Page 92 of Lucky
“Promise,” I growl low.
Winnie sighs.“You’ll be the first,” she promises softly.“But you really don’t have to worry.”
“Too late.”
She laughs lightly, and we talk for another minute before she cuts the call short.“I’ve got to get in the shower.Meeting the girls downtown for brunch.”
It warms me through to my soul that she’s fitting right in with the Titans women.I’ve seen the power of those ladies when they band together.
“I’ll call tonight,” I promise her.“Have fun at brunch.Don’t be spilling any of our sexy-time secrets.”
Winnie chokes and is indignant.“I would never!”
Laughing softly, I say, “I miss you.”
“I miss you too,” she murmurs.
We hang up, and I stand there, thumb brushing the edge of my phone.The terminal doors open to my left, and in walks Brienne Norcross—owner of the Pittsburgh Titans—her husband Drake, our revered but injured goalie, holding her hand.
He’s still favoring his leg, dressed in jeans, sweatshirt and a tired expression, but he manages a smile at me.
“Groin still holding you hostage?”I ask.
Drake nods.“Couple more weeks.I’m cleared for basic movement but still no ice time.”
“Which is why,” Brienne says, touching his shoulder with her head, “he’s coming to Melbourne with me.We’ll leave after the Seattle game.”
Brienne Norcross also owns Titans Racing, a formula race team based out of England but with offices here in Pittsburgh.The Melbourne Global Prix is next weekend.
“I have to admit, I love me some formula racing.I’m slightly jealous.”
“If you want to catch a race this season, just say the word.Monaco, Montreal, Silverstone, Vegas… all my hockey guys get VIP access.”
“That would be great.”My mind immediately goes to Winnie.We both have the summer off and that would be fun to do together.Which reminds me.“Thanks again, by the way.”
Brienne raises a brow.“For…?”
“Letting me use the owner’s suite for our movie date.”
Her expression shifts into one of quiet amusement.“I must admit… I do love her TikTok channel.I’m glad things are working out.I’m emotionally invested in the outcome.”
I blink in surprise that she even has time to watch TikTok, but it’s a reminder that thousands of people are invested in this, and that’s causing Winnie some backlash.
“Well, thank you again.It was the best date I’ve ever been on.”
She nods, pleased.“She seems like a good one.Hold tight.”
“She is.And I will.”
Brienne and Drake move toward the far end of the lounge and the guys begin gathering their things, finishing coffee, and lining up gear for the walk to the tarmac.
I sit a minute longer, thumb hovering over my screen, watching the draft of my TikTok from earlier that I’ve yet to post.It’s cute.It lets people know that I’m really into Winnie.
But it doesn’t seem right because I know it will invite some not-so-nice comments.
I flip through my drafts—an older clip of Winnie laughing, hair wild, sunlight catching her cheek.My heart catches.
Defiance fills me.
