Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(123)

I honestly didn’t expect that. I don’t have any romantic feelings toward James, and I haven’t since the day I talked to him at the mall. Sure, I might’ve fantasized a couple of times about what might’ve been, but I always seem to go back to Kingston.

Kingston.

My heart announces its painful presence. Ever since James came into my life, Kingston has made it obscenely clear that he doesn’t want to be a part of it. And yes, James is right, I did fall in love with Kingston. However, I know my place. He and I have a pretend relationship. We are keeping it up for appearances. I still go to every home game and I still cheer for him. I haven’t told a soul that we aren’t seeing each other anymore because I don’t want him to have to deal with any fallout.

When he comes to the Penalty Box, I do the casual glances, the not-so-casual touches every now and again. All for appearances. But he’s cold and distant, and he hasn’t said two words to me since the night he called it off. It’s obvious he’s trying not to make it obvious to everyone else, but it’s clear to me that he’s moved on, and I’m the one flapping in the wind, hoping I’m wrong.

Sadly, it can’t come to an end just yet. With James’s help, I’ve managed to track down the best friend of the woman who made the accusations against Kingston. I’m not sure I could’ve done it alone, so I’m grateful for James’s help. He wasn’t lying when he told me he knows a lot of people. Like, seriously. A lot of people. And that worked in my favor.

As soon as he passed along the details, I made the phone call. I’ve left one voice mail for the best friend, but I haven’t heard back from her. It’s only been three days, so I’m not giving up on it yet.

Turning my attention back to James, I make my mouth curve up into a smile. “I think tonight would be a great time for you to meet your daughter.”

His eyes light up as though I just gave him the greatest gift in the world.

“But I think we should go to dinner or you could come by the bar. I want to ease her into it. She doesn’t know I’ve talked to you.”

“Is she still upset?”

I told James about her one Christmas wish. I think he teared up a little when I told her that he was all she wanted this year.

“She’s getting better, but she’s still waiting.”

“Well, let’s put an end to that,” James says softly. “Why don’t you and Bianca meet me at…” His eyebrows lift. “What’s her favorite restaurant?”

“La Fiesta. It’s a small Mexican food place,” I tell him. “Not too far from here.”

“Perfect. I’ll look up the address and meet you both there.” He smiles and his emerald-green eyes sparkle. “Thank you, Ellie. Thank you for doing this.”

I get to my feet and James pulls me into a hug. I hug him back, grateful that this is going to work out for my daughter. She means more to me than anything else. More than my own happiness. I simply want to give her the best life possible.

James pulls back and looks at me. “You need to talk to Kingston.”

“About what?”

“About what’s going on with you two. Look at this from his perspective.”

“I told you,” I say quickly. “This is an arrangement for the benefit of his career, James. There’s nothing to talk about.”

The way he looks at me says I’m dumber than a box of rocks. However, he doesn’t elaborate, and I have more important things to think about than my nonexistent relationship with Kingston. My daughter is going to meet her father tonight.

I only hope I can make it through the evening without tossing my cookies.



Kingston: Hey. Wondered if maybe we could get together and talk tonight.

Ellie: Can’t. I’m having dinner with James. Well, technically, Bianca and I are having dinner with James.

Kingston: Got it.

Ellie: Got what?

Kingston: Nothing. Have a good time.





51

Ellie

“Who are we meeting?” Bianca asks for the fifteenth time since we left the house.

“A friend,” I tell her.

Her head snaps my way. “Is it Kingston? Is he back in town?”

“Yes, he’s back in town.” I leave it at that. I didn’t say it was Kingston, but maybe she’ll assume and stop asking so many questions. I’m edgy enough as it is. The incessant chatter isn’t helping my nerves.

I pull the car into the parking lot and park next to James’s rental car. Acting as normal as I can, I get out and wait for Bianca to come around and join me.

“We haven’t been here in a while,” she mumbles, shoving her phone into her pocket.

“I thought it’d be nice. It’s your favorite.”

“It used to be,” she says under her breath.

I turn to her. “What does that mean? What’s your favorite place now?”

Bianca shrugs. “I don’t know. I guess I don’t have one.”

“Well, let’s pretend it’s still this one. I like their queso.”

I pull open the door and wait for Bianca to step inside. It’s a very small restaurant, so it only takes a second for me to see James sitting at a table near the back. He’s facing the door, and I can practically feel the emotion rolling off him as his eyes lock on Bianca.