Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
I drop my gaze to her bare legs, silky and gleaming with some kind of body oil she used after she got out of the shower. “Are your legs cold? I’ll give you some sweats.”
“I’m okay.” She tilts her head. “How do you stand all this…anticipation?”
“It’s only the second time I’ve had to do it. Last time was much worse. I really didn’t know what to expect.” I lower my voice. “I didn’t have you.”
“I’m here now. And I’ll be here tomorrow and the next day.”
I lean close to her ear, really not wanting anyone to overhear this. “Thank you for helping me add the new training session to my afternoons this week.”
The corners of her mouth twitch and she slides a coy glance my way. “Oh, it was definitely my pleasure.”
I pop a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Gloves on,” Underhill calls out.
My stomach clenches. We’re closer to showtime.
He helps me slide the regulation gloves over my taped hands. Another official comes into the locker room and wraps red tape around my wrists, then scribbles his signature across it in black Sharpie marker.
I glance at the television screen where Magic’s walkout is about to start. “Is that the theme from Halloween he’s using?”
Eraser shakes his head. “What a douche.”
Arena security guys in black blazers line up outside the locker room door.
Molly grabs her high-heeled silver sandals and starts strapping them on her feet. I flash my gloved hands at her. “I’d help you, but…”
She laughs and shakes her head. “I got it.”
Underhill rolls his eyes.
I tap my fist against his shoulder in warning.
Molly grabs her stuff and hurries to my side. I hold out my hand and she taps her fist against my palm.
“Mr. Royal, it’s time,” one of the security guards says.
Remy and Eraser enter the hallway first. I shake my shoulders and roll my head from side to side, then follow, with Molly right next to me.
Underhill and his assistant come out last.
Bright camera lights hit my face. I squint and slant my arm over my eyes, wishing I’d thought to bring sunglasses.
Molly taps something against my arm. I glance down.
Sunglasses.
“You’re like a magic genie.” I take them from her carefully and slip them on. “Thank you.”
“I remembered how bad those lights were at the reunion and just in case…”
I put my arm around her quickly and pop a kiss on her cheek, not really caring if dozens of cameras film it and people mock me for the display tomorrow.
“What’s the holdup?” Remy asks one of the security guys.
The big dude exhales a long, weary breath. “Magic takes a lap around the entire arena.”
The security guards part ways and Dawson appears with his own security following behind him. Jesus Christ, I’ve got more men in black surrounding me than the president.
“How’re ya feelin’ tonight?” Dawson holds out his hand and I awkwardly wrap my gloved paw around it for a quick shake.
“Best I’ve ever felt.” I dip my chin. “Thanks for doing this.”
With all the trash talk this week and the massive odds against me, having a legit celebrity like Dawson show his support gave people something to gossip about besides how dumb I am for thinking I can take on an athlete like Magic so early in my career.
“Thanks for using my song for your walk out,” he says.
It hadn’t really felt like I had a choice. I like country music occasionally, but it really doesn’t feel “skull punch-y” enough. Then Dawson played Call Me The Underdog for me, and I revised my opinion.
A big blond head appears above the crowd gathered in the hallway. People shift and step aside for Wrath to enter our circle.
“Hey, big guy.” Dawson glances up and holds out his hand. “Been a minute.”
“It has. We’re sorry we missed the ride with you guys the other day.” He turns toward me and runs his gaze over me. “You look strong.”
That’s high praise coming from Wrath.
“Feel it.” I tap my fists together. “Thanks for coming.”
“I wasn’t missing this, although,” he casts a pointed look at Eraser, Remy, Molly, and then me, “I’m insulted you don’t have one of those snazzy purple hoodies in my size.”
Dawson chokes on a laugh. “That’s gonna be a special order.”
“Next time,” I promise him.
Wrath nods hello to Molly, then shifts his shrewd eyes my way again. “She walking out with us?”
Christ, is he going to tell me she shouldn’t be part of this too?
“Yeah,” I answer warily.
He nods quickly like he’s revising his plan. “I’m gonna walk behind her and to the outside. Remy will be in front of her and Eraser in front of you and to your left. That work?”
No judgment. Thank you. I blow out a breath and nod.
Molly lifts her phone and takes a quick sideways selfie of us.
A low rumble from the arena vibrates through the halls. Security and the camera guys start moving.