Page 124 of Perfectly Grumpy

You’re right.

And I don’t care.

But I realized my rule had a critical oversight. There’s a difference between pressuring you about your decision and supporting you through this huge moment, which is saying something considering I usually calculate every angle.

The team set me straight the second I got back. They pointed out that wishing you luck isn’t pressure. It’s what partners do. When Jaz asked what my heart wanted me to do, I already knew. Of course, I want to contact you. And it was killing me not to. Even though I want you to miss me.

At the same time, I don’t want to pressure you about Kansas City or influence your decision. I’m just here to tell you that you’re going to absolutely crush that interview tomorrow. You’re brilliant and any NHL team would be lucky to have you.

Also, I miss you. More than I thought possible.

I miss watching you snuggle with Annie, the way your whole face lights up when she falls asleep on your lap.

I miss the way you boss me around and somehow make me want to follow every ridiculous order.

I miss falling asleep to the sound of your voice begging for “just one more chapter.”

I miss the way you curl up next to me when you’re tired, like you belong there. Because you do.

Most of all, I miss my Sunny. The woman who makes everything better and brighter just by being herself.

Go show Kansas City what I already know—that you’re the best PR manager in hockey. But whatever you decide, know that I’m here. I’ll always be here, no matter what.

Your rule-breaking Sheriff,

Tate

P.S. I have news about Seattle when you get back. Good news.

P.P.S. Annie misses you too. James called and said she wasn’t eating, just sitting by the door looking for you. So I brought her home, and she’s been sleeping on your side of the bed, like she’s waiting for you to come back.

FORTY-ONE

lauren

Leave it to Sheriff Foster to send me an email about breaking rules right before the most important interview of my life. Instead of focusing on Kansas City, I spent the entire flight home imagining him waiting in my office when I returned—glasses on, that lethal smile, ready to welcome me back with the kind of kiss that ruins my lipstick and all rational thinking.

But when I arrive at the Ice House Arena, I notice the rink is empty, and when I throw open my office door, he’s not there either.

Okay, so maybe I read into his email thinking he’d be here, but the truth is, I can’t wait to see him again. Because this was the longest week of my life.

And Kansas City definitely didn’t steal my heart the way Tate Foster has. Because somewhere between us pretending to date and developing strong feelings for him, he became my home. Not a place, not a career achievement.Him.

I can still feel the warmth of his arms around me during that last dance, the way he held me like we could get through any obstacle together.

I shake off the memory and force myself to focus on reality. I have emails to send, decisions to make. I open my computer towrite back to the HR director at Kansas City, and that’s when an email appears from the Crushers’ team owner.

To:Lauren Williamson

From:Rafael Marco

Subject:PR Plan Updates

Lauren,

When you return, let’s set aside some time to review the updated PR plan for the upcoming season with the executive staff and then the players. With the first game approaching, we’ll want to finalize all player profiles once the team is set.

Please hold off on drafting PR materials for Tate Foster and Lucian Lowe until their situations are finalized. I’ll keep you posted as decisions are made on our end.

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