Page 161 of Wild Blades

“Will you please continue to be my assistant?”

“Oooo. I don’t know if I like you that much,” she says sarcastically. Her deep dimples make an appearance as a broad smile stretches across her lips. “I’d love to.”

“Oh, thank fuck, I thought I was going to have to get someone new, but I trust you, and I will pay you well. I don’t want you on the Eagles payroll. I want to pay you myself.”

“I will do it for free. You do know I am a very wealthy woman?”

“Are you?”

“Yes. I don’t need to work. I inherited everything from my father. Which he gained from your father in that stupid deal they made. So technically, it’s a family business.”

“I don’t want any of it.” I wave my hands in the air. “That’s all yours.”

“I thought you might say that. We’ll agree to disagree. For now.”

“You don’t even know me, Lola.”

“I know you, Wade. And you got screwed over. You could be a silent partner.”

“I don’t want that. Those businesses are all yours. I don’t want them.”

“Oh, are my little business chains not good enough for the hockey team owner anymore? Well, screw you, Wade Collins.” Smiling the entire time, I know she’s pulling my leg.

“I don’t want a hockey team either.” I huff out a breath.

“Well, if Nicki has anything to do with it, you will. Eventually.”

“I just want to play hockey.”

“Which you’re so good at. Do you think you could teach me how to skate?”

I stare at her wide-eyed. “You don’t know how?”

“I can, but not very well.”

“Then I have all summer to teach you.”

“There may be a little, tiny, small complication with that.” She pinches her thumb and forefinger together. “Which we’ll come back to in a minute. First, I want you to promise me some things.” Her face turns serious, making me nervous.

“I can’t promise if I don’t know what thesome thingsare.”

“I will continue to work for you with a few conditions.”

I knew there would be a catch. Several, it would seem. I lift my brows and wait for her to tell me.

“You have to promise me to get your ass back on the ice within four days.”

“Four days?” That’s sooner than I was hoping. If Kali rejects my apology letter, I may need longer than four days. Four years might not be enough either.

“Yes. Eagles versus Panthers. And I want a season ticket. For next season, not this one, but I would like playoff tickets.”

“Done,” I agree. It’s the least I can do for her. “We may not make the finals.”

She scoffs like I’m talking nonsense. “You will.”

Sheepishly she adds, “I wondered if I could continue living at your house until I find my own place. I can’t find anything I like.”

“It’s a big fat yes from me.”

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