Page 31
We enter a luxury suite after the puck drops for the second period. There’s a drink station with a bartender and several tables of food with servers ready to assist.
“Help yourselves, and I’ll introduce you to everyone.” Finn gestures to the food tables.
“There you are.” Another good-looking guy approaches Finn, but he stops as his gaze lands on mine. “I recognize you from the bachelor party. I’m Trevor.” He sticks his hand out for me to shake.
I debate which name to give him but settle on what feels right. “Skylar, and this is my friend Logan.”
The night turns shocking as Mr. Dimon approaches with a smile and holds out his hand. “I want to apologize for the misunderstanding when you picked up Maverick when he was sick. Our delay was inconvenient to say the least, and we’re grateful you could drop everything to take care of him. I thank you, and the organization thanks you.”
I’m certain I’ve been cast on a reality TV show, but no one told me. They seem genuine but could be fucking with me.
For the entire second period, Trevor and I talk fashion, and he’s thrilled I’m coming to the gala. “Come by my shop, and we can look at jacket options.” He hands me his business card and gives me a mischievous smile. “As hot as your outfit is, you will freeze.”
I shrug and turn my focus to the game. To Mav. He’s playing amazing and glances at the box I’m in every time he takes the ice. I’m the terrible boyfriend he couldn’t find in the second period.
They’re winning with three minutes left, and Finn asks if we want to beat the crowd and walk to the family room.
“Would you mind waiting until Mav’s shift is over?” I ask.
“I’ll take you,” Trevor volunteers. “Finn’s on press duty.”
The family room is luxury meets kids’ playroom. A gorgeous bar, with dark wood and upholstered furniture, and a glass wall with a door showcasing toys, plastic furniture, and foam flooring.
Trevor talks to the bartender as if they’re old friends while Lo and I try not to act suspicious but give off intruders-about-to-be-caught vibes. “You don’t have to wait with me.” I drag him to sit on the sofa.
Lo tuts like I’m being ridiculous, and I pretend I’m not stressing out. We haven’t discussed public displays of affection or even being boyfriends. I’m not sure how to act.
Lo gives me a stern expression, tapping my cheek as I chew the inside of my mouth. It’s swollen, but thankfully I didn’t draw blood.
The door flies open, and Mav barrels through. “You’re here!” He doesn’t slow down as he swoops me off the couch and spins me around. “I can’t believe you came.”
Chapter 16
Maverick Maher
Sky’s shocked, but I can’t control my excitement. “What happened with work? Nothing bad?” I scan him for injuries, which is insane because dance injuries aren’t obvious most of the time.
The bartender packs up for the night but gives me a questioning nod, asking if I need a drink. I shake my head. The family suite is almost empty, and Sky’s nervous.
Sky’s laugh fills the space in my chest where there should be air, and I bury my face in his neck. “Nothing happened. A perk of being my own boss is rearranging my schedule for important things.”
My heart is ready to burst and gush all over him. It’s been years since someone made me a priority. “Stay with me tonight. You can come with me to volunteer and spend the night before I fly out,” I beg, and he’s skeptical. “Scout’s honor, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“You were never a Boy Scout, but I’ll come if Lo is fine getting home on his own.”
“You can come too,” I say to Logan. “We’re going to The Q Solutions for their open house.”
Skylar stiffens and slides down my body until his feet hit the floor.
“You won’t accuse me of being a cock-blocker. You kids have fun.” Logan sashays toward the door, and Sky flips him off.
“I’ll skip the volunteer thing?” I offer. Whatever’s going on in his head isn’t good.
“Nope, it’ll be good to be back.”
Sky doesn’t explain that comment and tells me to wait until we get there. I’ve only been one other time, so Sky gives our rideshare directions to the correct drop-off door.
Joanne, the director, meets us inside the old building. It used to be a school, but they’ve removed the lockers and updated it. Her eyes fill with tears, and she throws her arms wide open. “Lark! It’s been too long.”
