you want to break?”
