Page 33 of Not that Impressed (Houston Pumas #3)

WILL

It’s difficult not to fall asleep myself, wrapped up like this with Ellie.

She’s peaceful in my arms, the first time I’ve seen her expression relaxed since Janelle called her last night.

I stare at her, her thick lashes splayed over her cheeks.

Lips in the slightest pout. Strands of loose, dirty-blond hair falling from the bun on top of her head around her face.

I want to trace the outline of her nose, graze my fingers over her cheeks, but I can’t wake her.

When I’m sure she’s sleeping deeply, I carefully extract myself, feeling cold without her next to me.

I move to the French doors that open to the balcony.

Even though the rain still comes down in buckets outside, we’ve left it open.

The air outside is hot and humid, despite the rain.

I step out onto the cement balcony and listen to the water pound on the roof above me for several minutes, staring out at the misty city around me.

I draw back my shoulders to recenter myself. All day I’ve been the steady one for Ellie when the fear has still burned hot inside me as well.

We need to try something different. Considering what Janelle told us about how neither Hollis’s nor Libby’s name appeared on any flight manifests, I strongly suspect he didn’t give his real name to whatever hotel they checked into .

I let out a quiet groan. I’m not looking forward to having my own teenagers someday. They may not run off to Mexico with a guy they barely know, but it’ll be something.

There’s a message from my mom on my phone, and I relax a little. Ellie has told me a few times today that my presence is soothing for her. I feel the same way hearing from my mom. Just a text from her brings immediate comfort, even though she’s thousands of miles away in California.

Mom

Any luck yet?

Will

Nothing yet. Thanks for checking in. Love you, Mom.

Mom

Sending you guys prayers. Let Ellie know we’re thinking of her family.

Will

I’ll tell her.

I let my mom’s words bring me strength, then check my other messages.

I silenced the group messages from my team last night before we left, and there’re at least a dozen missed messages there.

I open the text group. Someone in this group knows someone who can help somehow.

The guys on the team come from so many different walks of life.

I skip past several of my teammates asking where I am since I wasn’t in the meetings this morning.

Many assume I’m holed up at the hotel now, doing my magic night-before-the-game routine that makes me a star.

I’m going to be letting them down tomorrow, but Ellie needs me here, and the people in my life are far more important than my job.

I swallow as I think about how my MVP hopes will disappear when I don’t play tomorrow, then shake my head. There’s always next year. I push those thoughts from my brain. Even though it’s a story that’s true, it’s not one I need to tell myself right now. I type out a text.

Will

You guys have probably seen by now that Mr. Bennet’s daughter Libby took off to Mexico with Grayson Hollis and her family can’t reach her. I’m with Ellie trying to find her, but we need a Hail Mary. Anybody got ideas?

The message thread instantly begins filling with messages from the guys, most of them insults to Hollis. Some confirm that Being the Bennets has posted some teasers for an upcoming episode that hint at Hollis taking off with Libby.

Ideas start popping up too.

Jett

Is she still posting on her socials? We might be able to see where she’s at by the pictures. Ava’s going to start checking out her activity. My girl’s a master at this.

Rory B.

Any chance she’s used her credit cards? I doubt Hollis is ponying up for everything.

Fletch

Someone should ask their followers, like those TikTok videos. We’ll find her in no time.

Charlie

Ellie made a post this morning. You guys should share it or make your own.

Charlie’s suggestion gets a dozen thumbs up in just a few seconds. The camaraderie I feel with these guys buoys me up. It makes me feel hopeful for the first time in a while.

Alec S.

Time for you and Ellie to fake it as a honeymooning couple and start doing recon at the resorts.

This one makes me chuckle quietly. We won’t need to fake too much. Several guys laugh at the idea. A range of emojis and gifs start coming up with what I can say are positive reactions to this idea.

Jett

SNORT. We all know Hollis didn’t splurge for a resort.

Law

My fiancée’s brother can help us out. Don’t ask questions because I guarantee you don’t want to know.

My heart speeds up. What connections does Law have? I’m praying for law enforcement. If he pulls strings, it will all probably be under the table.

My teammates’ responses blow up, everyone asking questions anyway. Jett, ever our leader, drops in to chill everyone out.

Jett

Carlie’s bro is in IT, guys. There’s no black ops CIA involvement here.

IT? That could be even better.

I thumbs-up Law’s text so he knows I’m on board.

Will

Okay, everyone back to your pre-game studying. I expect a win tomorrow for the Bennets.

The text group fills with texts of support from straight up We got this, bro to hugging gifs and several gifs of various Pumas players dominating.

As I’m about to call Janelle about checking out Libby’s credit cards, a private text from Law pops up.

Law

I’ll keep you posted.

Will

Thanks, bro.

I stare out at the rain, wondering if I’m just encouraged or if it’s letting up a little. I send up a little prayer to join my mom’s. We could use some help getting something to work.

Isla.Is.Glowing repost to stories

My bestie’s sister needs us all, friends! Who’s seen her? Cancun, Mexico!