Page 11 of Shot Taker

“What am I?” Brooke demands as Miles grabs one chair, then a second.

“My lady.” He holds one out while Brooke sinks into the seat.

Nova’s eyes lock with mine.

I’m used to keeping my feelings inside, but now I have to look her in the eye and act like she’s not the one I think about every night.

She doesn’t want to sit next to me, but avoiding it is more awkward.

I move over without a word and Nova drops onto the booth next to me, leaving as much space between us as possible without her falling out of the booth.

So, basically an inch.

Her light floral scent invades my nostrils, like it did the other day when she slipped right off that ladder and scared the shit out of me.

Catching her in my arms might have saved her pink head, but it fucked with mine.

I’ll get through the next hour without breathing. No problem.

“Can I get you a drink?” Miles asks Nova.

“Sure, thanks.”

Miles takes off to the bar faster than I’ve ever seen him get back on defense on the court.

“I’ll have a Coke,” Brooke calls after him.

Jay produces a small box and holds it out. “Happy birthday, Chloe.”

She looks at him in surprise. “You shouldn’t have.”

She unwraps it, and it’s an expensive watch.

“It’s beautiful, Jay.”

Miles returns with drinks, sliding Nova’s and Brooke’s over to them.

Nova smiles at him, and I grind my molars.

“Here’s one from me.” Rookie slides over a small wrapped rectangle.

Chloe tugs at the paper to reveal a book. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. And it’s signed?” she goes on as she opens the cover, her lips parting in delight.

Jayden’s eyes narrow.

“She posted a Taylor Jenkins Reid book on her socials a while back. I pay attention,” Rookie says.

“You pay attention like that on the court, you’d be making ten assists a game,” Jay says.

“Come on, that’s your job.” Rookie grins.

Jay doesn’t look happy the twenty-year-old is flirting with his ex. Can’t say I blame him.

Brooke passes a wrapped box to Chloe. “This is from me. And Nova. Since we’re roommates, we do joint gifts.”

“You’re what?” I grunt.

“Nova’s staying with me,” Brooke says breezily.

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