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)
“Hear! Hear!” Jenna says and adds, “And may you not pick ugly bridesmaids’ dresses with pouffed sleeves and large bows on the butt.”
We laugh and tip the champagne to our mouths.
“That was really beautiful,” Tillie says.
“I’m the luckiest woman in the world,” Sophie says, her smile almost blinding. Her happiness is so palpable, it actually squeezes my chest. I’ve never envied another woman for what Sophie has right now, but I feel a slight pang of jealousy, and that’s beyond scary.
“Did you see that ring?” Harlow sighs, hand hovering near her throat. “You know damn well the video didn’t even do it justice. I cannot wait to see the real deal.”
“Did you have any idea it was coming?” Jenna asks.
Sophie shakes her head and thus begins a lengthy series of questions and wistful sighs of happiness for our friend. When the third period starts, we head back to the seats to watch the rest of the game.
Jenna tugs on my shirt sleeve and holds me back. When the other women are seated and away from us, she says, “It was really nice of you to make this happen for Sophie.”
“I was glad to do it. The Titans are a family.”
Jenna shakes her head. “No, you did this as a friend of Sophie’s. Not because she’s part of the hockey family. There’s a difference.”
I glance over at Sophie, talking and laughing with Harlow and Tillie as they watch the game. When my eyes come back to Jenna, I nod. “You’re right. It’s a friend thing, not an owner thing. And I like that.”
“I’m glad you like it,” she says, reaching out to squeeze my forearm. “And since you’re finally accepting of this new crew, I’m going to ask you a question… friend to friend.”
“What’s that?” I ask, reaching into the mini fridge for a bottled water.
“How are things going with you and Drake?”
I spin around so fast, the water bobbles in my hand, but I secure it before it hits the ground. I shoot a panicked look at the other women, but they’re too far away and can’t hear. “What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean,” Jenna says. “Are you still seeing each other?”
I can’t lie. “Yes, but it’s really not anything. Just a fling. In fact, it’s something I should put an end to.”
Because feelings are brewing and that spells disaster.
Jenna tips her head. “Why should you end it?”
I give her the politically correct answer. “Because I’m crossing a line I shouldn’t have. It’s wrong.”
Something changes in Jenna’s expression, and her eyes harden a tiny bit. “Then you and I can’t be friends anymore.”
“What? Why?” I’m beyond confused and have no clue why she’d ever tie our friendship to sex with Drake.
“Because you cross the line with me all the time. Every time we have a drink, or go to lunch, or plan surprise proposals, it’s wrong.”
“It’s not wrong,” I insist.
“It’s no different,” she maintains. “If you want to sit on your throne and insist there’s a line that no one can cross, it has to be a universal line.”
I hate that she’s making sense, but I’m not about to give in on this. I lean closer, lowering my voice. “It’s a lot different. You and I are having lunch, and Drake and I are having orgasms.”
“Aha!” she exclaims, delight in her expression. “You’re having a good time with him.”
I glare at her. “Well, duh. Orgasms are always a good time.”
“Totally agree on that.” She snickers but then turns serious. “I’m just saying… you’ve found a way to include me and the girls in your personal life. I’m your employee. Their significant others are your employees. You’ve managed to separate the two, and there’s no reason why you couldn’t with Drake.”
“It’s not like that,” I insist. “It’s moot to even have this discussion because it’s nothing more than sex, and it’s secretive sex at that. So the lines don’t matter as much.”
“Are you sure it’s only sex?” she inquires.
I frown, because her tone sounds… knowing. “Why would you ask that?”
She shrugs, an innocent twinkle in her eyes. “I just noticed you staring at him a lot tonight. And Gage told me about Kiera being sick, so I reached out to her to see if I could help. Kiera told me that you went over and took care of her and the boys the other night.”
I curse that unfortunate bit of information getting out, but I know none of these women will blab about it. “I was happy to help a new player’s sister and kids.”
Jenna smirks. “Of course. And you give your personal cell phone number out to all player family members?”
Damn it. No, I don’t do that. I only gave it to Kiera because of my relationship—sexual or otherwise—with Drake.
I ignore the question. “Look… Drake and I aren’t anything more than a fun time. Those things don’t last.”