Page 13 of Hot Shot

My sisters exchange a glance with each other, and I know I’m about to get it. I just take a bite of the sugary confection and pretend I don’t know the grilling is about to begin.

“You gonna tell us why you came home this weekend, baby boy?” Shelby asks.

“We know something’s bothering you,” Luna says.

Shelby reaches over and ruffles my hair, like I’m still a little boy.

I set my fork down.

“I met someone,” I say.

Luna’s brows rise.

“We’re gonna need more details,” Shelby says.

I blow out a breath. “It doesn’t even matter.” I blow out another breath. “I met her at an airport. We only exchanged first names, no other information. Now I feel like I let the one get away.”

“Sweet boy,” Luna coos. She stands and kisses me on the head.

“If she truly is your one,” Shelby says, “then you’ll find her. It just might not be in your timing.”

“You are only twenty-two,” Luna says.

“All the more reason I’m ready to start the rest of my life right the fuck now.”

Luna sits again. “Want to tell us about her?”

I unlock my screen and hold my phone out to show them the picture. “That’s her. Charlotte. And yes, before you ask, she’s older than me. You know I don’t care about crap like that.”

“You’re an old soul, Max. You always have been,” Shelby says.

“True story,” Luna agrees. “You’ve been in love with love for as far back as I can remember. Always fascinated with couples holding hands in public. Living for the kiss at wedding ceremonies. You’re a romantic. Nothing wrong with that.”

“Do you think maybe there’s a chance that, since Luna and I just found our happy endings, you might be rushing your own?” Shelby asks.

“Can we not do that? I know how old I am. I know most twenty-two-year-olds aren’t thinking about their forever. But I’ve never been like people my own age. For the last few years I’ve done nothing but school and hockey. Rarely did I go on dates. Mostly because girls my age are vapid and annoying. Charlotte was different. Special.”

Luna puts her hand over mine and squeezes. “Then I’m certain you’ll find her.”

“Absolutely!” Shelby agrees. “Your paths will cross again. No doubt.”

I give my sisters each a smile. “Thanks. Hey, Shelby, do you think Dane would care if I went out to the sanctuary? Maybe playing with some dogs would cheer me up.”

“I think he’d love it. We can always use an extra pair of hands out there.”

“I love y’all. Despite the fact that you still baby me.”

“And we love you, Maxie-pad.”

chapter

seven

Charlotte

Four months later…

“Seriously, Chels, I’m gonna need you to swallow that hot dog whole or go sit somewhere else,” I say.