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)
That would’ve been three guaranteed nights with Drake had I not had to go to Germany, but sadly, these impromptu trips and emergency meetings are part of my regular job.
I put my laundry away, grab a sparkling water from the fridge, and settle on a plush couch in the den. Stretching my legs out with a cushioned armrest to my back, I turn on my laptop and click on the large-screen TV above the fireplace.
When I find the game, I turn it to a sustainable volume that will let me hear the commentary and concentrate on my work at the same time.
Ten minutes later, I’m glued to the TV. I’ve always loved hockey, and since my father owned the Titans, I grew up watching games. I traveled to several with Adam once he took over. But to be honest, I’m more invested now since being at the helm.
Also admittedly, and with a touch of chagrin, I’m a little obsessed with watching Drake in the net. He’s a hulking beast, his large frame and pads almost filling up the entire space. Most shots taken at him go low, the shooter wrongly assuming he’s not agile enough to stop the puck with his legs.
Most times, they’re wrong. Drake is on fire and playing every bit as well as he did before he was injured when with the Wolves. I don’t know this personally as I didn’t watch him, or any other non-Titan player for that matter, but Callum has told me on more than one occasion that Drake’s our absolute best acquisition since the crash.
I am proud that I’ve made a genuine contribution to the success of this team, considering I’m the one who convinced Drake to come out of retirement.
Of course, I’ve negated any such professional accomplishment by screwing the best acquisition, and I feel guilty about it.
Not enough to quit, mind you, but my conscience prickles.
My phone rings and I grab it, not answering right away as there’s a breakaway heading straight for Drake.
He easily blocks the shot, and I glance at my phone.
Kiera McGinn.
I’m shocked to see Drake’s sister calling and I hesitate in answering. Not to avoid her, but because I’m so flummoxed to see her name.
Common sense prevails, and I connect the call. “Hello?”
At first, I don’t hear anything, but then my blood turns cold when I hear a child crying.
And it’s not the cry of a child who is upset his favorite toy has been taken away but a wail of fear.
“It’s okay, baby,” I hear Kiera’s voice, but it sounds muffled and weak.
“Kiera.” My voice is loud, trying to get her attention. I swing my feet off the couch and my laptop thuds on the carpet. “Are you okay?”
She sounds so frail, my hair stands on end. “Hey… Brienne… sorry to bother you.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry… I tried to call Jenna but didn’t get an answer, and I don’t know anyone else here.”
“Jenna’s in Atlanta with the team. You’re sick.”
“I thought it was just a cold or something, but I spiked a fever a few hours ago, and it’s climbed up to 104. I’m so damn weak from all the vomiting, and I can’t get off the couch and the boys are freaking out. I haven’t been able to feed them and—”
“I’m on my way,” I say, bolting for my bedroom to throw on tennis shoes. “What’s your address?”
She gives it to me, and I do the calculation. “It’ll take me half an hour to get there. Are you good or do I need to call an ambulance?”
“No ambulance,” she says. “The kids are scared enough as it is.”
“Okay. Just hang tight, and I’ll be there in twenty.”
♦
The Uber pulls up in front of Drake’s house, and I climb out, heading for the front door. I don’t even knock before it swings open, and his oldest, Jake, stands there.
“Hi… Remember me? I’m Brienne. A friend of your dad’s and Aunt Kiera’s.”
He nods solemnly and moves back to let me in. “She’s really sick and said you were coming.”
“Show me where she is.”
He leads me into the living room where I find Kiera on the couch, shivering under a blanket. The twins, Colby and Tanner, stand beside her with tearstained cheeks.
Tossing my purse on a table, I move next to Kiera. She smiles weakly at me as I touch the back of my hand to her forehead. Why, I don’t know. She told me she had a 104º temperature, and I have no reason to disbelieve her.
But I grimace upon feeling the heat pouring off her.
First thing’s first… I turn to Jake and squat so we’re eye to eye. “I’m going to help make your aunt Kiera feel better, but can you do me a favor?”
He nods.
“Take your brothers to your room or somewhere you can play or watch TV. Your aunt is going to be just fine, but I’d feel better if you boys stayed back a bit so you don’t get sick too. Okay?”