Like I told the fellas, I have to make things right between Bree and me. Not to mention my nana will have my hide if I don’t. But more importantly, and at the very least, I need my best friend back.
I arrive at the arena well after the rest of the guys get there for practice, but with time to spare before my physical therapy session with Hannah. It takes forever for the elevator to reach the third floor. I thrum my fingers on the side of my leg, waiting for what seems an eternity for those doors to open.
Our general manager stops me on the way to Bree’s office. “Wade, how’s the groin?”
In normal circles, this would be an awkward question, but not in the hockey world. Zach Keller was a killer on the ice and dealt with several injuries himself until a knee injury ended his career, so I know he understands.
“Getting better every day. I’m hoping Hannah will clear me for the game on Saturday.” I glance down the hallway for any sign of Bree.
“Good. I’m looking forward to seeing you back out there.” He pats my arm and then continues toward the elevator.
When I reach Bree’s office, she’s not there, so I head to Harper’s desk to see if Bree’s in a meeting with Rebecca, the owner.
“Hi, Wade! How are you feeling?” Harper stares up at me with genuine concern pinching her face.
“I’m good. Thanks for asking.” Attempting to appear cool, I tap my index finger on her desk. “Is Bree in a meeting?”
She shakes her head. “She went downstairs to grab us coffee. She’ll be right back.”
“Great. Okay if I wait in her office?”
“Sure. I’ll let her know you’re waiting for her.”
Harper’s next words stop me in my tracks.
“I’m really looking forward to having Bree as a roommate. Do you know what her favorite snack is? I thought I’d stop at the store on the way home and grab a few things to make her feel welcome.”
I turn to face her. “Roommate?”
“Yeah, we just figured it out. The timing was perfect, too. My roommate moved to California with her boyfriend last month. I was about to give up my apartment and move back in with my parents, which would have been a nightmare.”
She shudders at this, reminding me of what went down with our former GM, who’s also Harper’s father. The man treated his own daughter like trash while he tried to manipulate the team for his own gain.
She gives me a sheepish look. “Hope you don’t mind my stealing her.”
Feeling the air in my arguments deflate, I pull on the back of my neck. “No, that’s okay. I knew she couldn’t stay with me long since I don’t have a spare room.”
Holding her hands up, Harper smiles. “And I do! See? It’s perfect.”
I nod, then turn around to head to the elevators. There’s no point in talking to Bree now. She landed in what I hope is a safe place, and something in my gut says I need to let her go—let her find her own way, no matter how much I want to jump in and fix things for her.
Harper’s voice calls from behind. “I thought you wanted to talk to her. Should I tell her you were looking for her?”
I turn briefly, shaking my head. “Don’t bother. I’ll catch her later.”
“Okay.” Her expression turns puzzled.
She can imagine whatever she wants. And I’m sure she’ll mention that I stopped by.
Not certain what I’ll say to Bree now, aside from a very sincere and necessary apology. And I’m the one who wanted to find her a place as soon as possible, so I didn’t have to constantly hide my feelings for her when she was so close.
Close enough to touch but not available…or interested.
I should be relieved.Really.
Too bad I’m not.
Chapter Seventeen
