He left.
The door behind me closes, leaving me in darkness.
Slowly, I back toward the now closed door I just came through. But I don’t bother turning to open it. Instead, I press my back against it, staring out into the dark garage as I use the wood to slow my descent to the floor.
My chest aches, my guts twisted with anxiety and fear as I go over the plethora of worst case scenarios in my head. Trouble borrowed from the future to further torment me in this moment even if the majority of these options make no sense at all.
Because Ren is not the one with communication issues here. That is quite obviously me. Ren is an advocate for clear, concise communication at all times.
“Communication, princess,” I mutter to myself as I reach into my jacket for my phone. “Communication, communication, communication.”
I close my eyes as I pull it out, hold it in front of me. Hesitating, I consider putting it back, maybe tossing it to the side, smashing it on the ground. Anything to avoid the chance that there is no message.
“Fucking stop it, Cassidy,” I scold myself. “You did this shit so the least you can do is own the repercussions.”
With a final nod, I peek an eye open then frown when I have to open both eyes to be able to make out the notification screen.
Sure enough, a text blinks back at me, a subtle beacon of light in the darkness around me.
Ren: BBS
A sob of relief escapes. Hugging my phone to my chest with one hand, I use my free hand to pull his jacket from the rail, grateful he forgot it there, again. I wrap it around my front, finding some peace in his scent now wrapped around me.
Then I lean my head against the door with a shuddering sigh.
And I wait.
21
SURPRISE! AGAIN!
REN
I wasn’t goingto go anywhere, but I was so infuriated I figured it would be best if I put some distance between us. Not because I’m worried I’ll do or say something I will regret. More like I’m worried Cassidy will do or say something else that she will regret.
And being in a mood meant it would be a good time to deal with the other thorn in my side who had been blowing up my phone since I made my big statement in the locker room.
Conrad Logan.
Knowing he’ll still be in his office, I head directly there. I’m somewhat surprised he didn’t show up at practice and demand to see me, but I suppose that was more strategic on his part, not wanting his team to know I married his daughter without his permission. Or knowledge even.
Just as anticipated, he’s behind his large oak desk when I arrive.
He doesn’t look up at first, taking his sweet ass time finishing whatever email or report he was working on. After a few long,drawn-out minutes, he makes a couple of last thwacks on his keyboard and then sits back in his chair abruptly. He eyes me, lips pressed together, hands steepled in front of him as if he’s trying to come with some big statement that is going to intimidate me. Finally, he says, “I hear congratulations are in order.”
I blink at him, quirk a brow. “Where’d you hear that from?”
Conrad matches my expression then sighs and shakes his head. “Now is not the time to fuck with me, Ren.”
I think it over for a moment, consider continuing to fuck with him because it is kind of fun. But then I take a good look at him, note the dark circles under his eyes, the dull look in his eyes. The man is obviously exhausted. “Shall I sit?”
Conrad extends a hand toward the chair across from his desk. “By all means, please do.”
I seat myself in the chair across from him, fidgeting around as I attempt to get comfortable and fail. This entire situation is uncomfortable, and no amount of fancy chairs and general small talk is going to make it less uncomfortable.
But this man is watching me without even a speck of hostility in his eyes. No tension in his shoulders, no worried lines on his face.
I don’t trust it. Not for one minute, so I ask, “You’re not going to accuse me of taking advantage of your daughter?”
