“Thank you, Mr. Evaldson. And for the record, the admiration is mutual.”
He chuckled as he stepped forward to shake Paxton’s hand. Then he leaned in and spoke into Pax’s ear. Pax’s eyes darted to mine. I waited, fingers laced at my waist, for Paxton and Gunnar to finish their moment.
Paxton gave a stiff nod and saidthank you. Gunnar offered a wave as he headed out.
“That man is a force of nature,” I said, staring after him.
“He thinks highly of you.”
I refocused on Paxton, surprised to hear jealousy in his tone. I opened my mouth to correct him, but then snapped it shut again.Let Pax stew. He deserved to wonder, to be uncomfortable about my situation. “He’s a nice man,” I said, unable to hurt Paxton. “At least he was nice to me.”
Pax nodded. “That’s because he likes your mind. So much so he’s thinking about creating a thinktank specifically so he can hire you.”
I saw the uncertainty in Paxton’s eyes, and my heart melted a bit. He was so confident on the ice. Even when it came to space, he more than held his own. Paxton had started his degree in astrophysics, and he’d made it through the first three years of the program before his agent had pushed him into the draft. Knowing Pax, he’d probably continued to take a class or two each semester; he wanted a college degree because he loved learning and experimenting. I was sure further education was in his future, and I could see him working for the space agency one day.
People might call him a dumb jock, but nothing could be further from the truth. He was brilliant both in mind and physical prowess, which was why I couldn’t fathom his continued interest in me. I wasn’t physically able any longer. The accident had taken something vital from me—my full range of movement. I tired easily, and I’d never run—let alone walk—without a limp. I was scarred.
“You ready to go?” Pax asked. “I thought you might want to drop your stuff at my place before we head down the street to Maxim’s for dinner.”
I nodded, though I contemplated my position as Paxton’s guest and having interviewed for a position thanks to his boss, and how that made me feel, even as Paxton and I bantered during the long, traffic-choked drive.
“Houston’s huge,” I said, looking out the window.
“It is. Surprisingly cultured, too,” Paxton replied.
“It’s just so…”
“Everything,” Paxton finished. “I know. You can find anything here—any food, any trinket, culture from all over the world. That is, if you know where to look.”
“You like it,” I said, surprised.
“It’s grown on me. I’ve always liked the Wildcatters. I was stoked when they traded for me because I knew I was coming to a well-run and well-respected team. Gunnar cares about hockey more than most owners.”
“Probably because his brother played for Sweden’s national team.”
Paxton shot me a look, eyebrows at his hairline. “He told you that?”
“Yes.”
“You know more about the man than any of my teammates, then. And Mac’s the closest to Gunnar of all of us.”
“Let me guess: you’re all intimidated by him.”
“Of course we are! He’s a billionaire! Our boss.”
“He’s just a man, Paxton.”
“That’s like saying you’re just a woman.”
“I am.”
“No,” he growled. “You’re much more thanjustanything, Hana. You’re smart, poised, beautiful. Hell, you have one of the richest men in the world playing your champion…”
I snort-laughed. “We have similar interests. That’s all.”
“Don’t,” Paxton begged.
“Don’t what?” I looked over at him.
