"No. He only deserves it if he was being forceful. Let him go."
"I'm just looking out for you."
"You're achieving the opposite," I say sharply, feeling mortified. "You're embarrassing me in front of my colleagues, in my workplace."
Coach Petrov storms in, his face contorted in anger.
“Marcus Chandler. My office. Now."
Marcus releases Tyler, his jaw tight. He looks at me like he wants to say something, but I turn away.
The crowd disperses slowly, everyone suddenly interested in their phones or the floor. I catch a glimpse of Declan near the weight room, his green eyes locked on me with an unreadable expression.
I flee to my office and lock the door. Two hours later, I haven't stepped out. I don't want to see people's pitiful or curious expressions.
There's a knock on the door.
"Dr. Chandler?" an unfamiliar voice says. "Delivery for you."
I crack the door open. A young man in a delivery uniform holds a bag that smells like heaven and a bouquet of white peonies so beautiful they steal my breath.
"I didn't order anything."
"Someone did."
He hands me the bag and flowers, then leaves before I can question him further. The card attached to the peonies is a cream cardstock with elegant handwriting.
Even invisible people deserve to be seen - King
My throat closes.
He remembered. I mentioned white peonies offhandedly once, telling him how my grandmother grew them in her garden and how I loved the fragrance.
And he remembered.
Inside the bag is Thai food from Lotus House, the upscale restaurant across town. My favorite pad thai, the one I mentioned two nights ago when King asked about comfort food.
He's paying attention to everything I say.
I eat alone in my office, the flowers sitting on my desk, telling me that somebody really sees me. Not as an NHL star's sister or a woman to hit on.
Just me.
My phone buzzes.
King:
Did you get the delivery?
Ivy:
How did you know I'm in the office?
King:
I took a guess. Did I overstep?
Ivy:
