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)
“We’ll keep your leave quiet while the review is being performed,” Fielding says. “In the meantime, please hand over your keycard, and I’ll escort you out of the building.”
“Is that necessary?” Roman asks.
“It’s okay.” I squeeze his hand.
“You’re treating my wife like a criminal.”
“We’re treating her the same way we would any coach who marries a player without going through the proper channels.” Shilpa pushes her chair back and looks at Lexi. “You being married to Roman might save your job, but I sincerely hope you’re ready for the battle you’re about to face.”
“I know. And he’s worth it.”
“That’s the right answer.” Shilpa leaves the office.
Vander Zee exhales harshly through his nose. “I need to brief Boxer and Thomas before practice.”
I pass over my keycard and ID badge.
“I’ll walk Lexi out,” Roman declares.
Fielding gives him a look. “I have to function as an escort.”
“That’s fine,” I say, trying to keep everyone level.
Roman is on the edge, and the last thing we need is him doing something that will get him benched. He takes my hand and leads me down the hall. And of course we run into Dallas and Ash on the way out. Their instant jaw drop is a sign of the challenges to come. At least their surprise means we did a mostly good job of hiding what was going on. Fucking Donnie…
Roman dips his chin. “I’ll see you guys shortly.”
I feel bad for them, because we’ve created one hell of a headache for both of their significant others.
The elevator doors open, and Kellan and Connor step out. Their smiles drop as they process the scene.
“Oh fuck. Holy shit.” Connor’s gaze volleys between us. “Wow.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I guess the heat is off me.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll watch your mouth, Grace,” Roman grinds out.
“I’m already down a coach. I can’t afford to be down a goalie and an enforcer.” Fielding ushers us past them and we step into the elevator.
The descent to the parking garage is tense and silent.
“Take my SUV,” Roman says while Fielding stands guard by the door. “I’ll get a ride to your place when practice is over, and we’ll figure things out, okay?”
I nod. My head is spinning, my stomach in knots.
“We’re in this together.”
CHAPTER 39
LEXI
Idrive home on autopilot. Aurora and Hollis took the girls to school, so the condo is already empty when I let myself in.
Everything is the same but different. I drop onto the couch. I need to call my dad. He’ll see that I’m not behind the bench tonight and have questions. I hate how much I don’t want to disappoint him. I pull up his contact and dial before I lose my nerve.
“Hey, Lexi, this is a surprise. Shouldn’t you be on the ice now?” Dad says in greeting. The clicking of fingers on a keyboard comes through the phone.
“Uh, yeah, but uh…things are a bit complicated.” Understatement of the year.
The clicking stops. “Is everything okay?”
“Um… Well, I have some news, and I’m not sure how you’ll feel about it.” My entire life I’ve sought his approval. If I could make him proud enough, he’d magically turn into the dad who would show up for me in ways that aren’t financial. But that’s an impossible ask, and I need to make peace with it, starting here.
“Are you and your sisters okay?”
“Fee and Callie are fine. I’m…I got married,” I blurt.
Silence follows. Long and heavy. “Did I hear that right? You’re…married?”
“Yes.” I explain what happened—although I gloss over what happened three years ago and focus mostly on joining the team, spending all this time with Roman, and my colleague going to management, which led us to yesterday.
“You want to be married to Roman, though?” Dad clarifies.
“I’m in love with him. Obviously, it would’ve been better if we could’ve waited until he was no longer with the team, but this seemed like the best way to protect ourselves and my career.” Although, at this point, I’ll accept whatever the consequences are. “We’ll have a ceremony in the summer with friends and family. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before it happened.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “It’s okay, Lexi. I wish I could’ve been there with you. I wish you felt you could have come to me first.” He clears his throat. “But if you’re in love and this was the plan regardless, then I’m glad you took action to protect both of you. How does this impact your role as assistant coach.”
“I’m on leave while they perform an internal review, and I’m not sure what will happen. We’ve gone against the team’s no-fraternization policy. It’s made that much more serious because I’m a coach and in a position of authority. And I’m a woman.”
“Your gender should have absolutely no bearing on this. But since you’ve made history as an assistant coach in your specific industry, you’ll be under a microscope.” He makes an irritated sound. “Aren’t there several players on that team who are in relationships with other members of the office staff?”