It was going to be a problem.When I was here last time, I’d noted that the couch was shorter than my six-two frame.But being close to Millie was more important than anything else.I needed to show her she could be comfortable with me.That meant not pushing back against her decision to go to work, and definitely not whining about the sleeping arrangements if she was letting me stay here.I didn’t need Ida Jane or Alyssa to tell me that; I’d figured it out the first time I’d brought up Millie coming back to Houston.
My conversations with Ida Jane and Alyssa had helped me understand how to better engage Millie so we could come to some decisions as a team.I was used to working in that environment on the ice; so transferring it to my personal life should’ve been a piece of cake.
Except I was a selfish bastard who liked the limelight.
Yeah, I’d done some soul-searching during the last weeks of the post-season.And, as much as I hated to admit it, Coach had been right about me playing impulsively—making myself look better on ESPN clips instead of considering what was best for the team.I’d been working on that.
That hard pill still seemed stuck in my throat sometimes, but it had also gotten me nods of approval from Coach Whittaker and cuffs of appreciation from Cruz.If I could do it for my job, I could also be more methodical and present for my family.
Fuck me.Everything I’d ever wanted was in this room.I just had to convince Millie to stay with me when we returned to Houston.How, I wasn’t sure.Mainly because I didn’t know why she wanted to stay away.
Millie stared up at me, her eyes more gray than green as she rolled over scenarios in her head.She began to mumble.I leaned in closer, hearing “methane is C-H-four.”
I bit my lip.Millie was building molecular compounds to calm down.I recited player stats.“Bree’s going to be an athletic chemistry nerd,” I said with a smile.“Man, I can’t wait to hold her.”
“You—you heard me?”
I shrugged.“Yeah.Luckily, it was one of the compounds I remember from this global-warming podcast I listened to.”
Her eyebrows rose.“You listen to science podcasts?”
“Love them.Always feel smarter afterward.”I shifted.“Erm…okay?”
Her face softened into a smile.“Definitelyokay.I love them, too.I’ll be back around five thirty or six.But I have to warn you, I get tired, and evenings aren’t my thing.”
“Nothing new about that.”I tapped her nose.“I remember you all owly eyed at dinner the other night.”
He’d called just as I was about to eat.Not wanting to ignore him, I’d answered.Luka had settled at his kitchen bar and eaten a snack with me.It had been homey…nice.
“Can the doorman downstairs help me out if I want to see the sights?”he asked.
“Of course.There’s a car service, and he can point you toward the local market or The Londoner, which has British food.”She shrugged.“It’s good but not Houston-restaurant level.”
I narrowed my eyes.“You’ve been eating a lot of curries and—what was it called?Lam…lamp…”
“Lamprais,” Millie said.She smiled.“I do enjoy the cuisine, but there are days I need an American fix.”
I tucked that tidbit away.“Well, I’ll grab some curry for lunch.Anything you want?”
She shook her head, her expression wary.Millie didn’t expect me to be here when she returned from work this evening.I saw it in her eyes.I wished she’d tell me why her ability to trust was shattered, but she wasn’t ready.I would not win her over in a night or two.I just hoped I had the stamina to wear her down.
“I’m sorry I can’t stay…”
No, she wasn’t.But eventually she’d see that I wasn’t going to hurt her.Not now, not ever.I had a strong suspicion that knowledge would help Millie lower her walls and finally take us seriously.
I needed this plan of mine to work, and I needed to make at least some progress soon.I only had a few months off.
Chapter6
Millie
Iexited my condo building onto the street, the blare of horns and exhaust from old cars causing me to choke.I ignored my shaking hands as I began my trek down the street.Luka is here, in my home.He’d flown to Sri Lanka to see me.Again.
He’d spent two days on planes and in airports so he could spend five minutes with his cheek pressed to my bump.
I tried to ignore how warm my chest—and other anatomy—had become when Bree responded to him.The way his eyes lit up as told me the trip had been worth it for that alone.
“Who does that?”I whispered.
