Page 30 of If You Love Me

“Callie should stay home tomorrow. Crap. I don’t want you to miss a test.” She reaches out and skims my tie. I wore it when I took her out for a very private dinner in New York. “Maybe I can catch an earlier flight home. I’ll check in with you after the game. I love you, too, Big Pheels. I’m sorry. Hugs for Callie.” She ends the call and pinches the bridge of her nose. “How can I help you, Roman?”

“You can help me by letting me help you,” I say softly.

“You need to get to the arena, and so do I,” she replies.

“We do, but Callie is sick, and you won’t be able to focus on the game if the situation doesn’t get managed, which means neither will I, because I’ll be irritated at myself for not stepping in when I could,” I argue.

“Why are you being so kind?” she whispers.

“Because being angry about the past doesn’t change anything tonight, and I feel better being a nice guy instead of an asshole.”I finger the end of her braid. “I presume Peggy and Hemi have already pulled you into their group chat.”

“Yes, but?—”

“You and Dred were talking the other day. Why don’t you see if she’s around?”

She frowns, like she’s surprised I know this.

“I pay far more attention to you than I should, Lexi. If you don’t pull up Dred’s contact information, I’ll get it from my daughter and do it myself.”

“You’re so bossy,” she gripes.

“You love when I take control.”

She gives me a look. “Watch yourself, Goalie.”

“Pull up Dred’s contact, Coach.”

She worries her bottom lip. “I can’t ask her to watch Callie when she’s sick.”

“Fine. I’ll do it for you.” I pull my phone out of my pocket.

“Don’t.” She grabs my hand. “I’ll do it.”

“Good girl.” I don’t mean for it to come out gravelly.

A shiver runs through her, but she doesn’t say anything else, just sends the message. It takes all of three seconds for Dred to reply.

“She’s done at the library at ten, and she’s offered to stay the night.”

“Perfect. Now the only thing you have to worry about tonight is the game, which I need to suit up for.” I turn to walk away before I lose the battle with my body and pull her into my arms.

“Roman.”

God, what it does to me when my name is on her lips. I glance over my shoulder.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Despite feeling good going into the game, I do not play well. Nothing goes right for any of us. Grace is on second line with a less-experienced enforcer, leaving us vulnerable. But putting him on the same line as Madden seems to be asking for more problems than it’s worth. That needs to end so we don’t fuck up the season. As it is, I let in three goals while Ottawa shuts us out. I hope like hell it doesn’t set the tone for what’s coming my way for the rest of the season.

Peggy hugs me first when we exit the locker room after. I don’t know if that makes me feel worse or better. “I’m sorry, Dado. I know that game was a hard one.”

I pat her back. “Thanks, kiddo.”

“You’re coming out tonight, right?” She smooths the lapels on my suit jacket.

“Nah. I think I’ll take it easy.” I tip my chin toward the group, who look like they’re figuring out where to go. “You have fun. Go burn some energy and take Hollis with you.”

---