Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
“I should go,” Dane says, moving closer to the ice.
“If you need me, let me know.”
I turn and walk away, blood still pumping heavily in my veins. Finally, when I make it to the hallway near the offices, I let out the breath I’ve been holding.
That wasn’t so bad . . . oh, who am I kidding? It was awful.
Why do I have to be so damn awkward?
I lean up against the wall, taking deep inhales to calm myself.
You know what? Who cares? Dane Sinclair doesn’t want me. Big deal. It’s fine. That’s his loss.
I need to focus on what’s important. Getting the job done, building a résumé, and getting the fuck out of Dodge.
That’s it.
I don’t have time for a handsome defenseman. No matter how skilled he is, on and off the ice. I have too much on my plate for his shit. Despite my reservations about coming to work for the Saints, I see the opportunity it brings, and I’m going to use it.
I’m going to kick ass and make a life for myself.
34
JOSIE
Yesterday sucked.
I’m not hopeful that today will be any better.
Lord, I’m late.
Something I try not to be. I might not be here of my own volition, but I intend to do the best job I can. I want to get a good reference and get out of here before things implode. Which should be very soon, judging by my dynamics with Dane. And sperm donor.
I turn the corner to head toward the locker room when I stop dead in my tracks.
“So, did you miss me?” A soft voice giggles.
My back goes ramrod straight, and every muscle in my body feels tight, like a rubber band ready to snap.
Who in the hell is this girl?
And a better question: why are her arms wrapped around Dane’s neck?
Breathe.
Throwing a shit fit won’t go over well. Kicking her ass won’t get me any brownie points either. This doesn’t change the fact that I want to rip her off him, bang my hands on my chest, and tell her he’s mine.
Wow. I’m pathetic.
What has gotten into me?
One kiss—okay, it was more than a kiss—and I’m already gone for this man.
I take a step forward from the shadows, where I’m hiding, and make my presence known.
This is a good thing.
He rejected me yesterday, and now he’s moved on. That means by the time the season starts at the end of the week on Friday, I’ll be over him.
The first game is an away game, with the Saints playing the Chicago Warriors. I’ll be going with the team, and since I wouldn’t know what that meant for Dane and me, I’d be worried and nervous all day. Yeah. This is a good thing. Now I know where I stand.
Time to rip the Band-Aid off on this awkward moment. I cough, and the girl turns to look at me. Her eyes narrow.
Shit. She’s gorgeous. With dark wavy brown hair and sun-kissed skin, she looks like she just left a beach. Probably to pose for a magazine, seeing how tall she is. Bitch. Well, what did I expect? Of course, Dane would date a supermodel.
A giant knot forms in my stomach, and I swear I can feel sweat forming on my brow. Is this his wife? Wait, he doesn’t have a wife. I’d know if he did, right? She’s also too young for him.
Actually, she looks my age. Double shit. Pot meet kettle. She’s perfect for him.
“Are you Josie?”
“Josephine,” Dane corrects, and I look from her to him. I feel like a fish out of water. I’m not sure how to answer.
“That’s me,” I try to put on a cheerful tone.
Then, the girl moves away from Dane and approaches me. Her arms are raised, and I brace for a slap, but that doesn’t happen. Instead, she launches herself at me and hugs me.
“Josie, it’s so good to meet you. Thank you so much for taking care of my brother when I was away.”
“Molly?”
“Duh. Who else can love this big, grumpy asshole?” She laughs.
Okay, heart, time to regulate. Passing out while in front of Dane’s sister won’t be cool.
I take a deep breath, willing myself to calm before I cough and then speak. “You have a point there. I didn’t think you were coming back until Thursday.” According to Dane, she wouldn’t return until then. Wonder what changed.
“My brother needed me—”
I look up at her, and she shakes her head. “Not that you did anything wrong. He just can’t start the season without me. Tradition and all.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“Got it,” I mutter. Even though her excuse makes sense, something tells me it’s a lot more than that. It feels almost like her brother wants to stay far away from me.
That idea sounds more probable. It also makes me want to vomit.