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)
Fuck. I wish she was less beautiful, less incredible, less of a powerhouse woman, less of a siren in the bedroom. But she’s all those things and more, and it’s driving me up the fucking wall. “If that’s true why did you leave with no note?” It’s the thing that’s been eating at me.
Her expression grows pained. “I thought I was just a fun weekend for you,” she whispers. “That I was just one of many who got to warm your bed then be forgotten.”
“And what do you think now?” I grip the rail, struggling not to reach out and stroke her cheek, feel her soft skin under my fingertips, to give in to this overwhelming need.
“That I was wrong.”
Her fingers skim her collarbones, drawing my attention to her cleavage. Which I’ve had my hands and face buried in. And I also fucked.
I give her the look. The one that made her putty in my hands every fucking time. God, she’s just so full of fire. So infuriatingly in control, while I’m over here fighting to stay on the right side of the line.
“Do not look at me like that, Roman.” Her expression is resolute, but the waver in her voice tells a different story. “I’m your coach.”
I step off my treadmill and onto hers.
She backs up until she hits the control panel.
“I think you like it when I look at you like this, Lexi.” I grab the arm rails to keep myself from pulling her into my arms so I can reacquaint myself with her lips. Instead, I ask the still unanswered questions. “Why did you leave me in New York with cold sheets and no note.”
“I didn’t want to be just another woman after your fame.” She glances away. “I was barely starting my career and you were...bigger than life. I didn’t want to be a lifelong hockey fan who slept my way into my dream role.” Her expression is pained as her eyes meet mine. “It was the best weekend of my life, Roman. I was young and I didn’t believe you could possibly feel the way I did.”
I motion between us. “Do you still feel this chemistry the way I do?”
I don’t know what I was hoping for, but her guard goes back up.
“I’m your coach, Roman.”
My gaze narrows and my next words sound like a demand. “That’s not an answer, Alexandria.”
She exhales a shuddering breath. “Roman.”
“I want your truth.”
“Yes. I still feel it. Whenever you’re near me it’s all I can think about. It consumes me. You consume me. I’ve played out every scenario in my head a thousand times. Do you have any idea how badly I’d wanted to stay that morning? But I didn’t. All we have is here and now. You have to see how impossible this is,” she implores. “It doesn’t matter what I want anymore. My career would be over if I acted on these feelings.”
“You’re turning my world upside down.”
Her bottom lip trembles. “So are you. Again. Still.”
Knowing there’s the possibility of a future with her that’s currently out of reach is maddening. I want so desperately to find a way to have what I want. Her. Us.
We’ve both dropped our arms and moved closer, like our bodies know what they want and don’t give a shit that acting on that impulse will blow our lives apart.
“Roman, please,” she whispers.
I spin around and leave the gym before I give in and do something we’ll both regret.
CHAPTER 12
LEXI
Lexi
Are you sure I can’t bring anything else?
Hemi
Everything is covered. The dip and cookies are more than enough.
Hammer
Hollis ate half the salad I made last night while I was asleep.
Rix
I tested a bunch of new recipes so I’m bringing a LOT of food. Sorry and you’re welcome.
Tally
No cucumber salad, though, right? :Giggling GIF:
Hemi
Shilpa
Essie
RIP cucumbers.
Hemi
:cucumber dancing GIF:
Dred
You’re a bunch of deviants.
Lexi
???
Aprivate message from Dred pops up.
Dred
Don’t ask about the cucumber.
Lexi
Now I want to ask about the cucumber.
Dred
I promise you don’t. Also, Hemi has these things catered, so don’t stress about bringing stuff. See you soon!
Lexi
Looking forward to it!
I smile as I set the phone down and finish getting ready. I’m nervous about being around Roman without practice or a game to focus on, but I’m excited to spend more time with these women.
“The whole team is invited, right?” Callie has been bouncing on my bed for the last ten minutes while I agonize over the right outfit.
I’ve already answered this question several times. “Yup. The whole team is invited.”
Hemi and Dallas have organized a team barbecue. The first official game of the season is two days away. The rocky exhibition games have leveled out, thankfully.
I’ve been working with Palaniappa and Grace, who seem to be connecting. And while I haven’t managed to get either Flip or Grace to open up about their mutual disdain, I’m making gains with Grace on a personal level. He’s used to being a scapegoat and a problem, and I’ve learned that calling him on the negativity and then praising his good work goes a long way. And Vander Zee approves which always feels good.