Challenging the Center (Santa Fe Bobcats #6)(72)

“I like her,” Mini said suddenly.

And just like that, Mags and her quick exit were forgotten. She started comparing favorite brands of menthol creams and ankle-taping methods. Best methods to get a more explosive start on quick turns. Which sports recovery drink they favored the taste of—and which were just disgusting but sadly effective. Whether using chocolate milk as a postworkout recovery drink was scientifically sound or bullshit.

At some point in the conversation, Stephen and Mags slipped back in, all but unnoticed except for Michael and Kat, who were watching for her. She leaned into Stephen’s embrace but looked stronger now. Better. Less likely to keel over without notice. Not that Stephen would let it happen; he had his arm so tightly wrapped around his fiancée she wasn’t going anywhere.

Trey had interesting ideas on physical therapy, having just returned to the active roster list after an ankle injury. Stephen was a walking encyclopedia on diet and nutrition for maximum muscle gain and strength conditioning. Josiah had the most fascinating ideas on the best equipment that was both performance-enhancing and environmentally friendly. Matt had some good recommendations for gyms in the area that catered to high-performance athletes… probably too expensive for her budget, but she appreciated the thought.

Michael, however, was oddly quiet during the conversation.

“I have to say, this might be the first time I ever sat around talking about workout tips with a hot woman before.” Ian sat back as dessert—a peach cobbler that looked sinfully good, topped with vanilla ice cream—was passed around.

Michael made a sound in his throat but said nothing.

“Idiot,” Cooper muttered as he stabbed into his cobbler.

“What?” Ian glanced over toward Coop, which forced him to look toward Michael, which had him turning beet red and stuttering out, “I mean, it’s just not… sorry,” he finished, hanging his head low enough his nose was practically dipped in his ice cream.

“While the sentiment was a little crude,” Trey said dryly, “it’s true enough. It’s not often one of us finds a woman who can relate to our career like that.”

“So true,” Cassie added, pointing at Kat with her spoon. “I work in the main offices, and I’ve still got a long way to go. I’ve been busting my ass to try to figure out this whole sport, and I’ve sort of got it down now.”

“After how many seasons?” Stephen teased.

Cassie stuck her tongue out at him. “Anyway, even though I know all this stuff about the sport intellectually, I’m not living it. You’ve got a unique position, for sure.”

Kat nodded quietly, focusing on her cobbler, but did her best to catch a glance at Michael from under her eyelashes. He was quietly mixing the melted ice cream with the peach filling, creating a soup, and not having a bite.

That wasn’t good.





Chapter 21





“Your friends are really nice.”

Michael grunted as they pulled into the underground parking garage for their apartment.

“And Cassie, she’s great.”

He skirted around the corner, pulling neatly into his assigned spot. Two spots down, he saw Kat’s new car, safely tucked into its own spot. And felt the visceral pull of satisfaction. No, not satisfaction. Ownership.

Caveman. He was a Neanderthal. Evolution was a lie.

“Poor Mags, with the whole morning sickness thing.” Kat shuddered as she stepped out of the car. “I can’t imagine how that must feel. But she’s adorable, and Stephen… man, he loves her, like insane love, right?”

She was babbling. He knew it, and he had a feeling she knew it too. But he let her. They walked through the lobby after swiping their security cards, then headed for the elevator. As the numbers digitally scrolled by, he heard her sigh.

“You’re quiet. Are you mad?”

“No.” He hesitated. “Though I’d rather you didn’t talk about your nipples in front of other guys anymore.”

That surprised a snort out of her, then she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into him. “I thought it was a good excuse to get people talking about something other than why Mags left the table looking deathly ill.”

“Point, point,” he murmured, kissing her temple. As the elevator stopped on their floor, he guided her to his apartment. No way was he letting her go back to her place.

“I have to leave for work in an hour,” she said quietly. When he glanced at her, surprised, she shrugged. “I have to make some money, Michael.”

He opened his mouth, then shut it quickly. She’d be pissed if he offered any assistance. Her pride wouldn’t let her take it, and it would put something ugly between them. “I wish you didn’t have to,” he said honestly, opening his door and letting her in.

She looked like she wanted to say something, then stopped.

“What?”

Closing the door behind her, she shrugged. “I’ve been thinking about the job Gary offered. Teaching lessons. Or coaching… I’m not really sure exactly what it all entails. But it’s just sort of there, swirling around in the back of my mind.”

“Take it,” he said without hesitation. “Solves all your problems.”

“Yeah.” But she didn’t look convinced. She rolled her shoulders, and he began to massage one as they walked toward the bedroom. By unspoken agreement, they’d come to the same conclusion… They were going to spend what time they did have tonight in bed.