Page 225 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“Moscow is really strict with their privacy laws outside the country,” Dimitri admits. “I know there are social media content makers there using Moscow’s’ own social platforms, but even they can’t post a lot inside their country. They have to be scouted to America before they can share the content they gathered. It’s kind of why a lot of them work hard to be seen in the photography department while posting themselves to give off a professional content creator image. Helps them get scouted and paid to come to America and pursue what they dream of.”

“Weren’t we supposed to get a social media content girl?” I had totally forgotten about it. “Dakota and Amelia mentioned it in the beginning but haven’t heard much,” I point out.

“They’re working on her work visa, I think,” Mack admits. “I think they’re trying to bring her with Jayce’s brother. I couldn’t get much info revolving around it, but I guess Jayce’s bro is getting some sort of contract here for them to be working hard to recruit him. Not sure if it’s really associated with Strattonville or maybe a dual contract with a sponsorship, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.”

“That’s true,” I agree. “I guess time will tell.”

“And maybe Jayce will be forced to step off his high horse of triumph,” Dimitri mutters.

Speaking of the man himself, we notice Jayce not too far ahead.

“Speaking of the devil,” I hum just as we reach the entrance.

Passing security is easy before we walk down the specific red carpet where cameras are going off like crazy. I’m in professional mode, knowing how these events work. When my dad was famous back in the day, I never took them seriously, but knowing a lot of people had their eyes on me, I wanted to put on a good show by walking in with confidence.

“Mikayla, pose for us!”

“Miss Johnson, look this way!”

“Mikayla Johnson! How does it feel to be the apple of everyone’s eye at the games?!”

“Miss Johnson! Is it true you’re dating Maddox O’Neil Wilson?”

“Miss Johnson, are you into Jayce Winchester?”

“Mikayla Johnson, spill the tea for us.”

I ignore the questions as I stop and pose for the photographers, who I know will get more clicks online. Even though it’s been a few years since I’ve done this, it all comes back to me with ease now that I’m in the moment.

My eyes notice Jayce, who’s only a few steps from where I stand and pose.

When our eyes lock, he stops whatever interview he’s doing to stare my way.

I fight off a smile, hoping he won’t make it obvious that he’s checking me out from head to toe, but it does make my self-esteem soar at the obvious confirmation that I still have an effect on him.

We could have been something so damn great, but there were just so many things wrong with Jayce. What worried me from the way things were going, matched with the social media’s outlook on him, is he’d self-sabotage himself before claiming what he’s always dreamed of.

“There’s our Sweet Kay.”

I blink out of my daze, only to be caught up by the new commotion coming from the end of the red carpet. If the flashing lights were crazy before, they go off the charts now as I watch Maddox, Damien, and Ace coming my way.

They’re all in amazing suits, the quality alone from one glance projecting ‘luxury.’ Damien and Ace are both wearing dark blue suits, Damien wearing a white dress shirt underneath, while Ace is sporting a black one.

Maddox is wearing the perfect red suede suit with a black dress shirt and tie combo. The accessory on the tie is a gold clip that reads Hermes, which matches his belt with the very blunt H in the middle. His hair is off to one side, giving him the perfect professional look. Despite the style, which normally makes men look older, he looks younger since it shows his flawless face with the hint of the tattoos on his neck.

When he reaches me, he doesn’t hesitate to lean over to kiss my cheeks in greeting. The crowd of observers goes wild, thinking we’re going to kiss.

“You look pucking amazing, Baby Girl,” he whispers as his eyes never leave mine.

I can’t help but smile while looking completely smitten for this man. Just the way he shows affection so professionally, yet makes me feel like a puddle and makes me love him even more. He’s not afraid of being in the public eye, let alone showing his intentions.

I really love that quality about him.

It doesn’t make me feel like some dirty secret he’s desperate to hide from the world.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, O’Riley,” I say with a wink.

“Now, if I don’t get any commentary before you two get lost in orbit, I’ll die of sadness,” Ace acknowledges and moves to my side so he can give me a kiss on the cheek and hug me. “Missed you, Mickey. You’re looking scrumptious.”

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