The second Bennett leaves for practice, I start spiraling again.
I can’t believe I agreed to this. Me traveling with the team right now is a very bad play. Being in such close proximity to him — all eyes on us — is the last thing in the world either of us needs.
Instant pressure cooker.
Even if Bennett manages to keep himself under control, his brothers will know something’s up in less than five minutes. Guaranteed.
And if we survive the brothers, there’s the rest of the team. Plus my dad. Coach Keller. Assistant coaches. The PR staff.
This is an awful idea.
Not to mention my actual job, the one I’m paid to do.
I grab the stack of file folders and a legal pad off my desk, shove them into my bag with my laptop. I guess I’ll be working remotely. Again. The plane better have good Wi-Fi.
Heart racing, I hurry to the bedroom to pack my suitcase. I throw in way too much stuff, stress-overpacking. Jeans, blouses, several dresses, heels, leggings. Shoving all the clothing into the bag, my pulse slows down a bit. At least I’ll be prepared in the wardrobe department.
I’m finally zipping up my suitcase when my phone buzzes with a text.
Doorman: delivery sent up
I head to the door and swing it open. Another huge bouquet of flowers, this one all-white peonies. Bending down, I pick up the vase and carry the arrangement into the condo. I set the flowers on the island with the others and pluck out the card.
Good night, Tori. Try not to think about me. — B.
Jerk.
Because of course I’ll be thinking about him.
The man sent me three bouquets of flowers in one day. He has no chill.
And I kind of love that about him.
Oh shit. I need to stop thinking like this.
The next week is going to be hockey, hedge funds, and as much distance as I can possibly put between us.
Because I don’t trust myself to be near him and act normal anymore.
There’s too much between us now.
There’s no way this situation’s going to turn out fine, no matter what Bennett thinks.
Tomorrow at 7:30 AM, my father’s car will pick us up and the real test begins.
Now, it’s no longer about keeping Bennett contained. It’s about keepingusout of the spotlight.
“Morning, Sunshine.” Bennett’s standing at my door in his team sweats, fresh, energized, and hot as hell.
“Off to a good start. You’re ten minutes early.” I step aside to let him in, fumbling with the clasp of my necklace.
“Don’t want to keep Mr. Prince waiting.” He drops his duffel on the ground. “Here. Let me.”
I spin around and his fingertips brush mine, sending hot sparks skittering through me. Taking the ends of the necklace, he easily hooks the chain around my neck. He rubs a light circle at my nape with his thumb before leaving my skin, and my body betrays me, going warm and weightless.
It’s going to be a long day.
“Thanks.” My words come out breathy, and I’m unsteady.
