Page 68 of All In: The Price We Pay

“It needed to breathe. And I was waiting for you.” He frowns. “You probably don’t even drink.”

“Just a tiny sip. It doesn’t go well with recovery, and the next game is the day after tomorrow.”

“Shit. Sorry, I’d forgotten for a second.”

“No problem.” I shift the book so I can read the title. “Drilled. What’s that?”

Parker grins. “A love story.”

“Sounds military.”

“Ah.” He shrugs. “More like handymen.”

“What? No athletes?”

Parker shakes his head. “I’d rather get those in real life.” He pulls me toward him by my shirt and kisses me. “You look hot in that suit.”

“As I said: uniform. You can’t go wrong with that.”

He runs his finger along the inside of the collar. “Is it scratchy?”

My upper body is melting. “No. I had this shirt custom-made. The one Blake recommended was unbearable.”

His fingers dance along my neck. Nothing in the world feels as good as Parker’s skin on mine.

I run my hand over his cheek. “Wait a minute, I have to tell you something.”

He grimaces. It’s an act, but somehow the expression also holds a hint of concern. “Nothing bad. I think. Funny? I’m not sure. I’m sure you’ll tell me right away.”

Parker puffs out his lips. “Don’t keep me hanging.” His eyes are now narrowing.

I run my finger over his temple, trying to relax his muscles. “I was at Valentina’s.”

“You texted me.”

“She and Sid are together.”

Parker blinks at me. Opens his mouth. Closes it.

I can’t help but grin. “It hit me exactly the same way. I was prepared for anything—except that. She broke up with me.”

Parker blinks again. Silence takes over the room.

Not even my laughter can snap Parker out of his shock.

“I’m guessing she’ll have to quit her assignment with you guys? Officially, our agreement runs until the end of the season.”

Now Parker nods and sits up straighter. “Has anything come out yet? Do I have to go to the agency? Shit, do I have to call Simon? Please don’t tell me I have to call Simon.”

Laughing, I pull him into my arms. “Nothing’s come out yet. They’re keeping it quiet and under wraps, like two well-behaved royal children. She just wanted to warn me, so we’d be prepared. They don’t plan to go public, but you know how it is sometimes.”

“Yeah, I know,” he mutters. “And as for you . . . ”

To reassure him, I stroke his neck and let my hand rest on his cheek. “Of course it’s okay. I hope you guys don’t make her life difficult. As far as I’m concerned, the two of them can do whatever they want. I don’t want her to have to pay a penalty. If necessary, we’ll both sign a termination agreement or something. She’s fallen in love, Parker. You can’t control that.”

His mouth softens. “I know.” Sighing, he leans into my touch. “I can’t guarantee what Simon will demand. That’s not in my power, but I promise I’ll do everything I can, to make sure this goes over as smoothly as possible.”

“Thanks.” I plant a kiss on his nose.