Page 87 of Worth the Risk

“Whoever leaked what just happened probably didn’t do it with good intentions. It’s bound to be a zoo at the airport,” he mutters.

Luca turns to me. “You flew.”

“I did,” I beam.

His eyes widen. “Holy shit. You flew to Boston! I didn’t even realize that. I should have mentioned it when you showed up, but I was too shocked.”

“I was a little shocked at myself, if I’m being honest,” I admit.

“Were you freaked out? Either time?” he asks.

“No, actually. Getting to Boston, I was so excited about seeing you, I couldn’t sit still. Today, I think the thought of you being hurt made my fear of flying seem insignificant.”

“Awe, baby. My sweet little peach,” he coos.

I roll my eyes. “Let’s not make that a thing.”

“Calling you my peach?”

“Yes. I’m happy as your Pixie.”

Luca chuckles as he slowly strokes my hand. “Noted.”

Uncle Bennett clears his throat. “Can either of you give me the name of the attorney? I don’t have it on me.”

Luca rattles off the hotel attorney Dominic referred me to, and my uncle makes a muffled call. I rest my head on Luca’s shoulder and let out a relieved sigh. Everything leading up to this point was worth it. Luca is worth it.

“The attorney is going to get us out of the airport when we arrive. It’s bound to be a shitshow.”

“Why?”

“Woodward is the leak. He spewed straight venom at the end of the game, telling everyone about your relationship and Luca quitting. The press is rabid for more details.”

“How did anyone know we were flying?”

“No clue. They’re probably assuming we wanted to get back to Colorado as quickly as possible,” Uncle Bennett says.

“Is this a nonstop flight?” Luca asks.

“No, we have a layover in San Francisco. Seriously, were you not paying attention when we boarded?” Uncle Bennett teases. “Of course not. You two were all lovestruck and staring at each other. I had to pull you to the gate.”

“Seeing as how I had to forcibly separate your tongue from Elsie’s mouth, I don’t think you have any right to poke fun at us,” I tell him. He at least has the good sense to blush.

“Pix,” Luca says quietly, “how about a little vacation in California?”

I turn to him, a wide smile spreading across my face. “I’ve always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge. And the Pacific Ocean. And those cute trolleys!”

“You in any rush to get back to Colorado?” he asks.

I shake my head. “Will I get in trouble with your family?”

“Pretty sure I have an in with them, bella. Let me handle them,” Luca says with a wink.

I turn to Uncle Bennett. “Are you okay if we take a detour and you head back alone?”

“Sure. Although it would have been nice had you told me that in the arena. I could have hung with Elsie more.”

“And been spotted by Woodward? I don’t think that would have been wise.”