Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
He hurls questions at us a million miles a minute, but to Cassidy’s credit, she takes it in stride. She offers a smile and a cute little wave but doesn’t say a word, allowing me to lead us to safety.
We get to my car, and I help her into her seat, shutting the door behind her and the never-ending questions. She’s safe. I just need to get us out of here.
“No comment,” I say, pushing my way to my own door.
I start the Jeep up and pull away on a groan. “I’m sorry about that. That doesn’t usually happen.”
She shakes her head. “I kinda figured I’d be subjected to paparazzi.” She blows out a breath. “If that’s how it always is, no wonder you don’t date.”
The truth is that’s one of the smallest reasons. She wouldn’t understand the more important reasons. Nobody would. “Actually, hockey players don’t usually have to deal with that.”
“Well, that guy seemed to think there was a story,” she deadpans.
“Regardless of whatever that guy thought, you did good,” I say, glad to see she’s not in hysterics like some women would be. “Handled it well.”
Even better, she’s not riding high on the spotlight. If she was, I’d be reconsidering this whole thing. Getting caught up in the limelight could change her mind about keeping this professional, and we can’t have that.
“Wanna grab a beer with the guys?”
“I could use one about now. It’s been a long few days.”
I make a left and head toward Matteo’s.
Long few days is right.
But regardless of that, I still feel calmer than I have in years, and I know I have one person to thank for that. Two if you include Mike for bringing Cassidy into my life.
I don’t know what it is about her, but just her presence alone works better than a Xanax.
14
CASSIDY
Butterflies swarm my belly, making it hard to walk, but despite my apprehension, I square my shoulders and allow Aiden to guide me into the bar.
The air inside the large space appears hazy as my vision adjusts to the dim lights. The sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses echoes around me.
Despite the fact that I’ve met the guys already, I feel like the walls are closing in. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I’m still shook from that run-in with that reporter. I imagine that guy was low-key in the grand scheme of professional sports, but it still rattled me. I can’t imagine how people dating football stars deal with it because if one local overzealous guy has me rattled, I’d never be able to handle a full swarm of paparazzi.
There is no preparing for that.
He places his hand on my lower back, leaning into my ear, and a shiver races up my spine.
“You okay?”
I nod, not sure my voice would work if I tried to speak.
This feels real. Too real.
Everything from the last few days is hitting me like a ton of bricks. It was nerve-wracking to go out with him in Birmingham, but at least I felt comfortable since I lived there. Now, in this new city, I feel like I’ve been thrown into the ocean without a life vest.
When I said yes to this crazy idea, I never considered what it would do to my psyche.
Being in his space.
Breathing the same air as him again.
I’m not prepared.
Not at all.
Being this close to him…
It brings everything back.
Today alone, the memories have been overwhelming. They’ve pounded at my brain, threatening to destroy the life I’ve made for myself.
I’ve moved on from my past. Made a life—even if it’s not much, it’s mine.
Can I really risk going back there?
I take a deep breath and look at the room around me.
Something I can see: The bar.
Something I can smell: The unmistakable fragrance of body odor.
Something I can taste: Nope. Nothing. But it doesn’t matter, the trick worked.
I’ve calmed down enough to start walking.
It’s funny that even now, his touch comforts me. After everything I’ve been through, I didn’t think it was possible. I’ve tried to find contentment in my boyfriends, but it never worked. It’s a bit annoying that my fake boyfriend gives me more comfort than any of the rest.
It’s because it’s him.
I shake my head, not wanting to think about what that means for my heart. Instead, I pay attention to where I’m at. Making my way through this crowded place.
I’m shoved by some meathead who isn’t paying attention, and my body stiffens. My legs turn to jelly, and that familiar fear creepy crawls its way in.
Aiden spins me around, crouching down to look into my eyes.
“Cassidy, look at me. I’ve got you.” He pulls me into his arms, and his mint and leather scent washes over me. It instantly soothes me.
I stay in his arms for only a moment, allowing myself to fully relax, and then push away from him.