Page 13 of Pucking the Team

“I’m not sure.” She clicked her tongue on the roof of her mouth. “With The Vipers in town we’re pretty full.”

I closed my eyes, a long blink, as she peered at her screen. What the hell was I going to do? The sense of flailing, searching for the right path to take, was discombobulating. I was used to being in control, moving forward, plans in place. But this…this was horrible.

“There’s nothing,” she said.

“Oh, bugger, okay.”

“But give me a minute.” She flicked open a notepad. “I think we might be getting a cancellation on one of the accessible rooms on the ground floor. I can check, but it will take me a moment or two.”

“That’s fine. Thank you. I appreciate it.” I looked around the lobby. The players were pouring in through the doors now, the noise level rising with their deep voices and heavy footsteps.

To the right was a ladies’ restroom. I’d go and wrestle with my dress, get changed. Perhaps Gina would help me.

I spotted her by the elevator, her man, Dustin, at her side.

Hoisting my dress up a few inches, I pushed through the crowd of staff, fans, and players.

But when I reached the elevator it was too late, she’d gone. She was clearly eager to get to bed before the evening kicked off. And I’d put good money on the fact there wouldn’t be much sleeping, not with a hunk of a player like that on her arm.

I held in an expletive. If only I’d gone for a white jumpsuit. I’d been tempted on one with Swarovski details and a plunging neckline. It would have made life a damn sight easier right now.

“Problem?” Ben was at my side.

“I need to get out of this dress,” I said. “I feel like it’s crushing me, literally. I can’t breathe in it.”

“No problem.” He pressed the button on the elevator. “Come up to my room and I’ll help you.”

“What? No…I can’t just…”

He held up his hands. “I agree, you shouldn’t, you don’t know me, but I promise I’m a decent guy. I’ll help, nothing more. No crazy shit.”

I glanced around. Dylan and Eduardo were at the reception desk. I couldn’t see Theo. A few players were watching me with obvious curiosity, as were a few fans who unfortunately had phones out.

“They…they are trying to find a room for me,” I said as the elevator door opened.

“That’ll be good, you need some time and space to get your thoughts straight.” He looked at me seriously. His brown lashes were long, a fraction too long for a guy, and it softened his masculine features. “I swear on my brother’s life.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “That I only want to help. I’ll be an utter gentleman helping you out of that dress.”

“I don’t even know if you like your brother.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

He laughed, a soft chuckle. “You strike a hard bargain, you know that? But yeah, I like Theo, a lot. In fact, I think he’s fucking awesome. Best brother in the world.” He held out his hand, indicating for me to step into the elevator.

What the heck? Ben seemed like a decent bloke, and I’d met enough creeps in my business to be able to sniff them out. I’d go to his room, let him help me, and then I’d get on with the rest of my life.

My single life. My life without Steven.

Chapter Four

Ben’s room, on the fourth level, had huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a view over the glistening bay. The water was ringed with an embankment, and to the right a medley of buildings, old and new, sprang toward the sky. Bright lights flashed on a big wheel that was spinning beside a colorful carousel.

None of it was what I’d been expecting.

“Right, give me instructions,” Ben said as the door shut behind him.

I set my suitcase beside a dressing table and pulled my hair over my right shoulder. I turned my back on him. “The crystals running up my spine, on that sheer fabric, are actually buttons,” I said.

“They are?” I heard the note of panic in his voice. “All of them?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”