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)
I doubt they could see in through the front window, which I’m 90% sure was reflective glass, but you never can tell. They were more likely getting intel from someone inside that all the guys were here today.
This is the biggest problem with making the playoffs. Typically, life is low-key.
But once the playoffs start, and there’s a shot at the Cup, all bets are off for any level of normalcy.
“The car is right around that corner. We’ll have to be quick, but we can do it.” I hold her gaze, trying to ensure she’s on board.
“Let’s do it,” she says.
We aren’t even a step around the damn corner before the painstakingly familiar sound of a camera firing and snapping away greets us.
It takes a mere second before a flash of light blinds us.
Someone from inside definitely tipped this guy off that we were here and that we were leaving.
Why does he have such a hard-on for me?
There are plenty of better stories out there. There’s enough dirt on Hudson to fill a whole book, so why isn’t he bothering him? That shit would put him on the national news.
I tighten my grip on her hand, and I don’t miss the way she shakes. It could be from the cold, but I doubt it.
This shit sucks.
Hopefully, my touch will help ground Cassidy in her first real experience with these dirtbags.
Questions are shouted from all directions. There are so many here, I can’t even figure out who’s asking what.
“Come on, Aiden? Give me something,” the asshole reporter’s voice yells out. “The girlfriend? What’s your name, sweetheart? Why have you been keeping her a secret?”
I try to remain calm, but as my vision adjusts, and I search for a route to the car, my anger fuels.
Next to me, Cassidy stands tall, chin up despite the fact she’s being assaulted with questions.
It’s bad enough they do this to me, but to her...
I feel like a fucking selfish prick for thrusting this on her tonight. We came here so I could sell a story. One that keeps my secrets hidden. For my peace of mind.
Fuck it.
We’re here now, and the story is out. Might as well cement the title of asshole thoroughly.
If I don’t throw this dog a bone, he’ll never stop.
The only choice I have is to give him what he wants. Something to splash across his website. Then I need to hope that’s enough to appease him, so we can get the hell out of here.
Without a second thought, I stop in my tracks and lift her small, trembling hand to my mouth.
Placing a soft kiss on her skin, I look up and meet this douchebag’s eyes.
“Rumors are true,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Now, can you let us go?”
Despite my words, he lifts his camera up and starts snapping away.
Great.
That didn’t work at all.
Instead, I just riled him up more.
“Give him what he wants and get me the hell out of here,” Cassidy mutters, low enough that nobody but me hears.
So I do just that.
I drape my arm around her waist and pull her closer.
I act on an impulse, moving closer. I turn her toward me and lean in until our lips are almost touching. Cassidy’s eyes widen, and a surprised breath leaves her mouth. I won’t take what she’s not willing to give. Our eyes meet, and there’s a silent conversation that only the two of us are privy to. Her pupils dilate and glaze over. That’s my sign.
Her lids flutter shut just as I descend, a sigh escaping her as our lips touch. I’m tentative at first, but Cassidy opens up to me, and all sense is wiped away.
Camera’s flash.
People yell.
Hell, the world might be on fire.
I don’t fucking care.
At this moment, it’s just Cassidy and me.
She claws at my jacket as my tongue circles hers.
There’s no one here but us. We’re completely oblivious to what’s happening until I realize that it’s gone completely silent.
There is no sound when moments ago, it was deafening.
I pull away, helping Cassidy steady herself, and when I look out at all the fans, who must have heard the commotion and wanted to see what was going on, welp, they’re here now, and the crowd goes ballistic. The cheering echoes off the buildings.
“Now can we leave?” I say sarcastically, and the crowd laughs, thankfully starting to part so we can make it to the car.
We don’t speak as I lead us to the Jeep, and as soon as we’re there, I open the door for Cassidy, and then head to my side of the car, get in, and close the doors on the madness.
I take a second to breathe. To get my bearings before I look at her. I’m not prepared for what I see. Her body is rigid, and if I’m not mistaken, her jaw is tight.