Page 245 of One Winter Knight
“I know. I know,” Anita reassured.
“The one standing next to Dusty? Is that his mate?” Dulceasked. “Is she an alpha?Wow.”
Dusty and Saoirse were speaking with Mrs. Rodriguez.
“She’sstunning,” Anita agreed. “She looks like the haughty villainess–and I mean that in the best way, since she’s usually the most interesting character.”
“Delta and yeah, Saoirse’s beautiful. That’s why I spent a very long time pursuing her in Ireland and then brought her back with me. But I’ll share her with Dusty,” I agreed.
A moment later Mrs. Rodriguez came over, and Beatriz and her sisters turned to talk to Dusty and Saoirse.
“You must be Fiona and Hale. I’m so happy to meet you. I had no idea my Carlos was even seeing anyone,” she replied, more curious than mean.
“I think Carlos was afraid that I’d run away,” I joked. “But he’s stuck with me now. I’m Fiona, and this is Hale. It’s so nice to meet you. Tell me all about the cruise? It sounds like the perfect family vacation.”
The players all started coming out on the ice and like the last time the Knights were on one half, and the team they were playing was on the other. The goalies did their stretches and a couple of the players did some elaborate stickwork. Carlos tried to put pucks down people’s pants and Verity’s hockey boys kept smacking each other on the ass with their sticks.
It was great fun to watch as Mrs. Rodriguez told me all about her cruise and the kids kept trying to get Carlos’ attention.
“If Carlos doesn’t treat you right, you come talk to me. He’s a good boy, but he didn’t grow up in a pack, so it might take him some time to get things figured out,” she said softly.
“I’ll be patient with him,” I told her as Carlos skated over with a couple of pucks for his nieces and nephews and put them through the silly little glory hole, which was apparently actually for camera lenses.
He blew us kisses.
“Me, too,” Hale added, as we blew kisses back.
We watched until Carlos knocked over the puck tower and left the ice.
All of us were seated together. I swapped seats so I could talk with Anita. Hale was busily eating purse enchiladas, while Mrs. Rodriguez asked him about his studies.
The game was fast and furious, and I struggled to understand what was happening. But it was fun to watch. Anita knewa lot.
“Do you know how many of his games I’ve watched over the years?” Anita laughed.
Probably about as many lacrosse and rugby games as I’d been to for my brothers.
Carlos zoomed across the ice stealing a puck. He passed it to Grif who scored and everyone cheered. Except for Beatriz’ husband who wore a Shark’s jersey. Beatriz laughed and poked him with her elbow.
At intermission I stood. “Saoirse, bathroom break.”
She followed me out of the family section.
“Want to get more wine after this?” I asked.
“I’ll go with you, but I’m fine.” Saoirse shook her head as we used the ladies room.
Saoirse didn’t want more wine?
We went down to the family room. Patrice was holding her little one, who was sleeping, and eating dessert while talking to a woman I didn’t know.
I grabbed some wine and snacks. Saoirse just got a soda.
“Are you okay? Is your stomach bothering you?” I asked in Irish, pulling her down onto one of the couches in the corner.
“I’m okay. Carlos’ family is nice,” she replied.
“They are. But I was asking about you. You were so anxious today, and you’ve been sick…” I frowned. Wait. Wait. Wait.
