Page 241 of Cross Check

Gotta be there to support my Emmy girl!

I hesitate before typing out my next message. I don’t want to sound desperate, but I do need to get my morning going. How it goes depends on how he answers.

Me

Mind if I join you? I want to support her too!

Mavvy

As long as you’re cool with chillin’ in a suite with me and Murph!

Me

Obviously. Gives me time to make sure I’m Murph’s favorite uncle.

Mavvy

Meet you at the box office at 11:30? It’s an early game.

Me

I’ll be there. Thanks, Mavvy!

“Which one should I wear?” Lia sticks her head out of the closet and holds up two shirts. “Pick the luckier one.”

“That’s a lot of pressure.” I hum and glance between the options. “Normally I’d say red because it’s your favorite color, but the Sea Crabs wear green. Go with the one on the left.”

“That’s what my gut told me wear!”

“Look at us.” I grin. “Same brainwave.”

“We’ve been spending too much time together.” She laughs and peels off her sleep shirt, replacing it with a sports bra. “What are you going to do today? Puck drop is noon, so I should be home in time for dinner. There’s soup in the fridge if you need to kick your hangover.”

“I appreciate the hospitality, but I’m going to come to your game.”

“Wait.” Lia freezes and blinks at me. “Are you serious?”

“Mav got a suite, and I asked if I could tag along.” I stand and walk toward her, putting my hands on her shoulders. “Would that be okay?”

Her nose scrunches like she’s deep in thought. She chews on her bottom lip before blowing out an exhale.

“I’ve never had a man I’m dating come to one of my games.”

“Never?” I frown. “What about in college?”

“Nope. The women’s schedule always conflicted with the men’s games, and that’s where the priorities were.” She pauses before breaking out in a smile. “I’d love it if you were there. Do you want to borrow a shirt?”

“I’m excited as hell to cheer you on, baby, but the last thing I’m ever going to do is wear the clothes of my enemy.” I wrap my arms around her and give her ass a squeeze. “Nice try though.”

“I’ll get you to wear my jersey one of these days,” she tosses back.

“Good luck,” I answer.

I leave out my other secret of the day.

Deeper in the closet she’s standing in, I already have three of her jerseys tucked away.

“Dude.” I burst out laughing at Maverick’s shirt when I see him out front of the Hutchinson Center later that morning. “You don’t exactly blend in.”