100. Natalie

Chapter 100

Natalie

I lookaround for my husband, but I don’t see him.

I drop my eyes to my phone and use my thumb to tap the screen, but there aren’t any new texts from Luke.

I look back at the cars on the street. If Jackson is back, Luke has to be here, but I don’t⁠—

A heavy arm drapes across my shoulders.

“Looking for someone?” Luke’s voice sends warmth down my spine.

I tip my head back to look at him as I lean into his side. “Yeah, maybe you’ve seen him. He’s tall, handsome, covered in tattoos.”

Luke hums. “I keep telling you, Wife. Ash is taken.”

“Why are you talking about me?” A deep voice rumbles from behind us.

Luke brings me with him as he turns to face his friend. “Just saying how ugly you are.”

A laugh pops out of me, and I press my lips together when Luke drops his narrowed gaze on me.

I only have eyes for Luke. My libido is apparently broken for any man who isn’t mine, but even a dead person could appreciate how handsome Ash LeBlanc is.

“Sure you were,” Ash replies in that low voice of his before he dips his head in my direction. “Nice to see you again, Natalie. Sorry for your misfortune of marrying this dumbass.”

Luke kicks out at Ash’s leg, but the goalie jumps away before any contact is made.

“Like I said, morons.” Meghan steps up next to her husband, reaching up and pinching one of his nipples.

The big man yelps and puts her in a headlock. “I told you, that one isn’t healed yet.”

I widen my eyes at Luke, but he just shakes his head, reaches down, and takes the container of food out of my hand with his free one. “If they’re sending you home with some of Meghan’s baking, then it must’ve gone well.” His voice is quiet, just for me.

I smile up at him. “It did.”

“So you had a good time?” he asks, making sure.

And that question… that reiteration… it changes something.

The hummingbird in my ribcage flaps over to my heart, rips off a little corner with her beak, and tucks it under her wing, saving it for him.

I have to swallow before I can answer. “Such a good time.”

He lifts the hand on my shoulder and brushes his thumb across my cheek. “I’m glad.”

Needing to break the tension building inside my chest, I use my now free hand to pull Blizz out from his spot tucked under my arm. “Izzy brought me a gift.”

Luke looks at the gift. Then looks again.

As if summoned, Izzy and her husband, Zach, appear before us, with Jackson and Katelyn next to them. The whole group stands on the sidewalk in front of Jackson and Katelyn’s building.

Luke looks at Jackson. “You told Zach?”

He sounds a little mad, clearly having gotten the wrong impression. Which is dense of him since I just said how good of a time I had.

“No, Luke—” I try to interrupt.

“Told me what?” Zach asks before he smiles at me. “Hey, Natalie.”

“Hi.” I sort of grimace the greeting even though I don’t mean to.

“I didn’t tell him anything.” Jackson cuts in, and I can tell he’s making a point not to make eye contact with me. Which I appreciate.

“What the hell are you guys talking about?” Ash chimes in, with Meghan tucked into his side.

“The locker room,” Luke says, while I poke him in the side and say, “Nothing.”

Luke reaches his arm farther around my neck so he can grab Blizz out of my grip and hold it up. “If you guys want to harass me over the Blizz bang, that’s fine. But leave Natalie out of it.”

“Luke!” I snap.

But I’m once again drowned out because now all the girls are snickering.

I try not to look at Jackson, but I can’t help it as I glance his way, and I notice that his cheeks are getting pink. Though probably not as pink as mine.

Zach’s eyes are wide. “I’m sorry, but the Blizz bang? What the fuck are you talking about?”

Luke looks from Zach to Jackson. “You didn’t tell him?”

Jackson shakes his head, and instead of looking embarrassed, he just looks like he’s trying not to laugh.

Ash isn’t as successful, barking out a loud noise that makes me jump.

“Meghan!” Izzy hisses because Ash is leaning down with his ear near Meghan’s mouth.

Meghan cringes but shrugs. “Sorry, I tell him everything.”

“I would like it if someone would tell me everything.” Zach glares around the group.

Jackson reaches out and claps Zach on the shoulder. “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

Zach shoves his hand away. “I’m telling Dad to bench you next game.”

“I’m telling Dad,” Jackson repeats back to Zach in a mocking voice.

“Who’s his dad?” I ask no one.

Izzy, having heard me, lifts her hand. “My dad. I’m the coach’s daughter.”

I lift my brows. Bet that’s a story.

“Wait.” Ash cuts back into the conversation. “Did you keep the suit?”

“What fucking suit?” Zach looks at him, then jerks his gaze back to Luke. “Hold up.”

“Bye!” Luke says loudly as he turns us away from the group.

While we move away, I start to chuckle. And after two breaths, it turns into bigger laughter.

Blizz bang.

“Something funny, Princess?” Luke asks as he guides me to his vehicle, parked just around the corner.

“Nothing at all.” I smile up at him.

He meets my gaze. “Want to head home, or do you need to stop anywhere?”

Home.

“Take me home,” I tell him. “And take me to bed.”