Out of the Shadow by Jl Paul Read Free Book Online

stood. “Fine. We would have had to leave right after the game for our gig anyway – at least we still get to go.”
    Doug strode across the room to smack Cole on the back. “That’s the spirit. I’ll have the bus at the complex at eight so be ready.”
    “ Sure,” Cole said as he waved at the guys and left the room. He whipped his cell phone out of his pocket as he walked to his own room, anxious for Ally’s call. He figured she must be about done with her practice and he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.
    Just as he inserted his key card in the door, his phone rang. He grinned and answered it. “Hello, princess.”
 
    ***
 
    Ally spotted him, leaning against the checkout counter, chatting casually with the cashier. A bolt of jealousy struck her heart until Cole shifted and his eyes met hers. A slow, lazy smile spread across his face and her heart fluttered pleasantly. Her feet automatically carried her to him.
    “ Good morning,” she said, feeling like it was their first date.
    Straightening, he hugged her to his chest, inhaling the fresh scent of her hair. “Good morning. Are you hungry?”
    “ Starved,” she said as she moved out of his arms. “I just had some juice before practice.”
    “ Let’s eat,” he said, taking her hand.
    The hotel restaurant was small but clean. It was decorated in a weird sort of rooster theme – rooster statues on the counters, rooster paintings on the walls, even rooster appliqués on the napkin holders.
    “ Hm,” Ally said with a smile. “Interesting.”
    Cole laughed heartily, his eyes sparkling. “I bet my grandmother would love the rooster stuff.”
    “ Probably,” Ally agreed.
    A waitress came over and placed glasses of water in front of them. She smiled as she handed them their menus and took their drink orders. Once she left, Cole opened his menu and perused his choices.
    Ally watched him from over her own menu and noticed the slight crinkle in his forehead. Something was on his mind – bothering him – and he was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to spring it on her. Her heart ached for him and hoped that it wasn’t too terrible.
    She folded her menu and placed it on the table. “Cole?”
    “ Yeah?” he said, his eyes not leaving his menu.
    “ What’s wrong?”
    He set his menu down and furrowed his brow at her. “What do you mean?”
    “ I know something is wrong,” she said. “I can tell. So, just tell me what’s wrong, okay?”
    He smiled softly and held her hand on top of the table. “It’s nothing bad, princess, I promise.” She rolled her eyes and squeezed his hands. “It’s just that our venue tonight has a plumbing problem and we won’t be able to play. So, we’re moving out tonight so we can make some morning show in San Diego.”
    She nodded, her lip protruding slightly. She could feel disappointment burning behind her eyes but she managed to keep a brave face. “That really sucks.”
    “ We’ll be able to watch the game,” he said. “We just have to leave as soon as it’s over.”
    “ Okay, I understand,” she said, keeping the gloom from her voice. “I still get to spend some time with you this morning.”
    “ Yes,” he said, trying to maintain a happy demeanor. “I’m sorry, Al. I thought for sure that we wouldn’t be leaving until the morning and maybe I could sneak out and see you tonight.”
    She giggled and pushed her disappointment aside. She’d deal with it later and take advantage of the time she had with him.
    When they finished breakfast, he followed her back to the complex and they took a walk, stopping to watch one of the games. Ally kept up a steady stream of conversation, explaining about her teammates and how anxious she was about her game later.
    “ I’m glad you at least get to watch it,” she said when they stopped on the shady side of the concession stand. Leaning against the cool bricks, he tugged her closer.
    “ You’re so beautiful, Al, did you know?” he