He pulls me into a bear hug and trots down the hall.
When I return to the locker room, the guys are focused, which means no daydreaming for me. But I got the girl and I can’t wait to go home to her. After sixty minutes, during which Coach doesn’t let us get lazy—even though the game is in the bag—we win, but the flight back is delayed.
While we wait around, Pierre says, “Hey, a friendly word of warning.”
I raise my eyebrows.
“I hope you know what you’re getting into. Being in a public relationship as an NHL player isn’t easy.”
“I know.”
“The women who want a selfie—that’s nothing. Wait until April has to deal with the spotlight snipers on social media. The women who think they have a chance with you. The constant scrutiny.”
My stomach twists because I saw how April reacted at the diner. The way she went quiet, withdrawn.
“She can handle it,” I say, but even I hear the uncertainty in my voice. The stress wrings me out like a sweaty towel.
“I’m sure she can. Just be prepared for it to get harder before it gets easier.”
Turns out, they’re the least of my problems.
Because of the flight delay, I’m late to the meeting with April at the Main Street location for the building tour. As soon as I’m on the ground in Omaha, I text her frantically.
Me: On my way.
April: It’s okay. The girls are here with me.
That should be a relief, but I told her I’d be there for her.
Me: Be there in 10.
I drive like a maniac—a safe maniac, but still—and screech into a parking spot on Main Street fifteen minutes behind schedule.
Through the window of the empty storefront, I can see April, Jess, Ella, Whit, Margo, Heidi, Cara, and Gracie—half the Knights WAGs crew has shown up. And standing in the middle of them all with her nose in the air is Sophia Snodgrass-Schuster.
This should be interesting.
I burst through the door, slightly out of breath. “Sorry, I’m late.”
April’s face lights up when she sees me, and that eases the tension in my shoulders. I cross to her immediately, pressing a quick kiss to her temple.
“You made it,” she breathes.
“Told you I would.”
Sophia clears her throat pointedly. “As I was saying …”
Sophia is clearly not thrilled that April has an entire entourage, but the girls are playing defense, subtly blocking her every attempt to be condescending or dismissive.
“The space needs work,” Sophia says, gesturing around. “Significant work. The electrical is outdated, the plumbing needs upgrading, and honestly, I’m not sure the infrastructure can support what you’re describing.”
“Actually,” Jess interjects smoothly, “my uncle is a structural engineer. He’s already reviewed the building specs. It’s solid.”
Sophia’s smile tightens. “There is also the issue of the?—”
Cara interrupts. “Yes, the electrical. My sister’s husband owns an electrical company. He’s willing to do the work at cost.”
April gasps as if surprised by their involvement. “Guys, I?—”
