Close, but my context clues allow me the insight to correct her. “I think it’s more protective, actually.”
The correction leaves my mouth before I can stop it.
“I see.” Renee nods as she considers me. I’m worried that she might see a little too much.
“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you today. Owen’s been doing really well. I’m not sure how much more I can do for him.” The words scrape against my ribs on the way out. “It might be time to think about drafting a long-term plan, something your staff might be able to implement. He doesn’t need someone to shadow him, and people have moved on from the punch, and there hasn’t been a repeat incident.”
“True. You’ve done good work.” Renee rests her elbow on one arm of the chair and balances her chin atop her knuckles. The fingers of her other hand drum the plastic of the arm support. I’m glad that she seems to like me because she’s a hell of a lot more thoughtful than Dante.
“I’ve set up the events. Owen’s the one in the public eye. Other than organizing a schedule of appearances, I haven’t had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He’s awkward, but at least when he’s under pressure, he doesn’t run at the mouth like some guys.”
If anything, Owen keeps too much locked inside.
“True. He does have that going for him. As for ending your contract, I can bring it up with Dante, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”
“Of course not. I’d still want to work up some suggestions for your team. Owen’s particularly good with kids and animals, but I can get more specific in my notes.”
“I look forward to reading your report.” Her tone suggests that we’re done here, but the wrinkle between her brows hasn’t gone away. “I have to ask. When you say that Owen may or may not have done something to warrant this conversation, should we be concerned? Do you perhaps have another reason for wanting to move on?”
Now would be the perfect opportunity to spill my guts. I don’t know how Renee would react, but I get the sense that she’d be more understanding than Dante, or even Ezra. But I no longer see the point. If I can bow out of this agreement without causing problems for either of us, then I’ll buy myself some space. Maybe I’ll come clean to Ezra when all this is over and let him decide how to proceed. After all, if the clients are happy and Owen’s image is saved, then there’s no harm done, right?
It’s a little late to be bargaining with myself over this, anyhow.
I decide to reveal a different sliver of the truth. “Owen recently confided in me about some details of his personal life,” I say instead. “I have a better sense of why he reacted the way he did during that fight. He’s not aggressive; he’s reactive. Hockey’s a contact sport. I’m not justifying his initial behavior, but I’ve seen nothing to indicate that his reactivity follows him off the ice. He’s far from the only player to get swept up in the heat of the moment.”
“You trust him,” Renee summarizes.
The realization lands heavier when hearing someone else say it out loud.
I fold my hands in my lap. “I do. He’s a good man. I hope that the team will give him the chance to earn their trust back, too.”
The certainty in my voice surprises even me.
Renee sends me off with a promise to talk things over with Dante once things settle down. I take my notes and leave.
On my way out of the arena, I pass the skate shop. Owen’s inside, half-dressed in his base layer, leaning over his stick to tape it. I stand there, caught in the moment as I watch him work.
There’s something hypnotic about the quiet focus he brings to ordinary things.
I don’t know how long I’ve been standing there when a noise from behind me makes Owen lift his head. He smiles when he sees me, all soft and slow. Every time he looks happy to see me, my common sense loses another soldier. I’m not looking forward to telling him about the conversation I just had. For now, I think it’s best to let our conversation from earlier sink in.
“Hey, Remy!” Adler comes bounding up from the general direction of the locker rooms. “We missed you today! Want to come out with us? We’re getting pizza. Real carbs! It’s a miracle!”
Behind him, Owen’s eyes stay fixed on me the entire time.
“Not today, Adler, but thanks for asking. I have some things I need to wrap up.” I fight the urge to sneak one last peek at Owen before I leave.
Cara’s right. I’m in trouble. I’m going to finish this contract out, clean up my mess, and go from there. No more slip-ups. No more kissing. No more sex. No more waking up cuddled in Owen’s clothes. My body immediately objects to this plan.Which is apparently where my dignity finally draws the line. I let things go too far this time.
I make a solemn promise to myself that it won’t happen again.
The terrifying part is that I already don’t believe myself.
Chapter Twenty-One
Owen
Mama Bird:So, remember that electrician the roofer recommended?
