Page 53 of Keep Me Close

Cheyenne’s smile grows more genuine with each exchange, and I realize I’ve been bracing myself for her to feel out of place or find it necessary to perform the polished reality-star version of herself.

She doesn’t.

Not with them.

When she relaxes, I do too.

Laiken says nothing about my eye. He just pins me with a look over the rim of his glass. It’s one that conveys exactly what he’s thinking.

You’re in deep, motherfucker.

I ignore him. Mostly because he’s right.

Across the room, Sloane stands behind the dessert table, arranging tiny pastries. Jax loiters nearby, doing his best to look casual and failing miserably. When one of the rookies wanders over and attempts to flirt with her, Jax inserts himself into the situation until our teammate takes the hint and disappears.

That guy really has it bad. From what I’ve heard, Sloane wants absolutely nothing to do with him. It’ll be interesting to see if he’s able to change her mind.

“Come on,” I say to Cheyenne, my hand settling at the small of her back. “Let me introduce you to the owners of the team.”

I guide her across the ballroom toward the older couple.

“Cheyenne, this is Hugh Landry and Evelyn Kingston.”

Evelyn smiles, polished and effortless as always. Hugh, however, seems far less interested in us than in the woman standing beside him.

“We’re thrilled you could join us tonight,” Evelyn says with regal ease. “I hope you have a lovely time.”

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you,” Hugh adds, though his attention shifts back to Evelyn almost immediately, as if he can’t help himself. He clears his throat. “I was wondering if you’d⁠—”

“If you’ll both excuse me,” Evelyn cuts in smoothly, “there’s a sponsor I need to speak with.”

And just like that, she’s gone, gliding into the crowd with a practiced smile, all composure and grace. For a brief second, disappointment flickers across Hugh’s face before it’s smoothed away and he trails after her.

Before the moment can settle, Zane and Gigi appear.

Gigi smiles before giving Cheyenne an air kiss. “What a surprise to find you here. When you disappeared from LA, I figured all the speculation was right and you were off detoxing at some posh retreat.”

Cheyenne’s smile never wavers. “Nope. I’ve been right here in Chicago.”

Zane’s gaze drops to my arm around her waist. “Yeah, had we known, we could’ve planned our entrance a little better.”

“I don’t think that was really necessary, do you?” I ask.

Zane has always been more interested in his reality star dreams than hockey. Too bad he’s so talented on the ice.

“There’s a lot of talk around the possibility of a spin-off show,” Gigi says, sidling closer to Cheyenne. “Any truth to the rumors? You can trust me. I won’t tell a soul.”

“Sorry,” Chey says. “I don’t know anything about that.”

Gigi’s eyes harden for a fraction of a second before her smile widens. “Of course you don’t, babe.”

Even though the woman at my side stiffens, she remains controlled and polished. For the first time tonight, it’s like she’s slipping into protective armor. And I hate she feels the need to do it. My hold on her tightens, pulling her closer.

Not for the cameras or appearances, but for her.

With one last fake smile, Gigi turns before sauntering away. Zane follows like an obedient lapdog, doing his best to keep up.

“Well, that was fun,” I mutter. “I didn’t realize you two were friends.”