Page 87 of If You Love Me

It takes a moment to switch back into professional mode. “Rotate Ryker in, if we’re leading, Palaniappa and Grace on the same line as Madden to give us the best scoring shot and the strongest defense.”

“Excellent. That’s smart strategy. It works with the teams’ strengths.” His smile is beautiful and affirming and sparks the neediest places inside me.

“Thanks.” His pride settles the deepest fears in me. He makes me feel capable, strong, sure of my path.

“See? You didn’t need my help. Trust your gut.”

“But it’s nice to have someone to toss around ideas with. And even nicer to have you here.” I make the tweaks to the strategy plan and email them to Vander Zee.

Roman stands and holds out a hand, pulling me to my feet. He wraps his arms around me, and I do the same. We stand there for a long time, neither of us willing to let go. I feel his lips on my crown. “I have to go.”

“I know. I can walk you out.”

He cups my face in his hands, eyes roving hotly over my face. “It’s better if you don’t.”

“Are you okay?”

“Hitting my limit on self-control. Counting down the days until I don’t have to put up walls when I’m around you. Be a good girl and wait until you hear the door close.” He presses his lips to my forehead. “Night, angel.”

“Night, Roman. Thank you for everything.”

“Thank you for trusting me.” He leaves me standing in my office, heart drumming in my chest, body aching. We didn’t cross the line, though. It should feel like a win, but all it does is make me long for what could be, if we can just make it to the end of the season.

CHAPTER 27

ROMAN

“Alex, it’s great to see you.”

“Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.” Alex Waters, hockey legend and huge inspiration, steps inside Hollis’s penthouse.

“It’s an honor.” Hollis shakes his hand.

“Hi. Hello. I’m Aurora, Roman’s daughter and Hollis’s girlfriend. We met last year at the gala.” Peggy is practically vibrating with excitement.

Alex’s smile widens. “I remember. That was a really fun event. My wife and daughter, Lavender, talked about it for weeks. We’re looking forward to attending again this year.”

“We’re so thrilled you’re coming back! Why don’t you all get comfortable, and I’ll bring out refreshments.” She flits off to the kitchen.

“She’s a big fan.” Hollis leads us through the penthouse into the living room.

Postie and Malone, his rescue tabbies, come out to greet us. Alex takes a seat in one of the chairs, and Postie immediately jumps onto the arm, looking for pets.

“This guy is a bit of a lover,” Hollis warns.

“I like cats.” He scratchesPostie’s head.

“Just don’t let him straddle your arm. He’ll treat it like it’s his girlfriend.”

I cough to hide my laugh and take a seat in the other chair.

“Good to know.” Alex doesn’t seem fazed in the slightest. Although I’ve read some of the things his wife says in interviews, so I doubt much shocks him.

“I’ll just go help Aurora. She kind of went all out.” Hollis excuses himself.

“Were they together at the gala last year?” Alex asks.

“Not publicly yet.” I rap on the armrest. “How’s the family? How are your kids?”

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