Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
“You can shut out the entire world, Lyla James.” He kisses my lips hard, making my heart skip a beat. “But never me.”
I take a breath and let him lead me inside the building.
CHAPTER 54
LACHLAN
We say hello to some of the current and former athletes who walk up to us, as we make our way through the facility’s enormous lobby. I thought coming to the event would be torturous, but it’s not bad. I’m sure we’d have a great time if Jameson weren’t a concern. I’m not letting these interactions distract me, but I am trying to only focus on my attack and not on what he did to Lyla. If I think about that, I’ll fucking lose it. Lyla lets go of my hand while I’m talking to the current left and right wing. She only moves a couple of steps away to speak to some girls. She’s right there. But without her hand in mine, my adrenaline instantly spikes and my senses go on high alert. The guys ask for a selfie with me, which I gladly take. Of course, they ask about my retirement.
The second we move away after saying goodbye to everyone, I grab her hand again. We walk to the check-in section, and I speak to the woman behind the table. While I’m giving her my name, Lyla lets go of my hand again, and I pause mid-sentence to see what the hell she’s doing now. I didn’t think of it before, but I should have bought one of those leashes parents use on their kids.
“What?” I ask when she doesn’t turn back around.
“Banks is here.” She looks at me. “I haven’t seen him since. . .”
“Let me finish here.” I give her a look that I wish would freeze her in place.
I continue the check-in process. The woman starts talking about the facility and everything it has — Olympic pool, tennis court, basketball court, weight rooms, etc. Then she moves on to the banquet room we’re about to sit in. I’m sure whatever she’s saying about the place is great, but I’m so tuned into Lyla that I’m only half-listening. I thank the woman, get the gift and table number, and grab Lyla’s hand to lead her away from the crowd behind us that’s waiting to check in.
“He probably hates me,” she says, as she watches him laugh with some guys who take pictures with him.
“I’m sure he doesn’t. He’s probably worried, though.”
“I need to talk to him.”
I look around the lobby area once. Twice. When I don’t see who I’m looking for, I give a nod in Banks’ direction. “Let’s go.”
When we walk up, Banks halts mid-conversation and looks at Lyla like he sees a ghost. I let go of her hand so she can adequately greet her friend and watch Banks go through every emotion — disbelief, confusion, sadness, joy, and relief. He settles on that one and smiles, even though he looks like he’s about to start crying. It’s doubtful that Lyla will, since she’s already adopted her poker face, but she’s a lot more emotional these days, so I can’t be sure. The guys Banks was talking to are also watching the interaction and giving him space before they pat him on the back and walk away.
“Holy shit,” he whispers when he finally gets in front of her.
Lyla says nothing. She just launches herself at him and gives him the tightest hug I think she’s ever given. Her impassive expression cracks as they pull away, and he brings a hand up to her face, as if to make sure she’s real. I know the feeling. He glances over at me, jaw still open, then back at her.
“Were you together this whole time?” he asks.
“No. He just found me.” She smiles that ghost of a smile. “I’m so freaking sorry I had to leave like that. I’m sure you hate me, but I swear I had a reason.”
“I don’t hate you.” He frowns and hugs her again. “I’m so fucking glad you’re okay.”
Her eyes get watery as she nods, but she manages to hold her tears back. Either way, it shocks the fuck out of Banks. I bite back a laugh at the confused expression on his face. Lyla catches it and laughs.
“I went to therapy,” she says, as if she can’t possibly just be emotional otherwise.
This time, I laugh. She shoots me a dirty look and I laugh harder. Banks looks at me again, shaking his head in disbelief before he focuses on her.
“Marissa told me you were okay, but that was ages ago. I haven’t heard from either of you since.”
“I know. I swear I’ll tell you the whole story after the event,” she says. “Marissa’s fine, though.”
He just stares.
“What about you?” Lyla asks, punching him lightly on the chest to break the moment. “I saw you were signed by San Diego.”