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)
"Things to look forward to,” I murmur pushing the door to my office open. It’s so hard not to forget myself when we’re alone like this.
He frowns when he steps inside. “This is a storage closet, not an office.”
There’s not much room to turn around with the two of us in here, especially since Roman is so tall and broad. “It’s better than working in the living room or my bedroom.” I pat the executive chair. “Have a seat.”
“What about you?”
“I have a wobble stool under the desk.” I drag it out. It has a round bottom and I use it sometimes when I have more hours in a chair than I’d like.
"I’ll take the stool, you sit in the chair.” He motions for me to sit. His expression doesn’t leave any room for argument.
It’s almost comical how much he dwarfs the stool. He moves in close, one arm stretched across the back of my chair as I pull up the strategy plan and try not to focus on how close Roman is.
He takes control of the mouse, scrolling through the document. "This is fantastic, Lexi. You’re capitalizing on everyone’s strengths, giving rookie players time on the ice, rotating in seasoned players to make sure the lines are balanced. It’s a top tier strategy plan. All it needs is a few minor tweaks and you’re good to go.”
His praise makes my heart race. Next season I won’t have to worry about being alone with him. We could do this together all the time. He could be my partner in all ways. “You really think so?” I turn to look at him.
“You’ve got this,” he assures me.
“It’s nice to hear it from you,” I admit.
His expression softens. “You are brilliant, Lexi. A born leader on the ice. That I get to witness you soar during my final year with the Terror is an absolute honor. This is just the beginning for you.”
“I couldn’t do any of this without you,” I whisper.
“You could and you have.” His gaze heats. “And if I didn’t want to fuck you senseless all the time, I’d be sorry that I don’t get to stick around to see you really shine.”
My breath leaves me on a whoosh. We’re so close. Inches apart. If either of us leaned in we could deal with the wild, unceasing chemistry between us. But we can’t. Not again.
His eyes slide closed. “Fuck. Sorry. I’m not doing a great job of being on my best behavior.” He shifts his position, removing his arm from the back of my chair and refocusing on the screen. “What’s your plan if we’re leading in the third period?”
It takes a moment to switch back into professional mode. “Rotate Ryker in, if we’re leading, Palaniappa and Grace on the same line as Madden to give us the best scoring shot and the strongest defense.”
“Excellent. That’s smart strategy. It works with the teams’ strengths.” His smile is beautiful and affirming and sparks the neediest places inside me.
“Thanks.” His pride settles the deepest fears in me. He makes me feel capable, strong, sure of my path.
“See? You didn’t need my help. Trust your gut.”
“But it’s nice to have someone to toss around ideas with. And even nicer to have you here.” I make the tweaks to the strategy plan and email them to Vander Zee.
Roman stands and holds out a hand, pulling me to my feet. He wraps his arms around me, and I do the same. We stand there for a long time, neither of us willing to let go. I feel his lips on my crown. “I have to go.”
“I know. I can walk you out.”
He cups my face in his hands, eyes roving hotly over my face. “It’s better if you don’t.”
“Are you okay?”
“Hitting my limit on self-control. Counting down the days until I don’t have to put up walls when I’m around you. Be a good girl and wait until you hear the door close.” He presses his lips to my forehead. “Night, angel.”
“Night, Roman. Thank you for everything.”
“Thank you for trusting me.” He leaves me standing in my office, heart drumming in my chest, body aching. We didn’t cross the line, though. It should feel like a win, but all it does is make me long for what could be, if we can just make it to the end of the season.
CHAPTER 27
ROMAN
“Alex, it’s great to see you.”
“Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.” Alex Waters, hockey legend and huge inspiration, steps inside Hollis’s penthouse.
“It’s an honor.” Hollis shakes his hand.
“Hi. Hello. I’m Aurora, Roman’s daughter and Hollis’s girlfriend. We met last year at the gala.” Peggy is practically vibrating with excitement.
Alex’s smile widens. “I remember. That was a really fun event. My wife and daughter, Lavender, talked about it for weeks. We’re looking forward to attending again this year.”