"Teo?" My brows furrow. "You mean Teo Kirby?"
"That's the one," she growls. "What'd he pay you to torture me?"
"Don't know him," I murmur, stroking her cheek. "I just know the man's name. And I haven't discussed you with anyone else."
"Great," she grumbles. "So you decided to torture me all on your own. How thoughtful."
"Babe," I say, laughter rumbling from my lips. "This isn't torture."
"Oh, really, Mr. I Don't Share?" She glowers at me, her expression hot enough to start forest fires. "Then why is it that I hear no mention of you being a loyal partner? I guess that doesn't fit your agenda, does it?"
"So…let me get this straight," I say, grinning like a madman. "You're upset because I didn't say you wouldn't be sharing?"
"What? No. That's beside the point."
"Nah, I think that's the whole point."
"Whatever," she mumbles, avoiding my gaze, but I've got her number now. I see what's going on here. She likes me, but she doesn't trust me. I'm guessing she represents one too many athletes who can't keep it in their fucking pants, and taking a leap with me makes her nervous as hell because she doesn't know if I'm just another asshole like half of them.
"Look at me, Emelia."
She ignores me.
"Look at me."
"Fine," she growls, turning to glare at me. "What?"
"You won't be sharing, baby," I say softly, my eyes locked with hers so she knows I mean it. "You know my name isn't ever in the press with anyone else's. You know there's no gossip about me fucking around. I'm not interested in being that guy."
"Why not?" she asks like she genuinely wants to know the answer. I think it matters to her.
"My mama raised me better than that," I say frankly. "I didn't spend my whole life on the ice just to become some fucking scandal once I made it to the league. I spent it on the ice to ensure she and my dad never had to worry about my little brother again."
Her gaze softens. "He has a heart defect, right?"
I'm not surprised she knows that. She probably did all sorts of research into me before agreeing to meet with me. But even a cursory search would have turned it up. I've been a spokesperson for a nonprofit focused on heart defects since my rookie season.
"Yeah, amongst other issues." My parents worked their asses off to keep me on the ice and to ensure that Rain had the best care possible. Now, they don't have to work as hard. They finally get to enjoy life without constantly worrying about bills.
"My mom has leukemia," Emelia whispers.
"I heard about that." I place my hand over hers on the table. "Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, right?"
"Yeah. She was diagnosed when she was eleven. She's fallen out of remission more than a few times over the years." Her lips tremble. "She didn't tell my dad until she accidentally got pregnant with me because she didn't want him messing up his career for her."
"I'm sorry, babe."
"Me too," she says softly. "It worked out for them in the end, but it hasn't been easy for her. He makes it easier."
"Your family is important to you, aren't they?"
"Yeah, they are." She smiles up at me, her expression soft. "They mean everything to me."
"Then you know how much you'd sacrifice for them. I'm the same way, Emelia. I didn't go pro so I could fuck around. I went pro because it was my turn to take care of them." I tip her head up. "I don't care what kind of athletes you're used to dealing with, I'm not them, babe. I'm not going to break your heart if you give it to me."
"I…" She stares at me for a long moment and then nods slowly. "Fine. I'll give you a chance."
"Yeah?" I grin at her, my heart thumping unevenly. "You mean it?"
