Page 88 of Breakaway

“Absolutely. Not like they can go anywhere on the plane. The bus meeting us at the airport?” he asked.

“Yep. Dinner will be served mid flight, and the bus will meet you there to drive everyone back to campus.”

“Sounds good. See you back in Utah, Coach.” He clapped me on the back as he headed up the stairs, my shoulders dropping with one thing off my plate.

Fletcher ushered us into an empty hanger; the only thing visible was an old folding table and chair that looked like the employees used to play cards on

“Here. We can use this space. I’m going to finalize the plane. Pippa should be here soon.” He kissed my forehead and stepped outside to make a call. Reed wrapped his arms around me and picked me up.

“Um, hi,” I squeaked as he peered down at me, smiling.

“I saw how tired you were. Just thought I’d take care of two things.”

“What’s that?” I asked, snuggling into his chest.

“I get to hold you, easing some of the tension I feel, and you get to rest your legs. Perfect solution, is it not?”

“Pretty perfect,” I agreed, smiling.

“Don’t think you get to hog her, Punchy.”

“Shut it, Goldie. You’re just mad I can hold her longer.”

“Um, excuse me. Why do you believe that?”

“I know what you bench press.”

“Hold up. Please do not talk about my weight as something you can bench press or not.”

Dax crossed his arms, glaring at Reed. “And you don’t know everything. That was just an off day.”

“Uh-huh.”

I rolled my eyes, deciding to ignore them both. If it didn’t feel so nice to have Reed holding me, then I’d make him put me down.

“Hello, am I interrupting something?” a cool voice asked, followed by the sound of high heels on the concrete.

Reed turned, and I suddenly felt silly being in his arms as I took in this well-pressed woman who oozed confidence and power. I tapped Reed’s arm to put me down. He hesitated, only releasing me when I glared. He growled but sat me down on my feet, keeping his arms around me and helping to support me. It would have to do.

“Fletcher said you had something to share.” I placed my hands on my hips, taking the defensive first.

“Same as you.” She tilted her head, not budging.

“If you want to know anything about Matilda, then you have to share first. I’m not going to expose…” I stopped myself before I revealed Reese’s name.

She raised an eyebrow, indicating that I had left something off the end of the sentence. When I didn’t answer, only giving her a glare, she sighed.

“Fine. Ask me one question. Then you tell me what you know. If it’s worth more, then I’ll share. Deal?”

I thought it over. It was better than nothing.

“Deal.”

Fletcher walked in then, glancing at me as he came to stand with us. “That wasn’t what we decided earlier, Pippa.”

“Too bad. It’s the deal I’ve made with your girlfriend.”

Fletcher stepped forward to argue, but I placed my hand on his arm to stop him.

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