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15. Morgan

15

MORGAN

Dane never did end up coming back to my hotel that night.

It’s like my brothers knew what I had planned, and they collectively decided it was their mission to cock block the star center from having his way with their little sister.

I’m still not sure if I’m grateful for their interference or not.

On one hand, if Miles hadn’t insisted on another Mario Kart tournament and planted himself between me and Dane on the couch, I’m pretty confident I would’ve followed through on my indecent ideas on how we could pass the night in my hotel room.

On the other hand, there’s the issue of Dane and I working together. A fake relationship is one thing, but a real one? It’s not wise to shit where I eat, or so the saying goes.

I’m so incredibly attracted to Dane; it’s ridiculous. And it’s not just about his looks. Dane is funny. He’s dedicated. He’s a great team captain and a great brother to Eli. And there’s no denying he’s kind, especially to me.

Dane Larson is the perfect muscular package with a devastatingly handsome bow that any girl would be lucky to unwrap.

I sigh.

That’s the problem.

Dating Dane would be a dream, but it would turn into a devastating nightmare when it inevitably ends.

I shouldn’t cross that line with him. I know it. But my damn libido and heart have other ideas.

I shake my head and take a deep breath before sliding out of my car and walking the dark stone path leading to Dane’s condo. The bright white building with dark grey window accents and black roof give it a modern, masculine look. It’s the perfect fit for the manly hockey player.

I reach the porch when my phone dings.

I look and see a message from Joshua.

I’ve got another wedding next weekend. Save me?

I scoff.

Kinda short notice, don’t you think?

A bubble with three dots immediately appears.

I had a date, and she backed out.

He adds a pouting emoji with a single tear at the end of the message.

I purse my lips, intrigued that Joshua had a date. I’m about to ask who she was and why she canceled when footsteps sound behind me.

“Morning, Caldwell.” Strong arms wrap around my waist. Dane rests his chin on my shoulder. “What are you doing standing out here?”

My heart flutters at the casual affection. “Um. Good morning?”

Be cool, Morgan!

“I was about to knock, but I got distracted,” I add, holding up my phone in demonstration.

Dane’s eyes flick to the device. He does a double-take when it lights up with Joshua’s incoming text. He straightens and steps back. Immediately, I miss his warmth. “What does Joshua want?”

I tuck my phone away and smirk, turning around to face him. “Why? Jealous?”

“Yes.”

My smirk falls. Oh.

“There’s nothing to be jealous of,” my voice is soft. “Joshua is just a friend.”

“Does he know that?”

“Yes.” I don’t second guess myself when I reach out and take his hand. “Joshua is a flirt, but that’s all it is. I promise.”

Dane grumbles, but he laces his fingers through mine. “Fine.”

I smile, grateful that he’s willing to drop the subject. Wanting to reassure him further, I say, “Joshua has another wedding next week. He was asking if I could go.”

Joshua is at the age when many of his college friends are getting married. Add in his close-in-age cousins, and the poor guy has been to at least eight weddings this year.

Dane presses his lips together. “What did you say?”

“I haven’t said anything.” I tilt my head to the side and take in his expression. He has something on his mind. “Why? What’s up?”

Dane runs a hand through his hair and averts his gaze. “It’s not a big deal, but there’s an NHL fundraiser next weekend for Saint Ruth’s Children Hospitals. I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me.”

I know about the fundraiser. It’s one of the league’s more popular events, mainly because it occurs right in the middle of the playoffs. Players from the competing teams are invited to the event to draw a crowd of fans willing to pay to spend an evening in the company of their favorite players.

I’m not surprised Dane was invited. I imagine most of the team was, but I am surprised he wants me to join him.

But why?

Dane laid his cards on the table at my uncle’s ranch. We would’ve kissed on that leather couch if it weren't for my brothers. And if it weren’t for the rest of the Ranchers players hanging out in the hotel lobby bar, seeing us return together, he would’ve come to my hotel room.

It’s been two days since we returned to Dallas. I came over to prep his meals for the week. But, if I’m being honest, I’m also here to see if what happened in New Mexico was a fluke. Maybe he’d changed his mind about us pursuing anything.

His invitation says otherwise.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “You want me to go as your nutritionist?”

He gives me a patient look. “As my date , Caldwell.”

“Are you sure?” Insecurity momentarily masks the confidence I show to the world.

Going to the fundraiser will take our relationship to another level. It could complicate things. How will I know if what happens between us is real or just continuing our ruse?

“Yes.” Dane steps closer and lifts a hand to brush a strand of hair behind my shoulder, hovering near my head when he’s done. “Unless you’ve changed your mind since New Mexico?”

Apprehension flickers in his expression, but resolve has him meeting my gaze. He’ll accept whatever answer I give, but he’s making it clear which one he hopes I choose.

“No. I mean…” I smile softly. “I haven’t changed my mind.”

His answering smile is so bright it makes my heart squeeze with happiness. How in the world do I affect a man as incredible as Dane this way? It doesn’t seem real.

“Perfect.” Dane’s hand slides up to cup my face. My heart beats quickly as he dips his head ever so slowly. “So, I guess that means?—"

“Woah, now. What’s going on here?”

Dane stiffens. Without turning around, he growls, “Get lost, Eli.”

Eli appears behind his brother’s shoulder, wearing a wide, mischievous grin and running clothes.

Dane’s outfit is the same. They must’ve gone on a run together. The iced coffee in Eli’s hand reveals the reason for his later arrival.

“My oh my,” Eli sing-songs, his grin widening. “Do my eyes deceive me, or is my brother about to kiss the one and only Morgan Caldwell?”

“Go away,” Dane growls again.

Eli doesn’t.

I offer Dane a placating smile before stepping back and lifting a hand to Eli. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.” His eyes glitter with amusement. “Care to tell me what’s going on here?”

“It’s none of your business,” Dane clips.

I’m surprised Eli doesn’t know what happened between me and Dane in New Mexico. Or, rather, what almost happened. The two brothers are close, and Eli has been dropping hints that Dane is into me since the moment we met.

I didn’t tell the younger Larson about our night at the club, but I’m sure Dane did. Some of Eli’s remarks were too pointed for him not to know. He’d say things like how giving someone a second chance could be good and how people shouldn’t let the past dictate their future.

But maybe I was wrong.

If Dane had told Eli about the club, he would surely have told him about discovering the misunderstandings from that night.

Right?

“Well, it seems getting laid hasn’t made you any less uptight,” Eli tsks. “Pity.”

“Eli,” Dane seethes, shooting an anxious glance my way. “Shut the fuck up.”

The younger brother laughs, unfazed by Dane’s furious glare. “Fine. Fine. I’ll leave. This is going to be so fun.” He brushes past us to go inside, shooting me an encouraging wink as he does.

Dane waits for the front door to close before sighing and taking my hand. “I’m sorry about that.”

“It seems like our siblings are determined to keep getting in the way,” I comment with a half-chuckle, half-wince, savoring the feel of his strong hands wrapped around mine.

Dane’s expression softens. “They can’t get in the way forever.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” He maintains eye contact as he lifts our hands and kisses my knuckles. My knees go weak. “Just wait and see.”

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