Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
The voice of reason, though… the one that tells me no matter how good Drake makes me feel, he’ll probably, at some point, end things, and I will feel worse than I’ve ever felt in my life.
So I should do it.
My fingers hover over the screen, but he sends another text.
An addendum to his first one. You know… so I can stick it to the league?
My breath rushes out in a long exhale of relief.
There.
We’re back on track.
He’s using our original code that suggests nothing more than a hot hookup. We’re back to sex only, and the silly, sticky, awkward feelings can stay out of it.
If we keep things like this, I can’t get hurt.
My fingers fly over the screen. I’d very much like for you to stick it to the league.
CHAPTER 25
Brienne
The Norcross suite is never empty during a game. It’s designed to hold upward of fifty people, but since I’ve taken over the Titans, I’ve kept it to significantly fewer. Its function is mostly to treat business acquaintances to a luxury event during a game where we’ll discuss business. It’s how my father and Adam used the box.
I’m no different, having brokered deals over drinks as we watch hockey.
But tonight is different. Only four other people are in the box tonight with me: Jenna, Sophie, Harlow, and Tillie. I wanted to invite Kiera, and although she’s mostly recovered from her flu last week, she said she wasn’t up for a night out just yet.
I did struggle whether to invite her. I feel like I’ve been a little on eggshells with Drake since Kiera called me for help, like maybe I was a bit of an intruder. While I want Kiera to become part of this group of women so she has a support system, I think a little space from me—for Drake’s benefit—isn’t a bad thing right now.
So, tonight it’s the OG, the first true group of female friends in my adult life. While it’s all new and sometimes unsettling to have other women interested in friendship with me, I’m finding that a support system is not only enjoyable but important.
While I haven’t been able to join them again for lunch since our first outing, Jenna started a group text so we can plan get-togethers or check in on one another. It’s nice having one of the ladies text just to check in on my day or drop a late-night note telling me not to work too hard.
It’s why I want Kiera to join this group. While I’d gladly drop everything to help her again, she needs an expanded network, and the ladies are all too happy to pull her in.
The owner’s box itself is split in half, the main part lushly decorated with plump leather chairs set in intimate groupings, a fully stocked bar, and a buffet table that is always loaded with food. The arena portion is three rows of seats staggered downward that overlook center ice. Those seats are also done in buttery leather and fully recline, although no one ever takes advantage of that during a game. It’s far too exciting to sit back.
The girls are in the first row watching the on-ice action. We’re playing the Detroit Cardinals tonight, and as we wind down the second period, we’re enjoying a comfortable lead of two goals.
I’d stepped away to take a business call, and now that it’s finished, I grab a Diet Coke from the bar. I had a glass of wine earlier, but one’s my limit, even if I do have a driver who will take me home after the game.
Truth be told… I like the idea of having all my senses keenly aware for when I’m with Drake later tonight. I don’t want to miss a single minute of his intensity, and the dulling effects of alcohol would be a travesty.
Jenna sidles up next to me and bumps my shoulder. “It’s almost time. It’ll go down during the next TV timeout.”
I grin, nabbing my drink and following her back to the first row. Harlow sits farthest in, followed by Tillie, Sophie, then Jenna and me. We take our seats and watch the game, Harlow hurling periodic insults at the other players. Our second line is doing an amazing job on a power play.
As has happened dozens of times tonight, my eyes wander over to Drake in goal. With the action at the other end of the ice, he’s all alone but in no way cavalier. I can’t see his eyes, but I can tell by his stance and posture that he’s hyperfocused on the action and ready to defend his goal should the puck come his way.
My eyes drift down to the ice where Foster Macinnis takes a pass from Liam Nicholson and winds up a hard slap shot. Unfortunately, he whiffs on the puck and a Cardinal defenseman clears it out, stopping play.