“Right, Bree?” Wade stares at me, waiting for a reply to something I didn’t hear.
I startle back to the present. “Yeah, sure.”
My eyes dart between Wade’s puzzled expression and Rebecca’s curious one as I try to figure out what they were talking about. Maybe I should just confess I zoned out because Iwas trying to figure out why Wade was looking at me with such affection…and pride.
Yeah, that will make a stellar first impression.
Not. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat the question?”
“See? She’s thinking about her next great idea. She already hooked me into one of them. Win a date with a hockey player, right?” Wade raises a brow at me to let me know he’s trying to help, as usual.
“Right! I have a presentation prepared to explain several projects I think will not only encourage the fans to connect with the team more but also benefit the charities you—we—support.”
Rebecca flashes a smile at me. “Why don’t I show you to your office first, and then we can talk about your ideas?”
I grin brightly…maybe too brightly. “Great. I’d love that.”
And now I’m acutely aware of Wade’s hand resting on my lower back. I’m sure he’s done that a thousand times over the years, but this time his touch sends a warm tingle through me, and I find myself wanting to lean into the pressure and warmth of his palm.
He drops his hand. “That’s my cue to get to practice.”
I glance over my shoulder as he leaves, puzzled at the twinge of longing coursing through me as I miss his touch. Things between Chase and me were strained for months before I told him I was done. And it’s not like he was that attentive to begin with. Even when he did pay attention to me, he always made me feel like he was doing me a favor.
Rebecca gestures toward the doorway. “Shall we?”
Zach waves, but then settles into a chair in front of Rebecca’s desk while I follow her into the hallway.
A few quick steps down the hall, we reach a door, which Rebecca swings open, allowing me to enter first. The space is somewhat small with the bare bones of furniture—a metal desk, a simple chair like you’d see in a waiting room, and a bookshelfthat’s seen better days. It’s basic, but I’m sure I can liven the space up.
“This is just temporary until you pick out your furniture.” She approaches the desk and taps a manicured fingernail on the catalog sitting there. “Select whatever you need to make this a comfortable space, and Harper will order it for you. Don’t worry about the cost.”
The pointed look she gives me is convincing. “Wow, thanks. I appreciate that.”
“I’m a firm believer in having the right tools to do a good job.” She glances upward fondly. “This place needed a lot of work, but now it’s finally taking shape.”
I get the impression the structure isn’t the only thing she’s talking about. I’ve already noticed the vibe here is so different from what I’m used to. Something about it makes me want to settle in and stay forever. So far, so good.
Rebecca tilts her head. “If you don’t mind my asking, exactly how long have you and Wade known each other?”
A tingle of nerves bursts through me. “Practically all our lives. We grew up together.”
Her brows pop up for a moment in reaction to my reply. “You seem close.”
I can’t tell whether she meant that as a question or a statement. “He’s like my brother.”
There. That should settle any concerns she might have. I’m certain they have a policy about personal relationships between coworkers, although sheismarried to her general manager.
But it doesn’t matter. Wade and I are just friends. Like brother and sister. No reason for me to concern myself with what the company policy says about dating the players, because I sure as hell won’t make that mistake again.
Rebecca’s expression gives a definitive ‘if you say so’ vibe but thankfully, she seems content to drop it. “I have an appointmentin ten minutes, so why don’t you get settled, pick out what you need, and then we’ll regroup for a lunch meeting so you can show us your ideas.”
“Sounds great.”
She smiles and then leaves in a swish of elegance and floral perfume.
I pull out my laptop, place it on my desk, and then begin flipping the pages in the catalog as I push all thoughts of Wade out of my mind.
Or at least, I attempt to.
