Love, Utley (Love Letters #1)

But he wouldn’t know that, would he? He’s the owner, so it’s not like he’d look at new résumés… Right?

Then Waller winks at me.

My face flushes, and Maddox exhales— loudly.

Wait, does Maddox know?!

The server appears to save us all, cutting in so I don’t have to ask or answer any Catch Tech–related questions.

“Would anyone like to see the dessert menu?” The server addresses the table.

The question reminds me, and I answer for everyone. “No, thank you.”

The server nods and clears a stack of empty plates off the table, then leaves.

Tony chuckles. “You sick of us already, Hannah?”

“No, sorry.” I apologize while reaching for my purse under my chair. “I should’ve let you guys answer, but it’s just… I brought something.”

I set the Tupperware on the table where my plate had been.

Then I think about what I’m doing and press my hands down on the lid. “Maybe I should’ve asked if they allow outside food.”

Maddox pulls the container out from under my hands. “No one is gonna tell us no. What did you—” He pulls the lid off and stops talking.

“Mom and Chelsea made them,” I say quietly.

Maddox stares at the pile of jerseys. The red and yellow frosting is bright, even in the dimly lit restaurant.

“Babe.” His voice sounds scratchier than it did a moment ago.

I lift a shoulder. “They made them while wearing their new jerseys.”

A big arm slings around my shoulders and pulls me toward him.

My chair starts to tip, and someone— Max— on the other side of me, presses it back down.

“Christ, man, you almost knocked her over,” Max snaps.

But Maddox is busy pressing his lips against the top of my head.

Bent over, I reach into the container and take out the cookie with the number nineteen piped on it. Max’s number.

I pass it over to Max as Maddox finally lets me go.

“What’s this?” Max stares down at the cookie.

“My niece made it for you. She googled your number and said you’d probably play for the Biters soon anyway.”

Max looks up at me, then back to the cookie, then over to Maddox. “Kiss her again.”

ONE HUNDRED TWO

MADDOX

I don’t often listen to my little brother, but in this case, I do as he says and pull Hannah back to me. Only this time, I press my lips to hers.

“You’re the fucking best,” I tell her, with my lips still against hers.