Power Play (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 2)

Compassion fills her features before she wraps her arms around me. “Oh, sweetheart, why are you crying?”

“I just love you so much,” I cry, holding her close. “His mom was so awful to me. And the whole time I was sitting there, I was trying to be respectful. But I knew you wouldn’t treat him like that. I knew you would accept him with open arms. But I’ve been so scared to tell you because I know you were upset about the Maxim fiasco, and then you still gave me a chance to coach special teams. I didn’t want you to think I wasn’t professional or that I didn’t take my job seriously. I didn’t mean for this to happen, Mom. He came out of nowhere and hit me like a million rocks on a lake.”

She moves her hand up my back, holding me close. “That’s how love happens, sweetheart,” she says, tipping her head back to look at me. “Daddy came out of nowhere, skated right into my life, and I was done for.”

When Shelli comes over and wraps her arms around us, I smile when I feel her cheek against mine. “I think it’s wonderful. Boon is really good to her, Mom.”

“I don’t doubt it,” she says, kissing both of us. “I can’t wait to meet him as your boyfriend and not my employee.”

I know she means it as a joke, but her statement makes my heart skip. “Maybe tonight?”

“I would love that, honey.”

“But don’t tell Daddy. I don’t want him knowing yet. Give me until after the wedding, and then we’ll tell him.”

“Him and that damn angina. Gets in the way all the time.”

As we all laugh, I hold my sister and mother a little tighter, thankful they are mine.

Even if they drive me insane.

* * *

“I’m nervous.”

I glance over at Boon with a funny look on my face. We’re sitting at the hotel bar waiting for my mom to get back from dinner. I’m still not feeling one hundred percent, so instead of going to dinner, I slept for a bit while Boon watched TV. He refused to go to dinner. I’m unsure how he got out of it, but I’d rather not know. It will make me feel guilty, especially if he has to do laps or pay a fine for missing the team dinner. I need to be oblivious to the whole thing.

“You’re insane. It’ll go fine.”

He gives me a goofy look. “I want her to like me.”

“She already adores you. Now, she’ll love you, just as I do,” I say as I pinch his chin, bringing him down for a quick kiss.

“I love being loved by you.”

The widest grin spreads across my face, even though I’d much rather sleep than smile. “Same here.”

“I can’t take you back to my room, can I?”

I shake my head, leaning on my hand to stare at him. “For one, we can’t just start throwing our love all over the place like confetti—”

“So rude.”

“And for two, I’m not in any shape to keep up with you.”

He leans on his hand, staring into my eyes. “I could just eat you all night. You wouldn’t even have to move.”

My body burns with lust. I would love nothing more than to be on the receiving end of that beautiful mouth, but there is no way. “I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

“That’s hot,” he teases, and I roll my eyes. “You’re sure you’re okay?”

I nod confidently. “Yes. It’s the altitude or my new meds, I don’t know. I’m fine, though.”

“You look worn out.”

I glare. “Please, don’t sugarcoat it.”

He grins. “You are the hottest worn-out woman I have ever seen.”

“Better,” I say, and then I see my mom. “Oh, there’s my mom.”

I feel the apprehension come off Boon as he turns his body to see her striding toward the bar where we’re sitting. She is perfection in a long maxi dress that drags on the floor as she walks. Her auburn hair is down along her shoulders, and she looks like the majestic queen she is. When she sees us, a wide smile takes over her face, and she heads for us. Her eyes are bright and happy as she stops in front of us, looking from Boon to me. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I say, unable to fight my grin as I look up at Boon. He looks down at me, and I love how nervous he is. He has nothing to worry about; my mom would never treat him the way his mom treated me. “Mom, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Boon.”

He looks back at my mom and holds out his hand. “Hey, Mrs. Adler, it’s great to meet you.”

She holds his gaze, ignoring his hand, and my breath catches. Shit, is she not okay with this? Was it all a ruse? Then slowly, a grin moves across her maroon-painted lips, and she pushes away his hand. “It’s Elli, honey. And I don’t shake hands with the man my daughter loves. I hug. I’m Southern, damn it.”