Page 126 of In Your Wildest Dreams
“I don’t know that much about hockey or stats, but I know that if you think trading him is best for the Wildcats, then you are even dumber than you look. He’s the heart of this team. You can’t replace what he brings to this organization with stats. The fans love him. His teammates love him. This whole city loves him. He is so much more than you give him credit for.”
More than he even gives himself credit for.
“If you’re done getting up on your ridiculous soapbox, then I think it’s time for you to stop wasting my time and leave.” His grip tightens on his pen. “I have a job to do here.”
“And if I don’t? Are you going to hurt me again?” My heart is beating so fast, feet begging me to run in the opposite direction.
It’s the first time I’ve ever stood up to him and he’s as thrown by it as I am to be finally saying it. He doesn’t move, but a muscle in his jaw flexes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. If I hurt you, it wasn’t intentional.”
Of course, he would deny it.
“You have a problem, Gabe. But you’ll never lay a hand on me again. I have people in my life now that have my back and you better believe I will not hesitate to tell them and anyone else that will listen just what a sleaze you are. You think you can ruin Ash? Ha! He’s irreplaceable, but you’re just another mediocre guy with a fancy office on a power trip.”
“Get the fuck out of my office, Bridget.”
“With pleasure, but first I want to tell you how things are going to go between you and me from now on. I’m going to walk out of this office, and I never want to see you again. Do not call me. Do not try to talk to me. If you see me walking down the street, turn around and go the other way. Because if you so much as look at me ever again, it won’t be just Ash coming after you, it’ll be the entire goddamn team. I know where their loyalty lies and it sure as hell isn’t with you.”
Bluffing? Yes, but it has the desired impact. His jaw is so tight. Good. I hope he cracks a molar.
I turn and place a hand on the doorway. My fingers are trembling. “And find a new coffee shop.”
As soon as I’m out of the office, I slump against the wall and let a whoosh of air out of my lungs.
“Wow. That was amazing,” Scarlett says slowly. Her brows are raised, and she has a shocked smile on her face.
“What are you…” I start to ask as I realize she was out here the whole time. I cringe a little at some of the things she overheard.
“I wasn’t leaving you alone with that prick, are you kidding me?”
I crush her against me in a fierce hug. “Thank you.”
She laughs as her arms tighten around me. “You’re welcome. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good.” A slight fib, but I will be.
We head back downstairs and out of the building. Neither of us speaks again until we’re in her car.
Scarlett looks over at me as she starts the engine. “You know, you were absolutely right back there.”
“About?”
“We all have your back.”
“Oh. Yeah. I embellished a smidge. I just wanted to scare him a little.”
“I know, but it’s true. I said it before and you didn’t believe me, but I’m going to keep saying it. We’re here for you. If Gabe touches you again, it won’t just be Ash or the guys he’ll have to worry about.” She pulls her sunglasses down over her eyes and a wicked smile takes over her face. “Hockey wives are much scarier and far more creative with doling out pain and punishment.”
37
YOU’VE WORKED TOO HARD
ASH
“How’d it go?”Jack stands. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him look as nervous as he does now.
“Everything’s good, right?” Leo has a similar anxious expression.
Jack and Leo are joined by Declan, Tyler and Maverick. These are my brothers and I know what I have to tell them isn’t going to be easy.
