Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
“We’re back together,” I announce.
Wills pats my chest. “I’m pretty sure they already know that, considering we’re holding hands, but I love you for feeling like we needed to state the obvious.”
Roman, Hollis, and Ash give us the thumbs-up, and the girls hug Wills.
“Any word on what this meeting will look like, Shilps?” Wills asks. She’s the only one who has unspoken permission to ask her that. We know she’s the team’s lawyer, not our lawyer, and can’t say anything.
“There’s not a lot I would be able to share. Even so, there have been some closed doors in upper management the past few days, so it’s anyone’s guess,” Shilpa says.
“Let’s hope Flip can keep his cool,” Hollis grumbles.
“Ending up at Stiles’s place is better than going out and potentially killing his endorsement campaigns, right, Hemi?” Roman asks.
“Yeah. That’s real progress for Flip,” she agrees.
Shilpa glances at the clock on the wall. “We should probably get to the meeting.”
We’re the first ones there. Usually Wills would be briefed early, but this time she’s in the dark like everyone else. The table at the back of the room is loaded with pastries and fruit. I grab a plate while Wills doctors coffees for us as more team members arrive. Tristan accompanies Flip, who looks rough.
Flip, who never says no to free food, bypasses the breakfast spread and takes a seat beside Roman. After another minute, Jamie Fielding, the general manager, and Coach Vander Zee move to the front of the room, and everyone quiets down.
“Some of you might be aware of the news I’m about to share, but Dane Spencer had a family emergency last week, and after a lengthy discussion, we decided the best plan for him and the team was to send him where he’s needed. He’ll be moving to New York in exchange for one of their players. Connor Grace is excellent on defense, and he’ll be a fantastic addition to this team. I know losing Spencer is a shock, but I expect you to make Grace feel welcome. We are all professionals here and will be a united front.” His gaze shifts to Flip, who’s slouched in his chair, arms crossed, expression grim.
With that, Connor is ushered into the room. There’s a smattering of applause, but it seems everyone is still in shock.
He smiles, but it looks smug more than anything. “Pretty sure some of you wish I was literally anyone else, but it’s hard to argue with my stats.” He looks around the room. “I’m looking forward to playing with most of you.”
“We just got Flip to settle down,” Wills mutters.
“I’ll be here to help you work out your stress.” I kiss her temple.
She elbows me in the side but fights a smile.
Flip looks like he’s plotting murder.
“And we have another announcement to make,” Jamie says after a moment, adjusting his tie.
Everyone quiets down. There better not be another trade. Or an early retirement. I glance at Roman as Jamie clears his throat.
“We’d like to introduce Alexandria Forrester, who will be joining us as an assistant coach. We’re excited to have her expertise for the coming season.”
“Oh, she’s fantastic. This is amazing,” Wills whispers.
“No fucking way.” Roman’s eyes go wide, and he slouches in his chair, hand covering his mouth as he crosses and uncrosses his legs. I don’t think anyone but me heard him.
“Coach Forrester comes to us from the Ontario league and has a background in sports psychology and sports management,” Jamie continues. “She is incredibly knowledgeable and will be a valuable addition to our coaching staff.” He claps as a woman with long dark hair, streaked with auburn, who looks to be in her late twenties, moves to stand beside him.
Alexandria says hello to the team, and her eyes flare slightly when they find Roman. But she keeps on smiling and thanks us for the warm welcome.
Looks like things are shaking up this season. Maybe I should be worried, but right now, it all seems like details. Whatever comes our way, I have Wills, and she has me. Together we can get through anything.
CHAPTER 45
HEMI
Dallas
What time will you be done?
Hemi
Probably around 5, maybe 5:30. I have a meeting with management in an hour. Making big plans for later?
Dallas
You know it, sexy girlfriend. Tell me what you need from me tonight and it’s yours.
Ismile, and everything below the waist tightens in the best way possible. It’s hard to believe a handful of months ago I was hell-bent on making Dallas’s life as miserable as possible.
Hemi
You’re so good to me.
Dallas
I’m your good boy, right?
Hemi
Absolutely.
Dallas
Tell me what you want when I get you into bed later.
Hemi
I’d like to sit on your face.
Dallas
Fuck yes. Baptism by pussy is my favorite. What else?
I bite my lip as I compose the next message.
Hemi
How about a little training tonight?
Dallas
I was hoping you’d say that. I’m ready to level up.