Page 27 of If You Love Me

I exhale the emotion that comes with her permission. She’s been forced to grow up so quickly. I want to see her living, thriving in a way I never did.

I meet up with Hemi, Shilpa, and Hammer, and we pass Coach Thomas and Donnie on the way to the elevator.

“You on your way out, Forrester?” he asks, scanning our group.

“I am. Unless you need me for something?”

“You all heading to the Watering Hole?” Arnold asks before Donnie can reply.

“That’s the plan,” I say.

“You’re welcome to join us, but I think your boys have practice tonight?” Hemi phrases it as a question.

“We’re working on the next generation of Terror players, isn’t that right, Donnie?” Coach Thomas claps him on the shoulder.

“Sure is.” Donnie replies.

“You all have a good time. See you on the ice tomorrow, Forrester,” Coach Thomas says before they continue down the hall.

We leave the office and head down the bustling street.

Hammer frowns as she consults her phone. “Tally can’t come tonight. She has dance and an evening class.”

“Her schedule isn’t very forgiving this semester,” Hemi says.

“She’s a dancer? What kind?” I ask as we push through the doors to the Watering Hole.

“Modern contemporary. She’s double majoring in dance and kinesiology. It’s a big transition for her,” Hammer says.

Dred, Rix, and Essie wave us over, and I’m welcomed with hugs.

Dred moves over, and I slide into the booth beside her. “I’m so glad you came tonight! Did dinner make it home okay last time?”

I smile. “It did, and it was a hit.”

“You’ll have to bring your sisters out so we can meet them,” Rix says.

“I would love to. Callie plays hockey five nights a week, and Fee is a senior and has a portfolio class, so it’s busy.”

“Portfolio? Is she in the arts?” Rix asks.

“She goes to the Art Academy.”

“What kind of art is she into?” Essie asks.

“She’s a dancer, but she’s also into mixed media art.”

“We definitely need to get her out. Tally went to school there.” Hemi accepts a glass of soda water.

I pass on the margaritas and order a ginger ale. “That would be a great connection for her.” Tally seems nice, and Fee could definitely use some new friends.

The bell over the door tinkles, and the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

A moment later, Roman appears in my periphery. He stops to hug Hammer and say hi to everyone. He’s so sweet with his daughter, and I once experienced that gentle side, but I also know how absolutely fucking filthy he can be when the clothes come off…

And when his gaze lands on me, I break out in goose bumps, and my entire body turns dewy. How can I spend the entire year like this? Always on alert. Always aware of his presence. Always turned on or anxious or both.

I give my attention to Dred, whose smile has turned sad as she watches Hammer and Roman. “It’s pretty special, isn’t it?”

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