Maybe some of Elias’s lawyer arrogance showed outside of the office, but she didn’t mind. She respected him. Years of gaslighting from Drew Maddox both on and off the ice had affected her self-esteem and well…everything. Sometimes, she wondered if not getting closure, not speaking up, had held her back. Mom and Dad had told Tasha she shouldn’t go public with her side of the story. They’d been concerned about her and how the news might effect Alek’s hockey career, that was just taking off back then. Her bad press had looked bad enough, but a full-out war in the public eye would’ve been worse. As Drew’s innuendos aka lies continued over the years, she kept quiet, but now that he got her fired…
Staying quiet might not be the best thing. Alek was a superstar. Not even a spoiled skater like Drew Maddox could touch her brother now. But she didn’t want to think about him with Elias right there.
Tasha reached for her glass. “I know something you should do.”
“What’s that?”
“Go to Wishing Bay and make a wish for what you want.”
He laughed. “Is that a thing where you come from?”
“Yes.” It was one of her favorite things about her town. “A legend claims if you find a piece of sea glass, make a wish, and toss the sea glass into the bay, your wish will come true.”
“I’d rather keep the sea glass.”
“But the wishes come true, and sea glass only sits there.”
“Have you tried it?”
Tasha didn’t hesitate. “It’s worked for me and others.”
“What did you wish for?”
“Since it came true, I can tell you. I wished to win a medal at the Winter Games.” Tasha stared at the uneaten brownie before meeting his gaze. She forced a laugh, hoping it didn’t sound fake. “I should have been more specific and said a gold medal. Lesson learned.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He glanced at something in the kitchen. “It’s not late. Want to watch a movie? You can help me eat the delicious desserts you brought.”
Tasha hesitated. She’d never felt such a strong connection to someone the way she did with Elias. They had more in common than she imagined they would, and their conversation over pizza hadn’t been superficial. The last time she’d felt this way with anyone had been with Drew, and that spooked her.
Tonight felt like a date.
She wanted it to be a date. That was a huge problem.
Tasha stood. “Thank you, but I need to go.”
With that, she left the table and went to put on her boots and jacket.
“Tasha?” Elias called out.
She was afraid if she looked back at him, she would stay, and she…couldn’t. Not now when her life was not only at a crossroads but a mess. “Good night.”
And then she bolted.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“You’re in a rotten mood. Difficult client?”
Elias glanced up from his monitor to see Dad standing in the doorway. “I’m busy.”
The truth, but hewasalso in a foul mood. His mood had nothing to do with the ever-increasing pile of work and everything to do with one person.
Not a client.
Tasha.
Last night, he’d wanted her to stay longer. He hadn’t cared if they watched a movie or each other, but then she’d bolted out of his house before even Higgins realized what was happening. That included putting on her boots and coat, which took some skill. He had no idea why she’d taken off so quickly. That left him confused.
She hadn’t texted him.
