Bossy Baller - Melissa Belle Page 0,1

me that cocky Colton grin. “You bet.”

My little brother, Dougie, calls to me, and I go pick him up. Colton and I hang out with our families for what feels like fucking-forever as we wait for our names to be called.

“Man, this is getting stressful,” Colton mutters as the first round ticks past the halfway point. “My mom will freaking panic if I don’t get chosen tonight.”

“You will,” I say. “We both will.”

Five minutes after that, the Cougars use their second pick in the first round—thanks to a trade—to select, “Colton Wild!”

His cousins and best friend and mom mob him before I can even congratulate him.

I smile at the scene they’re causing. And then, I’m pulled into the group hug.

“You’re next,” Colton tells me as he eventually breaks free.

I slap his back. “We’ll see. I’m proud of you, Wild. Go meet the commish.”

“We’ll see you after,” he calls back as he heads for the stage.

Turns out, I don’t have to wait long.

Chicago is up next, and the pick is in within the first minute.

“…Chicago selects Maverick Court!”

Thank God and shit run through my head simultaneously. My dad gives me a thumbs-up, and my brothers scream their bloody heads off. I’m fucking relieved to be picked, but I’m also thinking—

How can I move two thousand miles away?

“Don’t worry,” Dad whispers as I bend down to hug him. “This is your dream, Mav. You did it. Go make us proud.”

I’m going to try like hell to do just that.

Chapter Two

One Month Later

Hannah

I stare out the dirty window of the taxicab as I’m driven through the City of Angels. Los Angeles is the only place I’ve ever lived, but each neighborhood is different. And right now, everything feels strange.

In just a few minutes, Craig and I will be exchanging marriage vows. Yet, as the cab draws nearer to downtown L.A., my stomach muscles tense.

Something’s off.

I can’t put my finger on what exactly feels wrong, and I’m sure I’m not the only bride-to-be with a momentary urge to fly away and never come back.

I tried talking to Craig last night, and he assuaged my fears the way he always does…by assuring me we fit together perfectly.

He drove off early this morning, saying he needed to take care of something at work first. I decided to take a cab so we could leave the courthouse together after we’re married.

The cab driver pulls up next to a parking lot across the street from the courthouse. I pay him and step out, careful not to let the short train of my dress drag on the pavement. I glance over at the odd-shaped courthouse building, but for some reason, my feet won’t take me there. Instead, I feel an invisible string dragging my attention in the opposite direction.

I turn my head to meet the dark gaze of a man standing by a pickup truck in the parking lot. I vaguely realize there are two guys flanking him, but I can’t take my eyes off of him.

Our eyes catch and hold before I do something I haven’t done since Craig and I started dating—I admire another man. And God, is there a lot to admire.

He’s handsome as all get out with dark, come hither eyes, a square jaw with a day-old scruff, and kissable lips.

His t-shirt stretches across his broad shoulders and solid chest. I swallow and keep looking down to his abs—that I would bet on my life are a six-pack—and then down to his worn jeans, which fit him like a glove. I swear I go into a lust-filled haze before I drag my eyes back up to his face. His dark eyes fill with a combination of humor and surprise, and I quickly spin and race over to the nearest crosswalk.

As I wait for the light to change to green, I silently berate myself.

Did I just seriously lose myself over a complete stranger?

I did. I actually did.

I take a deep, slow breath. Time to return to reality, Hannah.

The light turns green, and I cross the street and head for the courthouse.

Chapter Three

Maverick

“Are you sure about this?” Colton surveys the back of my pickup truck as he, Dylan, and I stand in a parking lot across the street from the courthouse in downtown L.A. “L.A. to Chicago is a long drive. Especially on your own.”

“I’ll be fine,” I say. “I could use the time before I officially start my rookie season.”

Colton runs his hand through his mess of blond hair. “You’ll definitely have time to think. You’ve