A zombie emoji that made her grin.

Sun hasn’t set yet, but captain said it’s cold out. Meant to be picked up by someone from the club, but if he’s not there, I’m planning to book myself into a love hotel and play with all the erotic gadgets.

Catie stifled a giggle before quickly typing back a message: I’ve always wanted to try a love hotel. I saw one online that has a slide down to the bed. I mean, I could do a lot for a man who took me to a hotel where you literally slide in to bed.

Done, came the reply. I am now on the hunt for the slide. Gotta go, princess. They’re gonna let us off soon, so I better sort myself out. (They gave us free socks. I’m saving them for you to use to protect your stumps when you don’t want to wear your legs—they’re nowhere close to the proper type you usually order, but they’re seamless and kinda soft and stretchy, so might be good for lounging around. I know, I know, big spender.) xx

Catie rubbed a fisted hand over her heart and put down her phone. When she looked up, it was to see that Clive and Gloria hadn’t noticed her lack of engagement. She was glad of it, quite sure her face was the epitome of goofy right then. For Danny to not only remember her but to make her a priority?

Yeah, it meant something.

This wasn’t Danny’s first time in Japan, or even in Tokyo, but the city still hit like an adrenaline shot. All energy and huge skyscrapers and glimpses of ancient temples around unexpected corners.

The rep from the club, Takuro, was a junior medic attached to the team. His haircut was so edgy it was a razor blade, his handshake firm, and his grin wide.

The two of them hit it off straightaway.

Takuro pointed out various clubs and other hot spots as he drove them to Danny’s accommodation. “You’re not in the city,” he said in his flawless American-accented English. “Too disruptive for players here. But it’s less than thirty minutes on the express train, so you can visit anytime.”

“That’s fine.” Danny took a long pull of the pink sports drink he’d grabbed at the airport; he couldn’t figure out the flavor, but it was good. “I’m not planning on clubbing until my girlfriend gets here for a visit.” Yes, he was going to call Catie his girlfriend, and she could take it up with him when she arrived. “I actually want to see a lot of the older stuff—the temples and castles.”

Takuro shot him a startled look. “Really?”

“Yeah? Why?”

The other man shrugged. “Other guys your age who come to play, they want to go out and party. Tokyo has a big club scene.”