Page 26 of Players and Pages
“That’s great. It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other like Cy suggested,” I said, the relief of having them close settling me even more.
“Even if we didn’t, you couldn’t keep me away now,” Jackson said, tucking me into his side. I let out a happy sigh, soaking in the comfort. I breathed in his clean, spiced, and woodsy scent. Sandalwood, cypress, and fresh air. It was incredible.
Was it too much to ask for their shirts before we parted ways? Something to cling to when I was back in my empty bed.
We just made it to the path along the lake when a few cars pulled up. It was summer so it wasn’t uncommon, though I hated the idea of someone interrupting our impromptu date.
The guys moved in closer, Jackson keeping my hand in his and Griff moving behind us as if he were protecting me, and Cy putting his arm around my shoulder, keeping me close to his side.
“Oh my god!” a high-pitched voice shouted, followed by several more. “The Knuckleball Knockouts!”
“Shit,” Griff cursed, turning and keeping himself between the newcomers and me. It was a group of teenagers, all with heart eyes and shrieking voices.
Even the guys.
We were surrounded in minutes by their fans. This might take some getting used to, but for now I watched on in amusement.
“My grandma knew we were huge fans and texted us a picture of you in town, so we had to rush down here the moment we could,” one of the girls said, batting her eyelashes at them like they weren’t far too young to even try that shit.
“Can I get your autograph?” one asked in a simpering tone.
“And a selfie? No one will believe us otherwise,” a guy said. “I’m a huge fan. I’ve been playing ball for years and I want to go for a team like yours.”
He did a little dance with zero embarrassment, the guys and I somehow not laughing at the ridiculous moment. I was half impressed that he had the guts to do it in public. He’d need it if he found a team like the Knockouts.
“Do you mind?” Cy asked, looking down at me. The fact they weren’t pushing me out of the way for the fans had me stepping aside.
“Of course not,” I said, giving him a smile.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you. Is she your sister?” The not-so-innocent question had me contemplating shoving the lot of them in the lake.
“No, that’s our omega,” Griff said, the rumble in his voice showcasing his annoyance. I bit back a grin as they let it drop and handed over things to get signed.
Thankfully, the guys turned down signing anything on skin. These teenagers were bold.
When they walked away, we all let out a collective breath. I think I just got my first view into what it would be like with them. I just didn’t expect their fans to find us here of all places.
“I knew those old ladies were eyeing us,” Griff grumbled. “Sorry about that, gorgeous.”
“I’m fine, really. If I was one of those old ladies I would be eyeing you as well,” I promised as I slid off my sandals and bent down to pick them up, holding them in one hand as I bunched my sundress in the other, heading right for the water’s edge.
I felt their eyes on me but I didn't want this night to turn heated. Me and my omega wanted them more than anything, but the idea of jumping into bed with them had me ready to run.
I needed to know they were going to stick around first.
When I looked back, Jackson was rolling up his pant legs and holding his shoes in one hand, walking over to join me.
I raised an eyebrow at Griff, who rolled his eyes playfully and did the same. Cy was too busy watching my every move to realize he was frozen in place until Griff shoved him gently.
They were just as much brothers as packmates and it showed.
Turning back to the lake, I started to edge closer until the cool water washed over my feet. It was a hot day, so it was a nice refresher.
“You do this often?” Jackson asked.
“Yeah, my place is a small cabin on the edge of the water. It grounds me,” I answered. With them, I never wanted to guard things, I wanted them to know who I was at my core, not some filtered version.
“That sounds nice,” he said as he looked over the lake, falling into step beside me so our arms brushed with each step.
