Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
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What is wrong with me? I can’t believe I rushed out of the room like a skittish schoolgirl who bumped into her crush, behaving like a blathering idiot.
Maybe Wade didn’t notice how weird I acted or the dent I left in the wall. I groan to myself as I beeline it to my office. Of course, he noticed. Wade’s the one person in my life who’s always seen me. All of me—the best and the worst.
Right now, I’m pretty much the least attractive version of myself. But I can’t shake the way those three words made me feel…
Good to know.
It wasn’t what he said so much as how he said it, his voice soft and steady, eyes fixed on me like it was a promise he intended to keep—with me. In all the years I’ve known him, Wade’s never expressed any romantic interest in me. Nor I in him. We’ve just always been close…best friends.
He probably didn’t mean anything by it. I’m the one making something out of nothing because, thanks to my dick of an ex, I’m wired tighter than a spring. My fight and flight reflexes are still amped up from what happened.
I close the door to my office, dump my laptop bag on my new desk, and sit in my comfy new desk chair. A few select pictures of my family sit on the matching bookshelf, a couple of which include Wade and his sisters, but I zero in on the one of just him and me.
Right after I graduated high school, I found out my parents had put up the ranch for sale. They’d divorced a year before, but reassured me nothing would change. What I didn’t realize, though, was that they’d waited to sell until after I graduated.
My world—my dreams—shattered for a second time.
Wade understood because he was the only one who knew about my idea of turning the ranch into a destination for events like weddings and family vacations. He’d encouraged me that day to show my parents the vision book I’d created, which I did.
But to no avail. My parents couldn’t afford to keep the ranch and pay for a small apartment in town for my dad. Plus, they had my tuition to cover. I argued I would skip college and implement my plan to turn things around, but they said the risk was too high since I didn’t know what I was doing.
That’s the ironic part. The whole reason I wanted to go to college was to gain the knowledge and skills I would need. But no ranch meant no dream.
I still got my marketing degree, but nothing felt the same after that until I landed the PR position with the Texas Stars. For the first time, I had a plan for my life that made sense. And my years of watching Wade play hockey and loving the sport turned into an invaluable skill for the job.
Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive, but I still feel like I’m in a constant state of dread, waiting for the next ‘Chase Files’ to drop.
That’s what I’ve decided to call the emotional rollercoaster I’ve been on over the last year.
I can only compare dating Chase to that analogy of a frog in a pot of water slowly heating to a boil.
By the time I realized what a self-centered jerk he was, I was in too deep.
At first, I thought he was just…particular, which I found intriguing and sophisticated.
For the first few months, he seemed like the perfect guy.
Very attentive, always respectful, and super romantic.
When he said he liked the secrecy of our relationship, I went along with it, even though I was pretty sure HR wouldn’t have a problem with us dating since neither of us held any authority over the other.
Soon after, he asked me to help pump up his image on social media.
I figured he was in it for the fans, wanting to connect more.
But then he’d make these comments about how hard it was to find time to post, so I offered to do some for him.
Chase gushed so much over me for helping that I offered to take it over for him.
No one knew we were dating, and it wasn’t like I didn’t assist the other guys with their social media presences.
But then he wanted me to do more to catch the attention of their parent team, the Dallas Stars. Even then, he posed it as if we were a team and this was our ‘end goal’ to secure our future. Together.
And me? I was stupid enough to believe him.
Until I caught him cheating on me, and told him we were over.
No more relationship, and I sure as hell wasn’t handling his social media anymore.
He threatened to tell management that I pushed him to do all this stuff in order to build my own resume to go out on my own.
And I believed him because he’s best friends with the team owner’s son.
Apparently, they grew up together, so there’s no way they’d believe me over Chase.
Yep. Just call me frog because I’m the one who got boiled in the pot.
My phone chirps. The muscles in my neck and shoulders tense, most likely because I was thinking of Chase and still live in perpetual fear of the creep working his way back into my life again. I check the screen and exhale my relief—it’s from Wade.
Wade: Looks as if we’ll be entertaining tonight. You okay with that?
Bree: Define ‘entertaining.’
Wade: The guys are coming over to “cheer me up.” Guess I looked like a sad sack during PT today.
Bree: You did seem kind of off earlier.
Wade: Sorry. Can’t stand being sidelined.
Here I’ve been concerned about helping Wade with things like running errands for him or going to the grocery store so he can rest, but I didn’t think about the emotional toll this is taking on him.
Probably because Wade rarely shows that side of himself.
He’s always held his emotions close, making him difficult to read.
His sisters and I have had many discussions about this.
Bree: I can stop at the store on the way home to pick up pizzas and beer.
Wade: The guys have it covered.
Bree: Okay. I’ll stay out of the way.
My phone buzzes again, only it’s not a text this time—Wade’s calling me.
After a moment of hesitation, I hit the accept button. “Hello?”
“Why are you going to stay out of the way?” His words sound clipped and rushed.
“I just figured it was guy time.” Chase and his buddies had a regular card night. Only guys. No girlfriends or wives allowed.
“We’re just hanging out.” He clears his throat. “Wives and girlfriends are coming, too, so you’ll get to meet Sophie, Mia, and Lily.”
Chase never included me in events like this since our relationship was a secret. Come to think of it, that’s when I started feeling like I didn’t fit anywhere.
“If you’re sure…”
“Bree, you’re my best friend. Of course, I want you there. Besides, it’s your home, too.”
Wow. Wade wants me to get to know his teammates and friends. But he isn’t my boyfriend…just my best friend. That must be why. He wants me to make friends here, too, especially since we work together. I’m sure he doesn’t want the job of my only friend in this cozy beach town.
“In that case, count me in. I’ll take care of the dessert. Any special requests or no-nos?”
He snorts. “No-nos?”
“Yeah, anything you and your teammates won’t eat because you worship your bodies with healthy food.”
His laugh makes me smile. “A little indulgence here and there is okay. Besides, Ethan devours donuts like a police officer, and I have it on good authority that Barbie-man eats bonbons.”
“Who wouldn’t with that nickname?” I throw back.
Wade’s chuckle fades into a sigh. “I really missed you, Bree. I’m glad you’re here.”
Now, why would my cheeks suddenly feel like they’re on fire? Most likely residual embarrassment left over from being a horrible friend for the last year. “Me, too. Sorry again—”
“Don’t.” He clears his throat. “That’s in the past. What matters is here and now, right?”
“Right.” I don’t deserve Wade’s friendship, and I’m glad he’s such a forgiving guy. I’m not sure how understanding I’d be if the tables were turned.
“Okay, gotta go. See you when you get home.” He ends the call, leaving me alone again with my thoughts.
Not my favorite place to be these days, so I open my laptop and get busy uploading the new videos I took during practice.
Ethan and Elias jumped in to do their latest rendition of the ‘E-team.’ Luke just skated away, which was an improvement since he didn’t glare at me.
I think he’s warming up to the idea that this is my job, and it helps the team.
Maybe I can pick his girlfriend’s brain tonight for ideas on how to break through his grumpy facade.
The rest of the guys still seem a little wary, but Rebecca reassured me they’d come around.
I hope she’s right because I can’t very well launch the ‘Date a Hockey Player’ event without hockey players.
Another reminder of how generous and kind Wade is.
He hates this kind of thing, yet he didn’t even hesitate to volunteer.
I shouldn’t compare, but Chase was always about what I could do for him.
How in the world did I put up with it—him—for as long as I did?
When I walk into Rebecca’s office, she glances up at me with an immediate smile. A quick look to my right confirms that Zach is there, his expression welcoming as well. These two have to be the ultimate power couple of the hockey world, which gives me another idea.
“I wanted to run something by you two.” I swing my gaze between them.
Zach unfolds himself from the couch and joins us at Rebecca’s desk. “Shoot.”
“Most arenas are named after corporate sponsors.”
Rebecca shakes her head. “I’m not interested in going that direction.” She glances toward Zach, who lifts a single brow but remains silent. “At least not yet.”
I hold my hand out. “Right, but that’s not where I was headed. The arena—your arena—still needs a name. What if the fans helped pick it out?”
Zach sits on the edge of Rebecca’s desk. “You mean like the whole Boaty McBoatface incident?”
Rebecca’s eyes widen with mild alarm.
“No, we won’t let that happen,” I reassure her. “We’ll come up with a short list and have the fans vote. Creates a sense of ownership for them, too.”
Zach and Rebecca pass a look. He gestures at me. “I like the way she thinks.”
Rebecca’s mouth quirks up on one side. “Perhaps because she just echoed my philosophy about ownership.”
Dumbfounded, I bounce my gaze between them. “Then you like the idea?”
“Love it.” Elbows on her desk, Rebecca clasps her hands under her chin. “Let the players give their thoughts and ideas, too.”
“Of course. This is their home.”
Again, they send each other knowing looks accompanied by grins this time.
Rebecca lowers her hands and widens her smile. “You’ve barely been here a week, and you already fit us like a glove, Bree. I love this idea. Let’s get to work on that list, shall we?”
If I could do a happy dance and still look professional, I’d break out some moves. I’ll save that for later, but I will use this budding confidence to propose my other idea.
“I have another proposal that I think would be fun and help build the team’s profile overall.”
Rebecca holds her hand out. “Go on.”
“So far, Ethan and Elias are giving me great footage as the E-team. And the other players are slowly warming up to doing these videos to establish the team’s social media presence.”
They both nod.
“I’d like…I mean, I was wondering… Would you two be willing to do some videos as well?”
They stare at each other in a silent dialogue. Zach’s smile quirks up, matching his lifted brow on that side of his face. Rebecca’s blush turns several shades darker.
I wave my hands between them. “Oh, nothing embarrassing. I meant strictly professional. You two are like the power couple of the ECHL. We could show the fans some behind-the-scenes glimpses of your professional partnership.”
Rebecca leans back in her seat as Zach pushes off the desk and stands next to her, eyes completely focused on her. “Your team, your call.”
She holds his hand, twining her fingers with his, and stares up at him. “Our team.”
A knot forms in my throat at the love and respect defining their exchange. I get the semantics. Outsiders could easily assume he’s the one running the show.
That he understands this, yet expresses his total support for Rebecca without pointing out the negative aspects, kind of blows my mind. An ache hits my heart along with a longing to have something like it in my life.
Someone who believes in me.
Chase said I was crazy for leaving the Texas Stars to work for myself. I thought it was because he wanted to keep control over me, which I’m sure was a big part of it. But maybe he thought I didn’t have what it took to succeed.
Wade believed in me. So much so that he recommended me for a job where he lives and breathes hockey. He didn’t seem that surprised when I got the position either. He had complete faith in me. Supported me. Let me move in with him, even though it meant he’d lose his bedroom.
Rebecca rises from her chair and leans into Zach. “We’re a team. I think the fans would love to see that.”
I literally bounce on my toes. “Yay! Oh my gosh, this is going to be amazing. Sarabella will not only be known for its beaches but for its hockey culture, too.” I pause as another thought hits me. “Plus, the fans need to see what a woman in charge of a sports team looks like.”
I think I almost made my boss cry.
Rebecca blinks, then smiles. “I’m all on board with that.”
After a few more idea exchanges on how to handle that, I zip out of her office to work on concepts for both of my ideas. Before I get there, I pull out my phone and send a text to Wade’s Nana.
Bree: Any chance you’d share your world-famous chocolate chip cookie recipe?
Nana: I could, but then I’d have to kill you. And I love you too much to do that. (laughing emoji)
Giggling, I glance up in time to avoid plowing into Wade, who’s walking on his own. “No more crutches!”
He shakes his head. “Don’t need them anymore.” He points to my phone. “What’s so funny?”
I press the screen against my chest so he can’t see what I’m up to. “Nothing, just texting a friend.”
“Oh?” He frowns at me. “Hope it’s not your loser ex.”
If he only knew how right he is about Chase, but I’m still not ready to talk to him about it. However, Wade’s tone riles something up in me. “That’s none of your business, Wade. And why do you assume he’s a loser?”
His brows shoot up. “He let you go, didn’t he?”
I open my mouth but can’t find the words. I’m too taken aback by what he said.
Wade shakes his head. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, cupping my face for a moment before dropping his hand. “You deserve better, Bree.”
My heart pounds in my chest. All I can do is stare at him because my brain’s still processing what he said. If Wade thinks I deserve better than Chase Langston, then I should believe him.
But my question?
Who exactly does he think deserves me?