Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Roman moves the lap tray for me and refrains from commenting on the mostly full plate.
“Roman?”
When his eyes lift, I see his love for me. “What is it, angel?”
“I would have married you any day. You’re more important than this job. I’d trade it all to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He crosses the room and with strong hands and a delicate touch, he tips my chin up. “I would do the same for you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.” His lips are a balm filled with promises only our souls know.
I disappear into the bathroom to shower. Roman is already dressed by the time I'm done, and my outfit is laid out on the bed. It’s my standard tracksuit for ice practice. Roman helps me into my clothes, then turns me around and expertly french braids my hair. It settles me in a way only he can.
He presses a kiss to the side of my neck. “Tonight, we can work out some of this nervous energy.”
“Something to look forward to.”
He links his fingers with mine and I follow him through the penthouse, taking in the massive space as we go. I slip my feet into my shoes and, hands still joined, we take the elevator to the parking garage.
Roman, ever the gentleman outside of the bedroom, opens the door for me and helps me in. Then he takes his place behind the wheel.
“How are you feeling?” he asks as he shifts the car into gear.
“Like I’m going to vomit,” I admit. The toast I ate sits like gravel. The unknowns are scary, but he’s my one constant.
He leans over and kisses my temple. “Everything will be okay.”
What will my future look like? I don’t want to start our life together unemployed. I don’t want to end up like my mother, who always had to rely on her partner to provide financial stability. There will be other opportunities, though. Other paths I can take if I need to.
He pulls into the parking lot at the head office. Regardless of Roman’s assurances and my mental pep talks, my stomach still feels like it’s trying to turn itself inside out. “Lexi.” He squeezes my hand. “I’m with you on this. You’re not alone, and you never will be again.”
“I love you so much,” I whisper.
“And I love you.” He presses a kiss to my lips before he gets out of the car.
I meet him at the hood and fall into step beside him. My mouth is dry, and my heart is a drum in my chest. I rub my rings as we step into the elevator.
We don’t speak as we watch the numbers climb. I’m sweaty and anxious by the time we reach our floor. But I roll my shoulders back and channel confidence I don’t feel, as Roman’s fingers press lightly into the dip in my spine, and we walk down the hall together.
The scarlet letter on my forehead is burning. Shilpa, who is carrying a file folder and a sleeve of crackers, frowns as we approach each other. She’s always been kind to me. Professional and polite in the office, and chatty and friendly when we’re at the Watering Hole. But she’s the team attorney, and currently she looks less than impressed.
“Morning, Shilpa,” Roman says jovially, like we’re not about to drop a giant bomb on the head office.
Her eyes drop to his left hand and then to mine. “Roman, Lexi. I’ll see you both shortly.” She disappears into her office.
“This is going to be rough,” I mutter.
“We’ll get through it,” Roman assures me.
We will. I know that’s true. It just doesn’t feel true.
Roman knocks on Vander Zee’s open door. The head coach drags his gaze away from the computer screen, glancing between us. The disappointment on his face is cutting in a way I didn’t expect.
“You wanted to see us?” Roman asks.
“Have a seat. Forrester. Hammerstein.” He motions to the conference table, then picks up the phone and dials an extension. “They’re here.”
Roman pulls out a chair for me and takes the seat beside me. He folds his hands on the conference table, wedding band clearly on display. I do the same and try not to crap my pants.
A moment later, Jamie Fielding enters the office and closes the door behind him. “There have been some allegations, which I questioned strongly. But if you’re coming in together, should I assume there’s merit in them?” Fielding slides into the chair across from us.
Vander Zee focuses on Roman’s clasped hands and then mine, eyes flaring. “You gotta be fucking kidding me.”
Fielding frowns at Vander Zee.
Vander Zee’s teeth grind together. “How did this happen?”
“Do you want to fill me in?” Fielding looks lost.
Vander Zee taps his own wedding band and nods to our hands.
Fielding follows his gaze. His eyebrows shoot up as he glances between us. “Well, shit. Is this for real?”