The guys all come to thank me before they leave. Connor is the last one left, stacking the meditation cushions against the wall near my others. I make my way over to him just as he places the last one on top.
“Hey, Connor, any idea where Niko is? I thought he was coming to this session.”
Connor turns toward me, his face never showing any hint of emotion. This guy is one of the most serious, quiet dudes I’ve ever met but he’s an absolute force on the ice so I don’t question it for a second.
“He was planning on coming but something happened with his parents and he couldn’t leave Sophia. The childcare at the rink isn’t open yet.”
My hand finds my necklace, a nervous habit I’ve never been able to kick and worry bubbles to the surface, despite knowing he and Sophia are okay.
“Childcare is the last thing he should have to worry about on game day. Do you know when childcare opens? Will he be able to come to my third session?”
Connor smirks at me, and in total disbelief at the crack in his façade, I drop the charm of my necklace.
“You worried about Cap, Sadie?”
I put my hands on my hips in defiance before responding. “Am I worried about the captain of the team I’m supposed to be helping prepare for their first playoff game today? Yeah, Connor. It’s my job to worry.”
Connor puts his hands up in front of him and slowly backs up toward my door.
“Right, right. Of course it is. But to answer your question, I don’t think it’s open for another hour. So I don’t think he’ll make it to your next session either.”
Damn it. Of all the people on this team, Niko is one who has the most going on in his personal life. I know he’s been doing meditation at home, but this added stress today is the last thing he needs.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m rushing to my bag and pulling out my phone.
Hey Niko. I just talked to Connor. Sophia is more than welcome to join us at meditation. I think it would be good for you to come. I’d love to have my little assistant back for a session.
My foot taps as I stare at the three dots on my screen.
What feels like an eternity passes before my phone vibrates in my hand and his message finally comes through.
Niko
Are you sure? I don’t want to mess it up for any of the other guys.
This fucking man, always putting everyone else first. I understand he’s the captain and he carries the needs of his team on his shoulders, but as always, he’s not taking care of himself and expecting he’ll be able to lead the team anyway.
Instead of telling him everything I’m thinking, I send a simple reply.
I’m sure.
His response comes instantly this time.
Niko
On our way.
Sophia comes charging into my office ten minutes before my last meditation session is scheduled to start. She runs full force into my legs and her energy is contagious. Because of my lack of height, I’m able to give Sophia a decent hug as she stays latched onto my legs like a koala bear.
“Dang, girl. You almost knocked me over! You ready to help me out today?”
She finally releases her hold on me and stands at attention as if she’s a soldier. “Yes, ma’am!”
Niko’s low rumble of a laugh catches me off guard, and I look up to find him watching the adorable interaction happen from my doorway. My mouth immediately turns dry at the sight.
He leans against the doorjamb, and everything I’ve ever read in my books comes to life right before my eyes.
His arms are crossed, making his biceps bulge underneath the black dry fit T-shirt he’s wearing. His feet are also crossed at the ankles, and I’m suddenly a fan of calf muscles. Good lord, who knew they could be so sexy? But what causes me to nearly choke trying to swallow are those damn eyes. They burn into mine and send chills down my body all the way to my toes.
