“Are you sure you want to do that?” she asked, her brows pulling tight. “I mean, I’d love that, but I don’t want to make things weird…”
“Why would they be weird?” I asked.
“Because, you know, I’m your employee. And younger.” Her smile grew. “And so fun and interesting,” she teased. “While you like to watch stock tickers and talk about ROI.”
“Hey, don’t knock stocks. My company shares helped build the Wildcatters.” I stared deep into her eyes. “I love you. I want everyone to know that I plan to build a life with you. The fact that we met because you came to work for my organization just means we were meant to be together.”
Her eyes went hazy, and she melted against me. “Okay. Let’s let everyone know you’re mine.”
Chapter 30
Zaila
Four days later, the Houston skyline glittered like a mirage as our plane descended. I pressed my forehead against the cool window, watching the city grow larger, my stomach twisting with excitement and anxiety.
“You okay, Rookie?” Gunnar’s warm hand covered mine on the armrest. “I know it’s sooner than either of us wanted to come back, but there wasn’t enough time to reschedule the Gunnar the Goalie challenge. This is the Wildcatters’ only long weekend at home for the rest of the season.”
I turned to him, drinking in the sight of his rugged features softened by concern. I offered a smile that I couldn’t quite make real. “Yeah, I know. I guess I just have a lot on my mind.”
His blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “Nervous about the charity event?”
I shrugged, not quite ready to voice the actual source of my unease. “It’s a big deal, your return to goal.”
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through me. “I’m going to be just fine.”
“Oh, I know that. I’ve seen you play.”
As we taxied to the gate, my worry increased, exacerbated by everything that waited for us, for me. I’d have to go back to my parents’ house, figure out what to donate, what to keep, settle in with the memories, knowing I would never make more…
That task weighed on me even more than whether my colleagues would see me as sleeping my way to the top after Gunnar made his announcement about our relationship. I thought I’d moved past that worry, but now…the mere idea made me want to hide. Jay had already insinuated as much when he’d “caught” us together a couple of weeks ago.
The terminal’s muted bustle was a stark contrast to the peaceful solitude we’d left behind in Sweden. Gunnar’s hand rested on the small of my back as we navigated the thin throng of businesspeople wealthy enough to fly private, a gesture both protective and possessive. It sent a thrill through me, even as it deepened my uncertainty.
How public should we be? I knew there were pictures of us together; I’d seen a couple online when I’d checked my email. Still, as I glanced over at Gunnar’s closed-off expression, the memory of our time at Höga Kusten felt like a dream. I wasn’t sure those beautiful days would survive in the harsh light of reality.
Gunnar’s brow furrowed when he glanced down at me. “You sure you’re all right, Z?”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Just jet lag, I think.”
But as we entered his spacious living room a little while later, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city, the weight of reality crashed over me. This was Gunnar’s world—a world of wealth, power, and scrutiny. A world I wasn’t sure I belonged in, where I wasn’t sure I wanted to belong.
I was just an orphan.
Orphan.
That word. It was back, eating at me. I hated it. Hated myself for letting it burrow into my mind.
“Make yourself at home,” Gunnar said, dropping our bags by the door. “I’ll order some food. Any preferences?”
I shook my head, still looking out the window. The city sprawled before me, a maze of lights and shadows. Somewhere out there was the life I’d allowed Gunnar to whisk me away from. It felt a million miles away.
What must Jay think of me now? What about Tim? The rest of the team? I hadn’t given a single thought to my coworkers until this moment, but they had to be irritated by my special treatment. I hadn’t even told them I was going away.
Gunnar’s arms slipped around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Penny for your thoughts?”
I leaned back against him, savoring his warmth. “Just...processing, I guess. It’s different here.” The pressure pinged at me from all angles.
He kissed my temple. “Different doesn’t have to be bad, you know.”
