“Good morning, Rex!” I call to the startled security guard.
“I’ll be in touch, Holly!” Mr. Grant calls after us but I’m already moving toward the entrance, practically dragging Holly behind me.
“Viktor, slow down, please!” she whispers.
I do but I can’t look at her yet because I’m so fucking mad.
“Viktor?” She says my name softly, like she’s afraid of what I might do, and I finally slow down enough to face her.
“I am sorry,” I say gruffly. “Your father…” I go off in Russian, saying all the things I can’t properly express in English.
She watches me, letting me vent, and I finally let out a breath.
“I am angry,” I explain needlessly.
“I can see that. I’m sorry. I warned you my father would be difficult.”
I scowl. “He is…impossible!”
“I know.”
“Come. Is good you are here—you must speak to HR about health insurance and other items. Will be good time for you to do this. Then West or Bodi will take us home.”
“Are you going to be able to practice without your stuff?” she asks as we walk inside.
“My equipment is here. I have no…soap or clean clothes, but this is okay. I will manage.”
My hand is still closed around hers as we walk down the hallway toward the elevators and the first person we run into is my head coach, Jamie Teller. He’s a good guy, in his late thirties, and so much better than the coach we had for the first half of the season.
“Viktor.” He turns in surprise and then smiles at Holly. “Hello. I’m Jamie Teller.”
She smiles back. “I think we met briefly at West and Serena’s wedding, but I’m Holly Grant. Well, I guess Holly Maslak now.”
“Congratulations.” He glances at Viktor. “I thought you weren’t coming today?”
“My fault,” Holly says quickly. “My father—Senator Franklin Grant—showed up unannounced and made a nuisance of himself. Luckily, we’re moving into a gated community soon so that won’t happen again.”
“Your father is…Senator Grant?” Coach Teller seems surprised by this but quickly masks his expression.
“I know.” She shrugs. “I don’t share his policies or ideals. I didn’t even vote for him.”
He chuckles. “Well, it’s nice to see you. Do you guys need anything?”
“I will take her to HR,” I say quickly. “Then I will be ready for practice.”
He nods. “See you later.”
We’ve just gotten to the elevator when my backup goalie and roommate, Simon Lacroix, grins at us. “Hey, you two! What are you doing here, Holly?”
“Going to see HR,” I repeat. “See you later!”
I practically yank her into the elevator and she lands against my chest with a little thud.
“Oh!” She loses her footing but I catch her with my arm around her waist. Her hands are flat against my chest and as she gazes up at me, eyes wide with surprise, body warm against mine, I have the incredible urge to kiss her.
Her lips are parted, almost like she’s expecting the same thing, but I’m not sure if this is the right move. Kissing her is not part of the deal. Is it?
Before I can decide, she steps back.
