That he understands this, yet expresses his total support for Rebecca without pointing out the negative aspects, kind of blows my mind. An ache hits my heart along with a longing to have something like it in my life.
Someone who believes in me.
Chase said I was crazy for leaving the Texas Stars to work for myself. I thought it was because he wanted to keep control over me, which I’m sure was a big part of it. But maybe he thought I didn’t have what it took to succeed.
Wade believed in me. So much so that he recommended me for a job where he lives and breathes hockey. He didn’t seem that surprised when I got the position either. He had complete faith in me. Supported me. Let me move in with him, even though it meant he’d lose his bedroom.
Rebecca rises from her chair and leans into Zach. “We’re a team. I think the fans would love to see that.”
I literally bounce on my toes. “Yay! Oh my gosh, this is going to be amazing. Sarabella will not only be known for its beaches but for its hockey culture, too.” I pause as another thought hits me. “Plus, the fans need to see what a woman in charge of a sports team looks like.”
I think I almost made my boss cry.
Rebecca blinks, then smiles. “I’m all on board with that.”
After a few more idea exchanges on how to handle that, I zip out of her office to work on concepts for both of my ideas. Before I get there, I pull out my phone and send a text to Wade’s Nana.
Bree: Any chance you’d share your world-famous chocolate chip cookie recipe?
Nana: I could, but then I’d have to kill you. And I love you too much to do that. (laughing emoji)
Giggling, I glance up in time to avoid plowing into Wade, who’s walking on his own. “No more crutches!”
He shakes his head. “Don’t need them anymore.” He points to my phone. “What’s so funny?”
I press the screen against my chest so he can’t see what I’m up to. “Nothing, just texting a friend.”
“Oh?” He frowns at me. “Hope it’s not your loser ex.”
If he only knew how right he is about Chase, but I’m still not ready to talk to him about it. However, Wade’s tone riles something up in me. “That’s none of your business, Wade. And why do you assume he’s a loser?”
His brows shoot up. “He let you go, didn’t he?”
I open my mouth but can’t find the words. I’m too taken aback by what he said.
Wade shakes his head. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, cupping my face for a moment before dropping his hand. “You deserve better, Bree.”
My heart pounds in my chest. All I can do is stare at him because my brain’s still processing what he said. If Wade thinks I deserve better than Chase Langston, then I should believe him.
But my question?
Who exactly does he think deserves me?
Chapter Eleven
WADE
After that grueling PT session with Hannah, Barbier said he could run me home if I didn’t mind a few stops on the way. I’d much rather go home and grab a nap before the entire crew shows up tonight, but I wasn’t cleared to drive until today. So I guess I’m along for the ride.
I tap my fingers on the door handle, willing him to walk out of the store he zipped into ages ago. Why is a beer run taking this long? Just pick one and buy it, dude. It’s that simple. And this better be his last stop because I’ll barely have time to grab a shower at this rate.
Right when I’m about to crawl out of my skin, he finally walks out with a shopping cart filled with bags. The back of his car thumps as he loads everything, then he slides in behind the wheel.
I scowl at him. “I thought you were only buying beer.”
“And snacks.” He starts the engine.
“Is an entire pizza not enough for you?” My words drip with sarcasm because Barbie-man’s appetite for pizza is legendary. I once saw him eat a whole pepperoni pizza and then snack on a few slices of cheese pizza as if they were his dessert. He mustburn more calories than the rest of us because the man is a beanpole.
