Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
“I think so,” I say, stealing another glance at him. He’s so far away. I wish we didn’t have to sit apart. I hate that we have to root against each other. I wish we were on the same side.
“Well, if it means anything, I really like him. I think he’ll be good for you.”
“Thanks, Rachel,” I say, knowing full well that she might be brown-nosing the boss, but still happy to hear it.
“Can I give you my opinion though?” she says. “As a friend?”
Oh no, this is not going to be good. But as a leader, it’s smart to hear everyone’s opinion. Even when you don’t want to hear it.
“Go ahead.”
“I think you should wait until after the playoffs to pursue this,” she says. “I love you to death, Riley, and I know how much this championship would mean to you, to your career, to your father, to the team, to this city, to everyone really. There’s so much riding on this. Are you sure he’s not just trying to distract you to throw you off?”
“That’s not what’s happening.”
“Really, because you’ve been on your phone for most of the game.”
I feel my cheeks getting hot as I turn my phone off and put it in my purse for good this time.
“I’m not saying it’s…” she says with a sigh. “I just don’t want you to have any regrets. You’ve worked so hard to get the team where it is. We’re so close to winning it all. It’s going to change your life.”
But so will Brantley.
And I’d rather have my soulmate than a silver trophy and some bragging rights.
“Point taken,” I say, shutting this conversation down. “Thank you. I’ll take it into consideration.”
The game starts back up and my stomach sinks as the Hyenas take the lead. I try not to look at Brantley, even though I crack and look over at him a few times. I can’t help it.
Sebastian Kemp scores twice in the third period and we end up losing six to three.
The euphoria is gone as I watch the disappointed crowd leaving the arena. My players walk into the locker room with their heads hung low. I hate this feeling. I hate it so much.
We’re down one game to two in the series. If the Hyenas win two more games, we’re done.
My stomach drops as I get up, keeping my eyes off of Brantley’s private box. I can’t do this anymore.
I owe it to the team to do more. Maybe if I had worked harder in the past two days, we would have pulled out the win. I don’t know what I could have done, but maybe I would have thought of something if my head wasn’t stuck in the clouds thinking of Brantley and his perfect cock.
Rachel’s words start creeping into the back of my head like a nasty little gremlin. What if Brantley is doing this on purpose? What if he is trying to mess with my head in order to win?
He’s a billionaire and aren’t all billionaires ruthless assholes? Isn’t that what it takes to be one?
I feel sick as I gather my things and get ready to head out.
Nausea hits as I realize what I have to do.
I have to break up with him. It’s the only sane option.
We can’t go on like this anymore. At least, not until the playoffs are over.
I pull out my phone and ignore all of his unread dirty texts, even though every cell in my body is screaming at me to read them.
Meet me in my office. We have to talk.
I hit send and put my phone away before he answers.
I’ll do it quick. I’ll try to make it painless, even though it’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
My stomach is in knots as I hurry over to my office, unlock the door, and slip inside. I don’t turn any lights on. I just sit on the leather sofa, trying not to cry. I’m trying to steel myself. Trying to get myself ready for the hard task at hand.
Brantley knocks on the door and I let him in, keeping my eyes on his shoes.
“What’s the matter, my love?” he asks in that soft rich voice I’ve come to love.
“Sit down,” I say as I close the door and lock it.
The blinds are drawn so no one can see us. I don’t want anyone to see me crying.
“We have to break up,” I say bluntly.
He grabs his heart like it’s breaking in two. “Why?”
“You know why.”
“Because you lost?”
I nod, tears welling in my eyes.
He gently touches the bottom of my chin and raises my head until I’m looking into his gorgeous blue eyes. “It wasn’t your fault, Riley. You weren’t on the ice.”
“I was distracted. With your texts.”
“You’ve done all you could,” he says with a warm comforting smile. “You prepared the boys all you can. It’s up to them now. They have to take it from here.”