Page 106 of Lose You Twice

Weston clutches his chest. “Betrayed by the duchess.”

“Stop trying to make duchess happen.”

“Oh, baby, it’s happening.”

I laugh despite myself, and it feels good. Maybe this job doesn’t have to be all tension and old wounds. Maybe I can have parts of this place that don’t belong to Kai.

Then Kai walks out of the locker area in dress pants and a white undershirt, towel in his hand, hair damp and pushed back from his face.

So much for that theory.

His eyes find mine immediately.

My laugh fades but doesn’t disappear. Weston’s gaze darts between us, and for once, his expression softens before he covers it with a grin.

“I’m going to go be available somewhere else.” He brushes past me, bumping my shoulder lightly. “Good work tonight, Wren.”

Him using my actual name is a momentary shock.

He winks, but the warmth is real. “Don’t tell anyone I gave up on your nickname.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

He leaves with Asher, still talking, while Kai stays behind.

The locker room is clearing out around us. Not empty, but quieter now, the chaos of the win settling into tired satisfaction.

“Good game.” I grip the cart handle. “Your goal was…good.”

His brows lift. “Just good?”

“Don’t get greedy.”

“I would never.”

“You absolutely would.”

His smile grows, and there it is again. The little break in his control. The version of him I used to get in hallways and driveways and after games when he found me by the locker room waiting for him.

My heart does something that it most definitely shouldn’t.

A freshman calls Kai’s name from across the room, asking about tomorrow’s lift time. Kai answers without looking away from me. “Ten.”

Kai’s eyes are still on mine. I swallow.

“Captain things,” I say.

“Yeah.”

“You should do those.”

“I am.”

“By standing here?”

“I’m checking supplies and making sure everyone will be well prepared.”

I glance at the laundry cart. “That excuse is getting weak.”