Myla’s face was awash with joy as a smile broke free. “She decided to stay home for this one.”
“She let Brayden out into the wild without her? She isn’t again, is she?”
“I cannot confirm or deny that accusation.” Myla bit her lip, glancing over her shoulder. “All I know is that Karla called out of work this morning and kept the baby home from daycare. Brayden is doing a good job at keeping it a secret if she is pregnant again.”
“That must be so exciting when players have babies. The whole team must be like one big family,” I said quietly, unknowingly grabbing my stomach.
Myla was scanning the room of her guests while nodding. “It is pretty incredible how much this team feels like family.”
Jordan chimed in, “It helps that your brother is Brayden Cox and your husband is Gavin Hayes.”
Myla glanced over her shoulder. “But don’t you feel like part of this family too?”
Jordan smirked. “That is very true.”
Looking down at me, Myla’s eyes got wide. “Does he know?” she asked out of the blue, pointing to my hand on my belly.
I gasped. “How’d you know?”
She smiled. “I have a good eye for it I guess. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. Welcome to the family, Nikki.”
Crosby came up next to the bar, putting his empty beer bottle down. “Bar temptress, another.”
Jordan’s face turned every shade of red as she dove into the cooler to grab him another brown bottle. “You know I hate that, right?” she asked.
He winked. “Blame Gavin, he started it.”
“Oh I know,” she hissed. “You’d think being a guy’s best friend from high school would garner me a little more respect.”
Crosby took his drink. “Think of it as a term of endearment—at least when I say it,” he added before heading out to join the guys on the terrace.
“When are you two just going to get over your shyness and date?” Myla exclaimed.
Jordan bit her bottom lip. “Gah, I don’t know.” She threw a bar towel at Myla. “These things take time, Myla.”
“I think you should tell him how you feel and save all of us the headache of watching the two of you get all tongue-tied and goo-goo eyed at each other.” She put her hand on my leg before hopping off the stool. “Come, I want you to meet my hubby.”
Following her out onto the balcony, I was captivated by the breathtaking view of Central Park. The cool fall air wrapped around me as Chase grabbed my hand.
“Gavin, this is Nikki, the rookie’s girl,” Myla said to her husband, who was holding her from behind with one arm.
“This guy doesn’t shut up about you.” Gavin smiled. “It’s nice to finally get to put a face to the name.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet all the guys that take up so much of my guy’s time,” I teased.
Chapter 14
Chase
Showing Nikki offto my teammates and their families was so much fun, and I was enjoying watching her smile and interact with everyone. With how busy her schedule at the ballet was, she never really got the chance to hang out with people that weren’t dancers.
“Well, I guess we should call it a night.” I hugged Nikki to my side as she started to yawn. “Thanks for everything.” I shook Gavin’s hand and then Myla’s.
Myla pull me in for a hug. “Come back any time. You and Nikki are always welcome in our home.”
We made our rounds, saying goodbye to everyone. Lastly, we got to Brayden.
“See you in the barn tomorrow, rookie.” Brayden slapped me on the shoulder before hugging Nikki. “Have a good night, you two.”