Chapter Eight
DAISY
I’m not wearing any underwear and all I can think about is how clumsy I am. It’s entirely likely I’ll have a wardrobe malfunction or I’ll trip over my own feet and end up showing the entire organization my bare ass. I am way over my element here.
The little black dress I found at the back of my closet fits a little tighter than I remember.
Thankfully, the ruching at the hip and near the chest still makes it cling to my curves in a flattering way.
It was my only formal option last minute.
Why Andrew thought bringing his cousin to this event was a good idea is beyond me.
After getting checked into our hotel rooms, Andrew asked if he wanted to walk down to the hotel ballroom together or just meet up. I was fine with the latter.
I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror on the wall.
This is going to be as good as it gets. My usual red waves have been straightened, curled, and pinned in a partial updo.
I’ve got enough bobby pins in my hair for a cheerleading squad.
Not that I would know how many they would actually use.
Growing up, I wasn’t the athletic type. I tried band and theater but decided group activities weren’t for me. There was enough to do on the family ranch, and when I wasn’t busy with family, I was hanging out near the hockey rink with Andrew and Ethan.
I didn’t have a lot of girlfriends. It’s hard when you don’t know if they want to be your friend or get close to your cousin. Honestly, it wasn’t until the boys both left for college when I started making genuine friends—although, not many.
Luckily, I had my other cousin, Delilah, Andrew’s younger sister. I’m barely a week older than her and we were inseparable growing up. She’s my best friend, and it honestly sucks that she’s away more than she is home lately.
I could use her right now, or a friend. More friends.
Ugh, what am I even doing with my life? Now is not the time to spiral.
I’ve been in my head since I saw Ethan nearly two weeks ago.
It’s easy to avoid him when I keep busy baking or doing things on the ranch with my aunt and grandmother.
I know I can’t avoid him at this gala, not successfully anyway.
After all, it’s for the Lonestar Bobcats.
The small black heels I’m wearing make my calves look amazing. My legs are smooth after taking my time in the shower to shave and exfoliate. I’ve primped more than I have in a long time.
This has nothing to do with Ethan. I lie to myself.
Maybe I should’ve stuck with flats. A sturdier shoe for my two left feet. No. I shake my head. There will be no self doubt—only confidence. One last look in the mirror.
“You can do this.” I stare at my reflection. “You are a babe. You’ve got this.”
Honestly, I do feel amazing. I don’t think I’ve gotten dressed up in formal wear since my high school prom, and that was years ago.
After a little more self pep talk in the mirror, I make my way down to the ballroom. I give my name at the door and make my way inside.
Large round tables that can fit a dozen people each are scattered around the room covered in black linen and candles.
A long row of tables is against the wall on one side, with items to raffle off.
The opposite wall has a table of hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats.
There are two bars in the corners opposite of one another, but I also see a few servers carrying trays of champagne.
Fancy.
There’s a podium on a small platform near the middle of the back wall. There are subtle decorations, but not the usual orange I’m used to seeing for the bobcats. No, there are touches of navy blue, turquoise, and even pink. What is going on?
“Hey cousin, you look nice.” Andrew walks up next to me.
“What’s with the colors?” I blurt out.
He laughs. “Did you look at the raffle table? Notice how there are several jerseys?” I nod. “New look this year. Get ready.”
What the hell am I going to do with my dozen of jackets, hoodies, and jerseys that specifically go with the old orange, black, and white color scheme? “I knew the foundation was new. What else is the franchise up to?”
Andrew laughs. “A lot. There going to be officially announcing the changes and my new teammates tonight in front of some of our biggest sponsors.”
“So you’re here to shake hands and make a good impression. What am I here for?”
“Moral support. Also, Alexa mentioned she wanted to run an idea by you.” He smirks.
Alexa is part of the Lonestar Bobcats marketing team. She’s around my age and handles a lot of the social media. What could she want with me?
“I’m going to grab a drink. The seating is open and there’s going to be a raffle, some dancing, and schmoozing.”
“Champagne will get to my head too quick. I’ll grab some water in a little bit. Maybe in a while I’ll grab a drink.”
He nods, then excuses himself to the bar area.
A chill runs down my spine. I don’t even know where he is, but I can feel him watching me. It’s uncanny—like no time has passed at all, like he never forgot how to find me in a crowd.
“Daisy,” it’s a whisper behind me and I turn around.
My eyes move from his broad chest up to his face. “Ethan.” I swallow and take him in. He looks good in a suit, too good.
“You look gorgeous. Did you come here with your cousin?” His brows scrunch together.
Why does he have to look so good? Then his scent wraps around me.
It’s like being in the middle of the forest, near a frozen lake, crisp and earthy.
My feet move slightly closer, as if acting on their own.
Anything to get closer to that mossy oak, amber, and cedar. I want to roll around in his scent.
I swallow as I take him in. Again. Fuck. Did he say something?
“Huh?”
“Did you come here with Andrew?” He repeats the question as his eyes narrow on mine before scanning down and back up my body.
“I was invited by one of your teammates.” It’s not a lie. I don’t even know why I said it. Yes, I do. I want to see his reaction. I shouldn’t care.
“Who?”
My eyes scan around the room, looking for an answer. I really shouldn’t start something. I see Alexa across the room and sigh in relief. No lies needed.
“Oh, Alexa. I need to talk to her. Excuse me.” I quickly dart around him and make my way towards her.
“Daisy! I’m so glad you’re here.” Alexa waves at me with a clipboard in hand. “Do you mind if I ask you something without you getting offended? It’s a little personal.”
I step closer. “Um, sure.”
“When we were trying to convince the team to bring plus ones to the event. Most of them are single and didn’t want to bring anyone, but they were all on board with you coming. It wasn’t even your cousin’s idea. Are you seeing one of them or something?”
I sigh in relief. “Oh God, no.” I shake my head. “I think they’re all used to me being around. Andrew likes to invite them over to the ranch, and our who family is out there. They feel like an extended part of the family. It’s as if I gained two dozen cousins.” I laugh.
Alexa sighs. “Okay. I know it’s random, and I didn’t want you to feel put on the spot. We’re working on switching the image of some of the players and being cautious of everyone.”
She doesn’t have to say his name for me to know who she’s talking about. Ethan. He’s the one with the bad boy image. I know I need to come clean. Be honest.
“It probably doesn’t matter. This was years ago—high school. Ethan and I dated.”
Alexa grins. “I know.”
“Oh.” I swallow. “It’s nothing.”
She looks past me. “Between you and me, I don’t think it’s nothing. Just, give me a heads up if it turns into something so we can help control the narrative.”
I groan. “This is why I need more girlfriends,” I mumble.
Alexa laughs. “Girl, you’re telling me. Anytime I make friends and they find out I work for the Lonestar Bobcats, it’s immediately all about hockey and the players. I can’t tell when a friendship is genuine until put to that test, though.”
“Exactly! It was like that in high school, too. Everyone knows I’m Andrew’s younger cousin.
We’re a close family and he’s always invited his friends and teammates out to the ranch.
It’s hard to make friends that are girls, especially if they’re single.
How do I know if they want to be my friend for me or just to get close to the guys? ”
Alexa grabs two glasses of champagne from a passing tray and hands one to me. “Well, then we’ll become friends. Neither one of us is going to use the other for being in the position we’re in.”
I can’t help but be a little wary, but I accept the glass, then toast with her. “To potential new friends.”
“A few of us that work together like to get together for the occasional girls’ night out, you should join us on the next one,” she suggests.
“Sure.”
Alexa passes me her phone. “Add your number and text yourself from mine so you can add it.” I nod and do as she asks.
“Can I tell you a little secret?” She grins.
“I also want to be your friend because I stalk your bakery account and am hoping to convince you to bring some treats up to the office sometime. I’ll pay of course. Technically, the office will.”
I laugh. “Sure. Just message me through the app so I don’t forget and can keep track for inventory purposes. I run my orders through the website that is linked.”
“Absolutely! I wish I could bake. Or cook. I burn water.” She throws her hands up with a laugh. “I’ve got to go and help man the raffle table, but we’ll talk later.”
I nod. As I watch Alexa walk away, I see Ethan crossing the room toward me. That is a conversation I’m not ready to have, so I quickly make my way around one of the closed doors and into the hall. My eyes dart across the area to see where I can hide.
Is it childish of me to avoid him? Possibly, but I can’t be around him right now. Not after what happened at my cousin’s house. Not after everything.
I dart around the corner where it’s quiet and let out a sigh of relief. A few minutes to collect myself and then I’ll head back inside and find someone else to talk to.
“Why are you running away from me?” His voice comes out in a growl.
My back tenses as I take a step back and hit a wall. I’m cornered and it’s not what was supposed to happen.
“I’m not running,” I lie.
He steps closer, making the hallway feel even smaller. “Then why are you avoiding me?”
“I’m not, I…” I freeze. What the hell can I say? I’ve been caught.
“You’re avoiding me.” He reaches out and twirls a strand of my hair with his fingers. “You can’t avoid me forever.” Ethan drops the hair and takes a step back.
He’s right, I can’t. Not now that he’s back.