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“That’s perfect because I want to introduce you to them.”
Shirley fussed over us and insisted on packaging all the gear while I brought Jenny down to the ice. The rink was a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that helped me attract top talent. Players from all over the continent wanted to come and play for the Thunder because we had the best rink, gym, and accommodations. I intended to keep it that way. Since I’d hired a new coach, the players seemed happier. Happier players won games, and winning games mademehappy.
The players lined up on the ice. I’d called the coach earlier and told them to expect us. I led Jenny carefully down the steps to the rink, grinning. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. Sorry to interrupt practice, but I wanted you to meet my girlfriend, Jenny. Guys, this is Jenny. Jenny, this is the guys.”
The players all smiled as they skated up to Jenny, shaking her hand, ribbing her about dating me, and complimenting her sweatshirt. She grinned back, talking about the previous night’s game, charming them by remembering some of their plays, and agreeing that dating me was a questionable choice. But she squeezed my hand when she said it, and I knew she was teasing.
We watched them practice for a while. Shirley fetched us burgers and fries from the team’s private chef. Jenny deemed dinner “to die for,” and I felt as though I died alittle inside from happiness as we sat, eating our burgers, watching my hockey team run drills, Jenny at my side in her fleeceThundersweatshirt, Shirley fussing over both of us before heading out.
I squeezed Jenny’s thigh as we watched practice. And then I said, “I never would have done those terrible things I threatened you with. I want you to know that, Jenny. I’m not that guy. I was just so upset.”
She turned to me and gave me what looked like a sad smile. “I know that. You’renotthat guy, Cole. You’d never do anything to hurt Audrey or James like that, or even Elena. I knew you were just mad. And people lash out when they’re mad.”
I nodded. I was ashamed that I’d threatened to expose Audrey and Elena. At the time, I was ready to go nuclear to get Jenny back. But now that we’d reunited, everything seemed better. The anger that had me in its grip had dissipated, and I felt calm. Peaceful. “I’m still sorry I said those things.”
Jenny looked back at the rink, but she laced her fingers through mine. “I’m sorry I said some things, too. But what’s in the past is in the past, okay?”
“Okay.” I kissed her cheek. I held her hand. We watched the team skate.
And I realized that I’d just had the best day of my life.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
cole
“It’s too early,”Jenny moaned, flopping over onto her stomach and hiding her face in the pillow. “I don’t wanna get up.”
“We’re meeting James and Audrey,” I offered. “And you get to see Audrey’s ring again.”
Jenny turned toward me and opened one eye. “That’s a good point. I only glimpsed it.”
“Audrey might want to talk about bridesmaids’ dresses,” I coaxed her. “You never know. She might have magazines.”
“Magazines?” Jenny perked up some more.
“Yeah, and the coffee on private flights is wicked good.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Cole Bryson, did you just say ‘wicked’? You making fun of me?”
“Never.” I grinned. “But I am trying to get your ass out of bed. Let’s go.”
I had to deal with work before we left. While Jenny showered, I went through my messages. There were several from Kevin, my father’s assistant.
We need to set up a meeting ASAP.
Your father’s deal is on the verge of collapsing.
He’s very upset that you haven’t delivered on this.
I can’t meet in person.
I’ll call him.
Kevin didn’t respond, but I pictured him breathing a sigh of relief.
I didn’t want to deal with my father, but putting him off only worsened things. Sighing, I called him. “Dad, Kevin just texted me. What’s going on?”
“Your guy Ramosstillhasn’t given me the approvals,” he snarled, “and now my buyer is about to pull out! You haven’t doneshitfor me, and I saw pictures of you out with that hooker?—”
