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“We’re not just your teammates, Nash. We’re your friends too.”

I can’t help but laugh. Sure, things might be changing, but I’m not sure all that many around the table would agree.

“I’m serious. I know things were tense at the beginning. But we’re finding our feet now, right? We’ve got your back. You need us for anything, you want to talk, whatever, we’re here.”

“I appreciate that. Thanks, man.”

“And if you need anything a little softer, my wife is great with advice as well. I wouldn’t be half the man or captain I am without her.”

The way his eyes go all soft makes my chest tighten. That’s the kind of reaction everyone hopes they’ll see in their partner’s eyes when they think about them. I’m just wondering how many actually achieve it.

“I’ll remember that.”

Before he can say more, Fletch is pulled into a conversation with someone else, allowing me to finally look at my cell.

G: Is that even a question? I will never turn down the chance to spend the night in your bed.

Cooper: I hoped you’d say that. We’ll be leaving here in a bit. I’ll message when I’m on my way.

G: Perfect. But can you park around the corner?

Cooper: Sure. Why?

G: My sister made a comment about your car when you picked Calvin up earlier.

My heart slams against my ribs.

My eyes dart toward where he’s laughing with Kodie and Monroe. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t read his mind, so I return to my messages.

Cooper: Okay, I’ll drop him off and then drive to the next block.

G: See you soon x

My eyes lock onto that little kiss, and my heart flutters.

It takes forever getting to the car; firstly, the guys won’t stop talking, and then we’re stopped by fans on the way out and have little choice but to stop for autographs and photos.

I hate every second of it.

This is one reason I don’t hang out with teammates. Or go out in general. There is always someone who notices, no matter how hard you try to hide.

Garrett and I have been lucky on our two breakfast trips so far, but I’m very aware that luck is going to run out soon.

I’m impatient as fuck by the time we manage to get away, and the second my ass hits the driver’s seat of my car, the engine is on and we’re pulling away.

“Jesus. Are we past your bedtime or something?” Calvin teases.

“Yeah,” I grunt. “We’ve got practice in the morning.”

“It’s barely ten. You’ll be fine.” When I don’t say anything, he changes tactics. “Tonight was fun. It was great having you out with us.”

“Yeah,” I agree, because it was fun.

“I’m glad things are starting to work out.”

“You mean, you don’t hate me anymore for coming to steal your position?” I shouldn’t taunt him, but I can’t help myself.

“I won’t lie—when I discovered your trade, I was pretty angry. I already thought I was one foot out the door after my injury, and then hearing that…it fucked me up a bit.”