Page 67 of Hot Stuff
I want to interrupt. I want to remind the woman of the relationship she’s having behind closed doors. But I can’t out her involvement with Walker’s best friend any more than I can out the real reason her brother is retiring.
It’s not my place.
“Promise me you’ll be careful. I’m worried about this new shift in your professional life as it is.”
“I can promise that. I’ll also promise that I’m okay with the change to my career. Am I disappointed? Yes. Would I change it if I could? Hell, yes. Am I unhappy with the new path I’m taking? Fuck no. I can’t explain it, but this new direction feels right. Feels more right than anything I’ve ever done and that rightness includes my relationship with Oakley.”
“How’d you even meet her?”
“I’m the face of the new line of Rogue’s sportswear for elite athletes.”
“The photo shoot the other day? You’ve known her two days!”
“No. We met when I signed the sponsor deal last year, before my injuries.”
“Oh. Okay. That’s better than two days.”
I can’t help but cringe at the relief in her voice. If she knew the truth, and I have to admit I’m surprised he didn’t tell her the real story, she would definitely be against us.
Maybe that’s why Walker hasn’t told her.
If we’re going to pull this off, then the fewer people who know the real story, the better. It would only take one slip of the tongue for the press to eat it up, and neither of us needs that kind of attention right now.
Me more than him.
Not that I would let anything the media said affect the choices I make for either Rogue sportswear or the Rogues franchise.
“Now, when she comes out here, be nice,” he instructs before getting back to the stove. “Have you finished with those eggs? The veggies are ready.”
“Yeah.” Shelby hops off the stool and walks around the island to deliver the egg mixture to her brother. “I’m sorry. It’s just after you left yesterday, all I could think about was how your life has done a one-eighty and you can’t play hockey anymore.”
“Pour those in. I can keep playing, just not at a professional level.”
“Same, same.”
Walker laughs. “No. It’s not. And I’ll still be in the hockey world.”
“You said that, but as what? You’ve never talked about anything but playing for as long as I’ve been alive.”
“Trust me. This is good. And as soon as I can tell you, I will.”
Shelby eyes her brother and I hold my breath waiting for her next words.
“Fine. But she better not screw you over. I don’t care how rich she is, I’ll take her down.”
“As much as I love your defense of me, I don’t need you to fight my battles, Shelby.”
“You might not need me to but I’m going to. It’s what little sisters are for.”
“Ha! Little sisters are for pains in the ass.”
“Hey! I’ve never been a pain in your ass.” The arms she has crossed over her chest slowly lower. “Have I?”
“Ah, fuck. No.” Walker wraps an arm around her neck and tugs her in for a hug. “Not once.”
“I’m sorry I barged in here. I didn’t even think about you not being alone…”
“It’s okay. You get to meet Oakley sooner than I thought, but that’s not a bad thing. You’re going to love her.”
