Chapter 39
TORI
Iwake up wrapped in Bennett’s strong arms, his breath light and even on my neck. His sheets smell like him, clean and masculine, and I want to stay here forever.
“Mmm…” He hums in my ear, his body stirring behind me. Pulling me in closer, he’s warm and hard as he snuggles up against me.
“Morning, Sunshine.”
The words vibrate against my skin, sending chill bumps skittering down my neck, my arms. I roll over to face him. Sunlight catches the golden highlights in his hair, a day’s worth of stubble on his square jaw.
“Morning.”
He drops his lips to mine and I twine my legs with his, tangling our bodies tighter together.
Bliss.
I’d love to lay here all day, basking in Bennett. But I have calls to make, investors to steady.
I kiss him hard and deep before pulling away, my hand on his chest. “I have to go.”
He runs his knuckles over my cheek and my heart flutters faster.
“I know. Me too.”
“Listen…” I take a deep breath, suddenly nervous all over again. “This is complicated and messy. And I’m not good at that.”
“I know.” He pushes my hair from my eyes, his gaze calm and steady.
“But I want to be. With you.”
“Same. I’ve got you, Sunshine. Don’t worry.” He brushes his lips over mine and warmth spreads through me.
I’ve got you, Sunshine.
And I believe him.
“I’m going to set things straight with my father. Handle the issues with the fund. We’ll have to make decisions.”
“It’ll be okay.”
That’s exactly what I need to hear. I kiss him again, my heart full.
“You coming to the game?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good.” He grins, his ocean-blue eyes sparkling, and I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I spend the entire morning on the phone with investors. Each call gets progressively easier, and by 1 PM I’ve spoken with everyone on the spreadsheet.
Ding.
I tap into the email notification at the top of my screen.
Subj: Re: Urgent: Reputational Risk / LP Concerns
Tori—
Thanks for reaching out concerning the fund. Let’s connect today at 4 PM ET.
Regards,
Graham
I blink at the screen for a few seconds, then pump my fist in the air.
Nailed it.
Step one, at least. Once I get Graham on the phone, I’m certain I’ll be able to talk him off the ledge.
Suck it, Eleanor.
I hit ‘Reply’ and shoot him a calendar invite, then shove away from my desk. I have one more item of business to handle before the game tonight.
Twenty minutes later, I’m standing outside the management offices at the arena with trembling hands.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.” My father’s deep voice bellows through the solid wood and my stomach clenches, anxiety rippling through me.
I straighten my shoulders and stride in, channeling every ounce of confidence I possess.
This conversation’s not going to be easy.
He spins around and his graying brows fly up, deep furrows etched in his forehead.
“Tori! I didn’t expect to see you. Sit.” He motions at the chair across the desk, the silky fabric of his suit jacket rustling. I slide down into the seat, flashing back to the last time I was in this office, Bennett beside me. How annoyed I was at him — his energy, his ego, his very presence.
Now, I’m desperately wishing he was beside me.
But this is a conversation I need to have alone with my father. I need to tell him exactly how I feel — and he needs to really hear it.
“I know. I flew in late last night.”
“Fantastic. I knew you’d come. I need you at the game tonight.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear and meet my father’s intense stare. “That’s why I’m here, Daddy.”
He leans forward on his elbows, closing the gap between us. “Don’t give me some bullshit excuse about how you have to go back to New York. You saw the meltdown at the last game. I need you managing Steele.”
I swallow hard over the lump in my throat.“No, Daddy. You don’t. Because Bennett doesn’t need to be managed. He’s an adult — fully capable of taking care of himself.”
My father narrows his eyes at me, his index finger tapping frantically on his mouse. I take advantage of his silence and forge ahead.
“I’m not his babysitter anymore. As of now, I’m resigning my unofficial position.”
“Tori—”
I hold up my palm, stopping him. “Don’t. You used me to manage your roster and I’m done. And I need to tell you something else.”
I take a shuddery breath, heart racing under my father’s calculating gaze.
Messy.
My father could make things tough for Bennett, investors could still choose to leave the fund.
I’ve run every angle. But even knowing all this, I’m not walking away.
“Bennett and I are dating. I wanted you to hear it from me first.”
“Steele? My daughter’s dating the player who was on probation? The bad boy of hockey?” His face turns red and I briefly worry about his blood pressure.
“Yes. And he’s way more than that.”
“Victoria Anne Prince.” His tone is serious, the one he used the few times I actually got in trouble as a child. He shakes his head, loosening his tie. “Of all the men in the world…”
“Bennett’s the one I love.”
“Love?” His voice tips up an octave.
“Yes, love.”
Steepling his fingers together, he peers over his hands at me. “Well, I’m in no position to give you any advice on love. I’ve picked poorly. Twice.”
Facts.
“I’m not asking for advice. Or permission. I’ve already made my decision.” I stand and smooth down my skirt. “And I will be at the game tonight. But not as Bennett’s handler — as his girlfriend.”
My father’s mouth hangs open for one second, then he snaps his jaw shut. He turns his attention back to the computer and I grab my bag and head for the door.
“I’m not saying I agree with your decision. And you’ll always have your seat in the owner’s suite. But I’ll hold a spot in the family section, too.” I glance back at him, absorbing the small concession as the huge victory it is.
“Your mother would have liked him.”
My chest squeezes and hot tears well in my eyes. I blink hard, swiping away a tear as I stare at the great and lonely Max Prince.
“Thanks, Daddy. And don’t tell Bennett I cried.”
Then I walk away, leaving my dad to handle his hockey team on his own.