Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
A beat of silence. “Oh. That.”
“Yeah. That. You didn’t tell me about it.” And I realize now that the words are out, it actually stings a little she didn’t share.
Winnie exhales. “It wasn’t a big deal, Lucky. Just a couple of mean, entitled girls who think TikTok is their whole reason for existence and professional athletes should date Instagram models. I gave them a look and walked out. It would have done no good to engage them and it’s the price we pay for putting ourselves out there.”
“Yeah… I get that. But it doesn’t make it right. And it shouldn’t have to be tolerated. You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m good. Promise.”
I analyze her tone. She sounds confident. Appears to be unbothered. I know I have to take her at face value, but I feel like I’m missing something. I want to press, but I don’t. “If it ever does get to you… I want to be the first one you tell. Part of my job is to protect you.”
“I’ll be fine,” she murmurs.
“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.
Over it, I type: People talk. I know who she is.
I post the video and immediately, the likes start pouring in. Comments… all good so far. I can practically hear women sighing and I smile.
I know I can’t protect her, but I can be vocal so no one ever doubts she’s the one.
CHAPTER 30
Winnie
I push open the door to Haven & Hearth fifteen minutes late, breathless and already flustered, and not because of traffic.
It’s TikTok.
And I’m not late because I was posting something.
I’m late because I wasn’t posting, which I know doesn’t make sense.
But the truth is, everyone is waiting on me because I was stuck in an endless spiral of indecision. After Lucky called me from the airport this morning and asked about the bathroom incident, which I downplayed like it was no big deal, I showered, put on minimal makeup and curled my hair.