30. Violet
thirty
Violet
DAY 41 AT SILVER LEAF... ONLY 45 TO GO
I stand at the entrance to the ice arena located twenty minutes outside Aster Springs and welcome the San Francisco Fury as they arrive one by one. As a junior marketing executive, I don’t have much contact with the players, but that changed when I became Chord’s assistant. This is session number four in the summer training schedule, and the process is familiar enough that I’m not a bundle of nerves anymore. Today I’m directing players to the locker rooms inside so they can get ready for today’s sessions, but there’s a lot of standing around to do, and I spend the lulls anxiously scanning the parking lot for Chord’s family. So far, none of them are here.
Coach Campbell and Chord are already inside, and we’ve rented the entire place out to give the team time together on the ice. It probably would have been easier to do this at the home arena in San Francisco but with eight weeks until the official start of the season, Coach liked the idea of keeping things low-key and informal by using a small-town venue.
I send another player inside just as a sleek black SUV pulls into an empty space, followed by a similar model in white. Hayden steps out of the first car, then Weston out of the second, just as a convertible jeep with the top down screeches into the lot. The driver swings into an available space, barely coming to a stop before Breaker, Theo, and Jake jump out—literally. They don’t bother to open their doors before launching themselves out of the vehicle, landing on the asphalt with the ease of wild cats.
I tilt my head and admire how good-looking they are. Athletic, obviously. Tall, hard, strong. Different ages and different features—tattoos and scruffy, clean cut and boyish—and without exception hot.
As they draw closer, I stand straight, clear my throat and smile, but there’s nothing I can do to stop the heat creeping up my neck. “It’s nice to see you all again. I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding the place?”
Hayden flashes a cocky grin. “Set my GPS to nearest beautiful woman and it led me straight to you.”
I cover my snort as West smacks him over the head, and the other boys groan, but then an unimpressed grunt sounds behind me, loud enough to make me jump. I spin to find Chord scowling over my head, and I take a small but subtle step away from Hayden.
“These guys just got here,” I explain. “They’re about to head inside and find the locker room.”
Hayden’s grin gets wider as he mock-salutes his captain. West shakes his head, and I roll my lips as Chord crosses his arms over his chest and glares while his teammates file inside.
Once they’re gone, Chord takes my hand and pulls me away, rounding the corner of the building, and then pinning me against the wall the moment we’re out of sight. His hips press against me, and his big arms cage me in as he dips in to kiss me. I kiss him back, my tablet clutched to my chest until we’re both breathing fast.
“A little reminder of who you belong to,” he says, dropping a gentle sweep of his lips against mine before brushing the tip of my nose with his.
Goosebumps ripple where his warm breath hits the side of my neck. Who I belong to.
I close my eyes and give over to the warmth that pools in my core whenever Chord’s mouth is on my body, even as a whisper of anxiety swirls in my chest. My life is perfect, and perfection is so foreign to me that it’s becoming uncomfortable.
For years I wanted to design couture and travel the world. I never once dreamed about being a personal assistant for the NHL’s hottest player, and I never imagined falling in love with him. I never pictured being happy out of the city on a California ranch. Never dreamed I’d find a place where I could live a life all my own, my dad close enough and happy enough that I wouldn’t worry about him every minute of the day. I never knew I wanted this, but now that I have it, I don’t want to let it go.
And I know Chord said our summer together doesn’t have to end, and it’s a sweet promise, but no amount of money or sentimental words can stop time. October will be here before we know it and what will happen then? I don’t want to ask and break our magical summer bubble, but I think about it every day.
Chord will leave the ranch, and I assume Dad and I will move back to our apartment in the city. I’ll return to Fury headquarters under Courtney’s rule. Chord will be at away games half the time, driven and focused on getting to the playoffs, and I’ll spend my nights without him, sketching and listening to music. Nothing to keep me warm at night except a blanket and my dreams.
I close my eyes and rest my head on Chord’s broad chest, soothed by the warmth of his body, the smell of his skin, and the beat of his heart, before he rubs his palms up and down my arms and presses a kiss to the top of my head.
“Okay, Wallflower. I know you’re busy. I’m going to check in with Coach and get things started. I’ll see you in there?”
I offer him my upturned lips, and the corner of his mouth tips up before he takes my face in both hands and kisses me gently. We walk back around to the front of the building side by side, Chord brushing the back of my hand with his and giving me a quick wink as he disappears inside.
I stand at the front of the arena and check my list for the hundredth time to confirm that everyone who is supposed to be here is already accounted for. Everyone who needs to be here is already inside, but still, I wait and stare out across the parking lot, hoping that hope alone will conjure a Davenport. It doesn’t, and my stomach drops as I go inside.
I speak to a couple of staff members on my way through the complex to make sure everything is under control, then enter the arena and make my way over to my dad, who sits in the stands with youthful exuberance brightening his face.
Dad is thriving at Silver Leaf—he’s a little stronger, fitter, and happier every time I see him—and I love the change in him, but a flutter of anxiety catches in my throat. How will he manage when it’s time to leave?
“I needed this,” he says as I hand over one of the coffees I picked up in the foyer. “Thank you, Blossom.”
“No problem.” I settle into the seat next to him, take a sip from my own cup, and check the time. “Shouldn’t be long now.”
“That’s okay. I don’t mind waiting. It gives us time to catch up.”
I frown mid-sip and swallow my mouthful of coffee. “Catch up?”
Dad gives me a reluctant smile. “I wasn’t going to say anything because you didn’t bring it up, and I know you’re happy with Chord, but…”
I lower my coffee to my lap, ignoring the way the air suddenly feels uncomfortably warm and my stomach hollows out. “But… what?”
“This relationship… It’s complicated, isn’t it? Dating a famous NHL player isn’t the same as dating a regular guy. There are added pressures and expectations. People watching and talking about you.”
My cheeks burn hot. “You saw the photos, didn’t you?”
Dad shakes his head with a defeated sigh. “No, but I read about them.”
“We were just unlucky.”
I stare at a gum wrapper on the floor instead of Dad’s concerned gaze. The photos of Chord and I swimming in the lake were unlucky, and of course, they bothered me, but they upset Chord too. Every time a website publishes a new image, Chord’s lawyers and PR firm work double time to get it taken down. And for better or worse, we’re in this together now. I won’t be one of those women who run from Chord when his spotlight shines too bright.
“I’m worried about you, Violet.” Dad raises his palms as if anticipating an argument. “I understand you’re a grown woman—a smart, sensible, talented woman who can make her own choices—and I haven’t always been strong enough for you to lean on, but I have to ask if this relationship is really what you want.”
“Oh, Dad.” I take his hand with a grateful but watery smile. “I appreciate it—I really do—but I… I think I might love him. This is really what I want.”
“Love, eh?” Dad rubs a finger under his nose, but it doesn’t hide his small smile. “Well, then. I guess you know best, and I—I’m happy for you, Blossom.”
I blink back tears as I drag him into a seated hug, kissing his cheek and holding him tight. “Thank you.”
Ten minutes later, the Fury glides out onto the ice, and we watch the team warm up, run through drills, and speed along the ice. Dad is captivated, but I get just as much pleasure from his reactions as I do from the players. I wasn’t lying when I told Chord that Dad worships the Fury. And even though I mentioned it weeks ago and only once, it was Chord’s idea to invite him along today. The gesture was so considerate and sincere that I welled up, and Chord chuckled as he brushed the moisture from my eyes.
The morning wears on, the team is divided into lines and shifts into practice games, and I find myself increasingly invested because even though this isn’t the real thing, it’s still something to watch. The men are something to watch. They’re powerful, fast, and competent, passing pucks and flying past the boards with strength and determination. They’re sweaty. They’re aggressive. They’re loud.
Every one of them knows what he’s doing, but there’s one who has my full attention. He’s bigger and stronger and brighter than anyone else, that magnetism burning like fire even now, and sitting in the stands watching him feels a little like crushing on the popular boy at school. He’d never like me. He’d never notice me. I’m nobody and nothing compared to him.
But he glances up, again and again, his gaze laser-focused on me. Things unspoken pass between us, and I feel like I’m floating. Chord might be that guy , but he’s looking at me .
I wish his family was here to see this. I stick my hands between my knees and check the doors for the thousandth time. When an hour passes, then another, I decide it’s time to admit defeat. Thank God I kept this little scheme to myself. Chord might pretend not to care when his family fails to show, but he’d feel discouraged about the progress he’s made with Charlie, and it’d be all my fault.
Play picks up, Chord sends a puck flying across the ice into the back of the net, and Dad jumps to his feet. I shake my head and chuckle.
“What?” he asks as I grin and shake my head again. “We scored!”
“Nothing. I’m glad you’re having a good time. I’m a little distracted, is all.”
“I noticed.” Dad returns to his seat, then raises an arm over his head and gives a wide wave. “Well, would you look at that? I didn’t know they were coming today.”
My heart jumps into my throat as Daisy, Dylan, Izzy, Finn, and Charlie walk into the complex. Daisy spies us first and returns Dad’s wave, and they make their way over.
I stand as they approach with Daisy in the lead. “You made it!”
Daisy rolls her eyes. “Finally rallied the troops, and here we are. Better late than never?”
“There’s not much left of the morning session,” I agree, “but if you stick around, you can chat with Chord during the break. I might even be able to round up some skates if Izzy wants a twirl around the ice?”
The little girl jumps up and down, navy-blue tutu floating around her little boots. “Yes!”
Dad gets to his feet and greets everyone as they file into the row of seats behind us, but no sooner does Charlie’s butt hit her chair than she shoots back up again.
“I need something to drink,” she announces, stepping back into the aisle. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Daisy rolls her eyes and starts to stand but I stop her.
“I’m a little thirsty, too,” I say. “Does anyone want anything?”
Izzy’s eyes grow wide. “Yes! Candy!”
Dylan tweaks her little nose. “You ate before we came.”
Izzy rolls her eyes like her dad is the silliest man in the world. “I didn’t eat candy.”
Dylan sighs. “Something small?”
I smile and wink at Izzy. “No problem.”
I find Charlie loitering near a vending machine in the foyer. She has her back to me as I approach, and I gently tap her on her shoulder to get her attention. She turns and glances behind me as if expecting someone else, then offers me a polite smile.
“Violet. Hi. Thanks for inviting us today. I, uh… It was a nice idea.”
“I’m so happy you came. Chord will be too.”
Charlie laughs under her breath. “Yeah. Maybe.”
“Definitely.”
Aside from our conversation in the kitchen the week before, I haven’t spent any time with Charlie. From what I can tell and based on the few things Chord and Daisy have told me, she spends all her time maintaining the ranch and working on the books. Alone and striving to build a future she’s always dreamed about. I can relate.
“I’m glad I’ve got you alone,” I say. “Something crossed my desk a couple of days ago, and I wanted to talk to you about it.” I gesture at the sofa in the corner. “Can we sit for a minute?”
Charlie responds with a puzzled frown. “Uh. Sure.”
I pull a name and phone number from the pocket of my shorts and offer it to Charlie as we settle on the sofa.
“Fredrick Myers?” she reads.
“Yes. He’s the guy in charge of catering and beverage operations at the Fury’s home arena.”
Charlie’s brows draw together, and she gives her head an apologetic shake. “I’m sorry, but I’m not following you.”
I heave in a fortifying breath. I don’t know if my idea is a good one, but ever since Chord told me about buying wine from the ranch without anyone knowing, I’ve been racking my brain for ways to limit the fallout. I want to do for Chord what he—and Charlie—have already done for me. Take care of family.
“I’m a little nervous, so I’m not explaining this well,” I say. “Let me try again. You know I’m on the marketing team for the Fury, right?”
“Daisy mentioned it.”
“Great. This means I know a lot of what goes on with the team and its operations, at least at a high level. I’ve just found out that the arena is seeking new local wines for their VIP suites, and I thought of you.”
Charlie’s eyes narrow and she leans back. “Did Chord put you up to this?”
“Actually, no. Chord knows nothing about it.”
Her brows shoot up, and she scans the card again. “So why are you telling me?”
“Because I think you’re the best person to pitch Silver Leaf Ranch.”
Charlie gives me a skeptical look. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
I clasp my hands together to stop myself from wedging them between my knees. “I’m going to be honest with you, Charlie. I don’t know if this will work. The team has solid conflict of interest policies. Chord is new to the roster, he doesn’t have the best reputation, and the spotlight’s all on him coming into this season. He’s signed a contract valued at less than he’s worth, and the optics of adding Silver Leaf wines to their VIP beverage list right now are probably too murky to overcome.”
Charlie purses her lips and frowns at the paper again. “But you must think it’s worth a shot, or you wouldn’t suggest it.”
“Exactly. I think with the right pitch, full transparency, and a comprehensive public relations plan, you can do this. You just need to think outside the box a little. Make Chord’s connection to the team and the ranch work for you—not against you.”
She rubs the paper between her fingers, and I can see the gears turning in Charlie’s brain. “We could donate a percentage of every sale to the San Francisco Fury Foundation,” she suggests. “Nobody else will offer that. Or we can do a limited-edition bottle just for the arena. It’ll make the wine more expensive but much less competitive, which will neutralize any perceived unfair advantages.”
I smile with a relieved sigh. Charlie is smart and tenacious, just like I suspected, and she’s going to nail this.
“You’ve got this,” I tell her.
Her smile is more genuine than I’ve seen, her blue eyes more open, and I get the impression we just demolished an invisible wall between us. “Thanks, Vi.”
The doors leading to the ice fly open, and Chord stalks through. My stomach flips at the sight of him—tall and broad, face flushed, dark hair damp, kitted out in his Fury colors.
His eyes land on us, and his step falters before he clenches his jaw and strides over. Charlie stands a second before I do, and I check the time to see where we are on the schedule.
“Break time?” I ask.
“Yeah.” His eyes shift to Charlie and away again. “Kind of. Izzy wants to go for a spin, Daisy’s going to join her, and some of the boys agreed to play pick-up with Dylan, Finn, and your dad. Everyone else is going to do off-ice team-building exercises with the assistant coach.”
“Sounds like fun. Are you looking for skates?”
Chord rubs the back of his neck, and my heart breaks at how hard he’s trying to not look at Charlie. “Yeah. Do you know where I can find them?”
“I’ll ask someone about the rentals desk, but everyone will need to meet me there to try them on.”
“Great. Thanks.”
There’s an awkward pause before Charlie says, “I’ll take a pair too.”
Warmth bursts from my chest as Chord’s brows leap, and his hand drops away from his neck. “Yeah?”
Charlie shrugs. “Sure. Once upon a time, I was pretty good on the ice.”
“No. You were fantastic on the ice.” Chord moves a step closer. “Thanks for coming. It’s cool that you’re all here.”
She fights a smile and rolls her eyes like she’s embarrassed. “All right. Are we going to do this or what?”
“Yes!” I take a few quick steps backward. “You two go back in while I locate the rentals, then I’ll meet everyone back here in five.”
Chord reaches over and grasps my hand to pull me in for a quick kiss. I blush and look around to make sure nobody from the team saw it, and his mouth lifts up at the corner.
“Thanks, Wallflower,” he whispers.
I’m well out of earshot before I look back down the corridor, warmth radiating to every cell in my body at Chord and Charlie side by side as they head back to the rink.