Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82888 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Coen isn’t so nice. He finally told Cici and her groupies to leave us alone, that we have no interest in being friends with them, and that they’re being pathetic in their attempts.
“Guess all that practice at being an asshole for so long really paid off,” Coen said with a grin as they stomped away in humiliation.
I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him, which made him happy since he loves kissing so much. “I love you more and more each day.”
And it’s true.
Just keeps getting better.
We exit Coen’s truck and walk hand in hand down the sidewalk toward the Norcross mansion. A few other guests are arriving at the same time, and they nod and call out greetings to Coen.
Inside, I look around with wide eyes at the massive, vaulted ceilings, gleaming wood floors with inlaid designs, and art that I know cost a fortune.
Coen’s hand tightens on mine as we wind through guests in various rooms. Seems everyone already has a drink or hors d’oeuvres plate, or both.
“I want to introduce you first to Brienne. Then we’ll walk around and you can meet everyone else,” Coen says. “There will be a name quiz at the end.”
“Funny,” I grouse, squeezing his hand back.
There are no words for how beautiful Brienne Norcross is. She’s like a Nordic princess with her pale blond hair that falls just to her shoulders in a slightly asymmetrical cut and eyes the color of cobalt. Tall and statuesque, she’s wearing a cream-colored blouse, black wide-leg pants that offer only a peek of a stiletto heel, and a simple gold necklace with matching small hoops in her ears. She is understated elegance, and there’s no doubt her outfit is worth more than all my clothes combined.
As she sees us approaching, her eyes transform from welcoming hostess to deep warmth as she takes in Coen. Her lips curve into a smile, and she says something to the very handsome man standing next to her who looks our way.
“Coen,” she says, her voice so affectionate, I think she might hug him, but instead, she reaches out a hand for him to shake. I suspect this is done in deference to him more than anything, as I’m well aware how contentious and standoffish he’s been. “I am so glad you came. Welcome back.”
They clasp hands briefly as Coen says, “I’m glad to be here. Thank you for giving me a chance.”
“You deserve it,” she says.
Coen first notified the general manager, Callum Derringer, of his return, and then he had a long telephone conversation with Brienne. It was done while I was out grocery shopping, so I didn’t hear what was said, but Coen filled me in. He told Brienne the whys behind his attitude, mentioning without details that he’d broken trust with a teammate. He revealed to her the demons that sprang forth from that incident, including the biggest—his feeling that he didn’t deserve to be on the team.
She easily forgave him, and now, here we are.
“Have you met Cannon West?” Brienne asks, turning slightly to the man beside her.
I don’t know much about hockey, but Coen has been teaching me. I know Cannon is the new Titans’ head coach, and he’s shockingly young for what I envisioned a coach should look like. I happen to know he’s only thirty-six and went from playing in the league to coaching after his wife died of cancer.
“We’ve not met,” Coen says as he shakes Cannon’s hand. When he releases, he pulls me in close. “Let me introduce you both to my girlfriend, Tillie.”
It never gets old hearing him call me that, and in fact, it sends a thrill through me.
“Tillie,” Brienne croons as she takes my hand. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s lovely to meet you. Welcome to the team.”
I hadn’t realized Coen had told her about me, but the thudding in my heart turns into a warm pulse. “I’m really happy to meet you as well.”
We talk a few more minutes with Brienne and Cannon. It’s disconcerting how gorgeous the man is with his dark hair and hazel eyes, and I wonder if he has something going on with Brienne.
Not that they gave any indication of such, and it’s probably nothing more than an owner talking to her coach, but I guess the romantic in me wants to see love everywhere.
Next, we find drinks and decide to hit the food later. Me with a white wine in hand and Coen with a beer, we walk around the house, moving from group to group. Coen admitted to me a few days ago he was nervous how receptive the team would be. He’s told me pretty much everything about the last few months he played with the Titans, and the numerous ways he offended his teammates. It relieves me that everyone is open and accepting of his return, if not downright happy about it. He’s the best player on the team, and they really need him.