Page 63 of Hot Stuff
We’re so comfortable with each other that the need for closed doors while taking care of a nature call isn’t necessary.
Relief flows through me. Any concern I had about whispering I love you is gone because without words she’s just told me she’s on the same page.
The level of trust and acceptance the act of leaving the door open as she takes care of such a personal need is something you don’t give a two-night stand.
I know that’s not what we are, not after she orchestrated the photographers getting their pictures of us together. If she planned to ditch me when she went back home, she wouldn’t have done that.
Hell, what the fuck am I thinking?
She’d never have gotten into bed with me after offering me the job of head coach if her plan was to walk away after our time together here.
Scrubbing a hand over my face, I try to clear my head.
I’m not used to the emotional upheaval I’ve gone through in recent months, the last few days especially.
What with meeting Oakley and admitting my playing career is over.
“Hey.” Oakley crawls into bed and lays on top of me. “What’s wrong?”
“Just my brain freaking out.”
“Over what you said?” I feel her stiffen above me and I wrap my arms around her.
“No. Yes. Fuck. There’s so much going on in my head, but I meant what I said.”
“Well, that’s good, because no take-backs.”
I grin. “Oh?”
“You gave those words to me so they’re mine now and I’m keeping them.”
“You want them?”
“Yes.” She leans down and presses her mouth to mine. “And I know it’s crazy—we just met—but I love you too, Walker.”
Air rushes from my chest and an ache I wasn’t aware of disappears. “Okay. Good. Good. Okay.”
She laughs, her breasts jiggling against my chest. “Can you sleep now? We have a lot to deal with in the morning.”
“Yeah, we do. I wish I knew what it was that we needed to deal with.”
“We do. Your statement will be released and no doubt our relationship will be splashed across the internet before that.”
“Which do you think will garner more attention?”
“Your retirement.”
“Yeah? You don’t think me dating the CEO of Rogue sportswear is a big deal?”
“Oh, it’s the biggest deal but I think your retirement will be what gets the most attention because you’ve been in the news for months. Now they’ll have what they’ve been searching for.”
“What?”
“When you’ll be getting back on the ice.”
“I need to tell you something.” I don’t know when I made the decision to tell her, but I know I can’t go to sleep tonight until I have. “I’m not retiring because of my knees.”
“Okay,” she drags the word out.
