“Most definitely.”
“I’ll bring a pizza.” She smiles, and then something…different happens.
As Bree stares at me, I get lost in her cornflower blue eyes. I can’t—and don’t—look away. And I’m done hiding what I feel for her. If it’s written all over my face, so be it.
We stand there, looking at each other as if we’re in our own little world until Ethan comes up from behind and pats me on the shoulder as he walks by, bursting our time bubble.
“Hey.” I barely give him a glance, loath to break the connection with Bree, but she’s staring down at her hands now. “See you around six?”
She gives me a vigorous nod and a small smile. “Sounds good.”
Walking away from her feels as if I’m trudging through water, each step a strain against the pull and the desire to recapture that look in her eyes. Did I glimpse something more than friendship swirling in their depths? Is Bree feeling drawn to me like I am to her?
Hope blooms in my chest. Before the turn leading toward the locker rooms, I look back at where she’s standing, but she’s gone. Yet the sense of something developing between us lingers like a promise.
Or did I just imagine it?
Chapter Nineteen
BREE
What just happened?
That’s the question I keep asking myself every step of the way back to my office.
All I know is I couldn’t tear my gaze away from Wade, despite the significant odor coming from his sweaty body. Whoever said there’s no stink like hockey stench wasn’t exaggerating.
I’ve seen him dressed in his goalie equipment many a time, but it’s not just his on-ice workout that made him such a hottie this time. The curl of his damp, unruly hair framing his face, along with his short beard and green eyes—I couldn’t look away.
Not to mention how he stared at me as if I rocked his entire world.
Has he looked at me like that before, and am I only noticing now? Maybe it’s the uniform—he fills it out better than he used to, that’s for sure. Or perhaps how he appeared so large and in charge on the ice during practice when I snuck down the tunnel to shoot some footage for the team’s social media channels? The man definitely has moves.
That has to be it. I’m simply impressed by how much he’s improved and mastered his skills and abilities. There’s a reason he’s the starting goalie for the Sun Kings.
When I reach my office, I settle into my chair to create some posts highlighting Saturday’s game and the three special events we have planned. I’ve posted teasers over the last week, but this one will motivate and excite the fans about voting on a name for the arena.
And I love the list of names I’ve curated from the players and staff. I open the email from Rebecca to read what she and Zach came up with in addition to the ones I sent them, and add their two suggestions to the final list.
A zing of excitement shoots through me as I prep the post for the team’s various social media channels. I enjoyed working for the Texas Stars—minus Chase, of course—but Iloveworking for Rebecca and Zach. I never imagined I’d find a workplace that’s so exciting and affirming all at once. Rebecca and Zach have made a point of telling me many times how much they appreciate my work and that I’m making a difference.
The Sun Kings—and Sarabella—feel more like home than Cedar Park. And now that Wade and I are back on a good footing, I feel like my life is finally coming together. No more dumpster fire.
As I’m about to upload my first post, which turned out super clever, my phone chirps. Most likely Wade trying to talk me out of bringing a pizza tonight. I’ll make sure I order a supreme so he sees I am consuming some veggies.
Only, it isn’t Wade.
Chase: Hey, doll. I know it’s been a while. Wanted to give you some space while you settled. Just checking up on the profile piece you promised me.
My pulse jumps into full overdrive, beating so hard, I swear my heart is halfway up my throat. My entire body clenches with panic, making it difficult to breathe.
Why is he texting me? I glance at the last text I sent that made it clear I was moving and never wanted to hear from him again. I should have blocked his number, but I thought for sure he got the message since I haven’t heard a peep out of him in weeks.
Bree: I told you that was a long shot. My connection at the magazine is no longer there. And I told you not to contact me anymore.
Chase: You owe me.
Bree: I owe you nothing, you cheating scumbag.
