Page 43 of Wildcat
I push back the strands of hair that have fallen forward, blocking her face. “You’re beautiful.”
“My dad,” she says.
Caressing her neck and sweeping two fingers along her delicate skin, I let the smallest bit of the outside world in with my acknowledgment. “I know.”
Fuck, I don’t have an answer for that, but I know it’s going to be messy.
She pulls back. “No. My dad is calling. That’s his ringtone.”
Her purse is on the floorboard, and she leans down to retrieve it. She casts an apprehensive glance my way. “I should answer. He never calls.”
I nod and sit back in my seat. Coach’s voice is distant and hard to understand, but it still hits me and coats my insides with guilt.
I roll the window down an inch to get some air to my lungs. Scarlett isn’t saying much back, but her bowed head and fingers rubbing at her forehead tell me it isn’t good news.
Dammit. What are we going to do?
She sits back and drops her phone to her lap.
“Is everything alright?” I ask.
A soft, brittle laugh leaves her lips and she looks over at me through dark lashes. “Looks like I’m traveling with the team this weekend.”
15
I THINK I HAD A TINY ORGASM
SCARLETT
The next morning,I ride with Dad to the arena. I have a small suitcase packed for the weekend. The team has an early practice, so I’m working half the day, and then we leave this afternoon for three exhibition games in three different cities.
The beginning of the season is always hectic. I hate that that knowledge makes me question if Leo really would have texted eventually. I know from Rhyse and from my dad just how consuming pre-season activities are with media, practices, and events. Plus, being here the past week, I’ve had a glimpse into Leo’s schedule.
I still maintain he could have texted, but I get it in a way I didn’t before.
In the break room, my coffee is waiting for me, like it’s been all week, and my stupid heart flutters in my chest. I can’t believe I have to spend the entire weekend traveling with the team. I can’t let anything else happen with Leo, but that’s easier said than done when he’s around.
Dad stops by my office after practice. “Busy?”
“No. I think I have everything ready. Anna took care of most of the travel arrangements before she left.”
“Good.” He motions with his head. “Come with me.”
In the back parking lot, an area has been roped off and people stand in a long line that leads to tables where the players are signing autographs. A local radio station is here playing music, and Wenzel, the Wildcat mascot, is doing cartwheels and high-fiving kids in line. Some of the ice girls are here too in their bright green sequined shorts.
“What is this?” I ask as Dad holds the door open for me.
“One of the pre-game events the Foundation does for members of the Wildcat Leaderboard Club.”
I arch a brow.
“The top tier season ticket holders. Throughout the season, there are a number of events they get exclusive access to, including seeing us off before our first game of the season.”
“Are you nervous?”
He nods as Blythe power walks up to us.
“Hey, Coach,” she says, “the DJ wants to do a quick interview with you.”
