Page 33 of The Offside Rule
I laughed, grabbed my purse, and left my room. Dad was sitting on the couch with Jaden.
“Mom working late?” I asked.
“She’s on call tonight. They’re expecting a busy night,” he said.
“Every night is a busy night for babies in Dallas,” I noted.
Dad yawned. “You look pretty. Where are you headed?”
“Out for drinks with Billie Rose, Taylor, Liv, and Wren,” I said.
“That’s nice. I’m glad you’re settling in with the team. It’s good to have you around,” he said.
“It’s been good to be home,” I said, and it was true. Even if I was used to living on my own the last number of years, I was happy to have this time with my family.
“Can we do something fun together this weekend?” Jaden asked.
“Of course, bud. What did you have in mind?” I asked.
“Six Flags?” he asked, looking hopeful. Dad had him in hockey camp during the week, but on the weekend, I could understand why he’d be bored. He was used to spending most of his time with Mila.
“We should all go,” Dad suggested. “Mom isn’t working on Saturday. We can head over there instead of the ranch.”
Jaden cheered.
“Sounds like a plan.” My phone buzzed with a message from Billie Rose. “I better go.”
“Have a good night,” Dad said. “Be careful out there.”
“Yup, I’ve been out for drinks before in Dallas,” I said playfully. I walked over to the couch and gave him and Jaden a kiss on the cheek.
Jaden wiped at his cheek. “Gross makeup.”
I laughed, said goodbye, and headed for the elevator. The hallway was quiet, which was a blessing because I was not in the mood to run into anyone who knew my parents while dressed like I was making questionable decisions. I pressed the elevator button and checked my phone one more time. Billie Rose was already downstairs. The elevator dinged. The doors slid open. Hunter Russell was standing inside. For one second, neither of us moved. He wore black pants and a crisp dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms. The top button was undone, and his hair looked like he had run a hand through it one too many times. He looked hotter than hell. My first thought was, nope. My second thought was, I want to jump his bones, which was not helpful. His eyes moved over me. His gaze dipped from my face to the dress, down my legs, then back up again, and by the time his eyes met mine, his jaw was tight. At least I wasn’t suffering alone.
“Catherine,” he said.
My name in his voice was becoming a problem.
“Hunter.” I stepped into the elevator and turned toward the doors. “Going out?”
“Max convinced me.”
“That sounds dangerous,” I said with a laugh.
“It usually is.” He smirked.
The doors closed. The elevator started moving. The space suddenly felt very small. I could smell his cologne. Something clean and warm that made me want to lean closer, which was annoying because I was trying very hard to be normal. I stared at the glowing numbers above the doors like they were the most interesting thing I had ever seen.
Hunter cleared his throat. “You look nice.”
Nice was what you said to someone’s aunt at a wedding. But his voice did not sound like he meant nice. His voice sounded like he had a lot more to say and was choosing the safest word available.
“Thank you,” I said, glancing at him. “You clean up okay too.”
His mouth twitched. “Okay?”
“Don’t let it go to your head.” I grinned.
