Chapter 6
Chapter Six
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Wade was right—had I slept on the couch, I would have bitten his head off for waking me up so early.
By the time I wandered out of the bedroom the last two mornings, bleary-eyed and in need of a serious caffeine fix, he’d already gone for a jog, made himself some green smoothie concoction that smelled like hay, and was waiting for me to wake up so he could make me breakfast.
I told him not to waste his time—I never eat breakfast. But he was insistent that I start my day with a hefty dose of protein.
The man definitely likes his routines. And eating healthy, which I get.
His body is key to his profession. Mine is my brain, and it prefers mac and cheese.
I hid the packages I purchased yesterday in one of the packing boxes in the living room so I wouldn’t have to hear him razz me for dining on junk food.
I know he’s right, but a girl has to have some kind of vice.
Nevertheless, when he slid the plate in front of me, noting that he had added extra cheese for my benefit, I relented and ate.
I’ll admit, the man knows how to make a wicked omelet, hot sauce and all.
But that may be what’s turning the butterflies in my stomach into an angry swarm of bees as we leave his apartment today.
Or it could be the three cups of coffee loaded with a hefty dose of sugar fueling my first day at my new job jitters or this sense of impending doom that’s still hovering over me like a lingering dark cloud.
Even though I haven’t heard a word from Chase and it’s only been a week since I blocked his number, that feeling of dread sits in the back of my mind like an unwelcome guest standing at the door with a questionable casserole in hand.
What are the chances that the three states sitting between us will serve as a deterrent and that I’ll never hear from him again? For once, I’d love to see things work out that easily in my life, so that the whole thing would magically go away.
Just call me an ostrich and show me the nearest pile of sand to hide my head.
From what I hear, Sarabella has lots of it—sand, that is.
The nice powdery white kind, too. Maybe I can talk Wade into stopping at the beach on the way home tonight to see my first sunset here.
Just the thought of walking by the water’s edge as the sun sets and the waves lap around my ankles settles the anxiety tangling my insides.
Since the U-Haul’s still hitched to my car, Wade suggested I ride to work with him—makes sense anyway since we’re both going to the same place—and then he’ll return the trailer for me after practice as I’ll still be at work. Then he’ll pick me up and take me home.
There he goes again, trying to make sure I’m okay. He hasn’t pushed me for more details about what really happened in Texas, and I’m all for ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ in this situation. The last thing I want is for Wade to see me as the fool that I am.
Blue sky and fluffy clouds reflect in the giant windows on the front of the arena as we approach the entrance. The way the sunlight glistens off the glass panes and the red metal trim of the building gives me an idea.
I stop on the sidewalk, shielding my face from the sun as I study my new workplace and its bare-minimum signage. “What do you call the arena?”
Wade glances up at the simple ‘arena’ sign and shoots me a confused look. “What do you mean?”
“Most arenas have corporate sponsors, except for Madison Square Garden, which is iconic. Just wondering what the deal is with this place.” I make a general sweep of my hand, imagining the team logo filling one of the massive windows above the entrance, and a more elaborate name representing the team’s home base.
“We just call it ‘the arena.’” He opens the door, holding it open for me, then follows me in. “Rebecca could tell you more, I’m sure.”
I tilt my head as I look up at him. “You call her by her first name?”
He nods. “She’s really laid-back. You’ll like her.”
I don’t tell Wade that I already do, or that she did tell me to call her Rebecca on the video interview. But hearing him call her by her first name makes me believe she meant it.
Wade walks with me, bypassing the door to the locker room. When I shoot him a questioning look, he shrugs.
“Didn’t want you to get lost on your first day.
” His slanted grin returns, the one I’ve known my whole life, but this time, it hits me differently.
As does the tenderness in his gaze. But he’s always acted like this around his sisters and me.
Ever the big brother taking care of us ‘fillies’ as he used to refer to us.
I suppress a smile. “Thanks, but I think I could have found it on my own.”
The light in his eyes dims. “I know, I just thought…”
Now I feel like a heel. He’s just looking out for me. I touch his forearm. “Thank you. I am a little nervous.”
His expression brightens again. “Don’t be. You’re going to be amazing.”
His belief in me sends a reassuring warmth through my entire being and settles those angry bees swarming in my stomach. Come to think of it, I don’t recall Chase ever saying anything affirming to me. I was the one usually building him up.
As we approach what looks like a reception desk, the young woman sitting there smiles right away. “Hi, Wade.” Her gaze shifts to me. “You must be Aubrey.”
After I glance at Wade, I nod. “Call me Bree.”
She jumps up and holds her hand out. “I’m Harper, Rebecca’s assistant. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Harper shows us into an office on the opposite side of the hallway. “Wade and Bree are here.”
Rebecca rises from her chair and rounds the desk, hand extended to me.
She’s the picture of professionalism in her tailored black and white pantsuit, black heels, and a neat updo to her blonde hair.
Her gray-blue eyes sparkle with genuine enthusiasm, which makes me smile and puts me somewhat at ease.
“A pleasure, Bree. We’re so glad to have you with us.” She raises a brow at Wade, then refocuses on me. “I understand you two have known each other for a long time.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I clasp my hands in front of me and try to remember to breathe. This woman’s father was a legend in the hockey world, and Rebecca is fast becoming his counterpart in the builders aspect of the sport.
Her face pinches for a moment. “Please, call me Rebecca.”
The sleeping bees in my stomach turn into an angry swarm. Did I offend my new boss already? “Of course. Glad to be here…Rebecca.”
Her wide smile returns as she points to the man sitting on the small sectional on the other side of the room. “And this is Zach Keller, our general manager.”
An older man with gray speckling the sides of his hair and dark, piercing eyes stands, buttoning his pin-stripe jacket as he approaches us. “And Rebecca’s husband.”
I shake his hand, fangirling a smidge. I’ve watched Zach Keller give analytical commentary on many games while on staff with the Texas Stars. “I know. I mean, I know who you are, and I heard you two got married.”
Great, now I even sound like a fangirl. And over my boss’ husband!
Rebecca rolls her eyes. “He likes to make sure everyone knows.”
Zach lifts his chest as he tugs on the bottom of his suit jacket. “I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea if they see me kiss you in the hallway.”
She shakes her head. “Hockey players…”
The look of adoration Zach gives Rebecca nearly melts me in my shoes. Chase never looked at me like that. No one’s ever looked at me with anything near that level of affection.
Except for Wade… But he’s my best friend.
I study him as he makes a comment that brings a laugh. Then he swings his warm gaze to me, making me second-guess everything. Has he always looked at me that way? He looks at his sisters the same way, too, doesn’t he?
“Right, Bree?” Wade stares at me, waiting for a reply to something I didn’t hear.
I startle back to the present. “Yeah, sure.”
My eyes dart between Wade’s puzzled expression and Rebecca’s curious one as I try to figure out what they were talking about. Maybe I should just confess I zoned out because I was trying to figure out why Wade was looking at me with such affection…and pride.
Yeah, that will make a stellar first impression.
Not. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat the question?”
“See? She’s thinking about her next great idea. She already hooked me into one of them. Win a date with a hockey player, right?” Wade raises a brow at me to let me know he’s trying to help, as usual.
“Right! I have a presentation prepared to explain several projects I think will not only encourage the fans to connect with the team more but also benefit the charities you—we—support.”
Rebecca flashes a smile at me. “Why don’t I show you to your office first, and then we can talk about your ideas?”
I grin brightly…maybe too brightly. “Great. I’d love that.”
And now I’m acutely aware of Wade’s hand resting on my lower back. I’m sure he’s done that a thousand times over the years, but this time his touch sends a warm tingle through me, and I find myself wanting to lean into the pressure and warmth of his palm.
He drops his hand. “That’s my cue to get to practice.”
I glance over my shoulder as he leaves, puzzled at the twinge of longing coursing through me as I miss his touch.
Things between Chase and me were strained for months before I told him I was done.
And it’s not like he was that attentive to begin with.
Even when he did pay attention to me, he always made me feel like he was doing me a favor.
Rebecca gestures toward the doorway. “Shall we?”
Zach waves, but then settles into a chair in front of Rebecca’s desk while I follow her into the hallway.
A few quick steps down the hall, we reach a door, which Rebecca swings open, allowing me to enter first. The space is somewhat small with the bare bones of furniture—a metal desk, a simple chair like you’d see in a waiting room, and a bookshelf that’s seen better days.
It’s basic, but I’m sure I can liven the space up.
“This is just temporary until you pick out your furniture.” She approaches the desk and taps a manicured fingernail on the catalog sitting there. “Select whatever you need to make this a comfortable space, and Harper will order it for you. Don’t worry about the cost.”
The pointed look she gives me is convincing. “Wow, thanks. I appreciate that.”
“I’m a firm believer in having the right tools to do a good job.” She glances upward fondly. “This place needed a lot of work, but now it’s finally taking shape.”
I get the impression the structure isn’t the only thing she’s talking about. I’ve already noticed the vibe here is so different from what I’m used to. Something about it makes me want to settle in and stay forever. So far, so good.
Rebecca tilts her head. “If you don’t mind my asking, exactly how long have you and Wade known each other?”
A tingle of nerves bursts through me. “Practically all our lives. We grew up together.”
Her brows pop up for a moment in reaction to my reply. “You seem close.”
I can’t tell whether she meant that as a question or a statement. “He’s like my brother.”
There. That should settle any concerns she might have. I’m certain they have a policy about personal relationships between coworkers, although she is married to her general manager.
But it doesn’t matter. Wade and I are just friends. Like brother and sister. No reason for me to concern myself with what the company policy says about dating the players, because I sure as hell won’t make that mistake again.
Rebecca’s expression gives a definitive ‘if you say so’ vibe but thankfully, she seems content to drop it. “I have an appointment in ten minutes, so why don’t you get settled, pick out what you need, and then we’ll regroup for a lunch meeting so you can show us your ideas.”
“Sounds great.”
She smiles and then leaves in a swish of elegance and floral perfume.
I pull out my laptop, place it on my desk, and then begin flipping the pages in the catalog as I push all thoughts of Wade out of my mind.
Or at least, I attempt to.