Dax (Arizona Vengeance 4)

Dax blinks, sucks in air, and coughs as he starts laughing. His arms go tightly around me, and I’m being squeezed hard as he laughs his ass off. “God, you’re fucking funny, and that also turns me on just a bit. And I’m totally weirded out by the fact we’re standing on your parents’ graves while having this conversation.”

Laughing, I snuggle deeper into his hold, trying not to let this good feeling slip away as I wonder how much longer this is going to last.CHAPTER 22DaxOur win over the Detroit Cardinals was pretty fucking awesome. But it’s not going to be the highlight of my night. That goes to the fact I am in my home state, near my hometown, and with my entire family all together. I had snagged tickets for everyone, including my niece and nephew, to attend the game along with Regan. My brother-in-law is a Cardinal fan, but I still got him a ticket.

The last two days have been both surreal and just like old times. Surreal because I brought home a surprise wife, and everyone was amazingly accepting and supportive. Just like old times, because we were all back together again with the exception of Lance. There was comfort in the fact my family banded together in support of Regan and everything she’s going through with the PNH.

We had chosen to gather after the game at restaurant near the Cardinals’ arena. I’d even invited all of my teammates as well. Unfortunately, we had to take the team bus back to the hotel following the game, but then Bishop, Erik, Legend, and I grabbed an Uber to the restaurant.

It’s late and most of the diners have left, but the bar area is hopping as we walk in. I scan the crowd, immediately locking on Regan. I head straight for her as she winds her way through the crowd with a particular destination in mind. I step in front of her, halting her progress as I grin down at her. She blinks in surprise before delight floods her face and she throws her arms around my neck. “Oh my God… you played amazingly tonight, Dax. What a victory.”

I give her a return hug before we break apart, and I’m not going to lie… it feels good to know she is now my personal fan and cheerleader.

“Where is everyone else?” I ask.

“I was just coming back from the bathroom. They’re on the other side of the bar.” She points in that direction before taking me by the hand and pulling me through the crowd. I glance over my shoulder to see Erik, Legend, and Bishop following behind us with knowing grins on their faces. I guess there was no hiding how much I like being around Regan, and they are clearly liking my enjoyment.

As I follow along behind her, I call above the noise of a bunch of rowdy patrons, “How were the seats I got for you?”

“They were really good,” she says as she glances at me briefly. “But we got invited up to the visiting owner’s box, so they got even better.”

My body goes tight. I start searching the crowd with a sneaking suspicion gnawing at my gut.

“Why were you invited up to the owner’s box?” I ask as I tug her to a halt, and she turns to me in question.

“Dominik Carlson came to the game, then sent an usher down for all of us. Invited the whole family up to the box to watch the game. There was all kinds of food and alcohol, although I only had one glass of wine because I wanted to concentrate on the game. It was amazing, and you could see everything so good. Plus, they had TVs so we could watch the replays and—”

“Carlson is here? And he invited everyone up?” I ask, confused as to why he singled out my family.

But deep down, I know it’s not the entire gang that has caught his fancy.

It’s only my sister, Willow.

“Come on. Everyone’s just over here.” Regan starts pulling me again, and I follow.

The crowd breaks apart to show my family standing in a tight circle. Drinks in hand and laughing. My mom and dad. My sister, Meredith, without her husband Tim who took the kids home since it was so late, and besides… he’s a Cardinal fan. Willow is there with a glass of bourbon on the rocks in her hand, and yes, Dominik Carlson.

Regan pulls me into the group, and everyone breaks into smiles and congratulations as hugs are given. Everyone knows Bishop since he played with me and Lance for a time on the Vipers. I introduce Erik and Legend around before finally giving my attention to the team’s owner, Dominik Carlson.

He stands there in his fancy designer suit with what looks to be a bourbon on the rocks in his hand as well, although I bet it’s the most expensive brand. There’s a slight smirk on his face and a challenge in his eyes as if he realizes I know what he’s doing and he’s completely unapologetic about it.