“Okay,” she says after a moment. “That’s a good goodbye.”
“Just good?”
“Great. Excellent. I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you too.” I run my hand down her back. “But you’ll be busy with work and I’ll be busy getting my ass kicked in Calgary.”
“You won’t get your ass kicked.”
“Have you seen Calgary’s defense?”
“You’ll be fine.” She lifts her head to look at me. “Just come home safe.”
“Always do.”
We stay like that for a few more minutes, neither of us wanting to move. But eventually reality intrudes—the clock on the nightstandshows 6:35, the knowledge that I need to shower and pack and get to the airport.
“I should let you get ready,” she says, reluctantly rolling off me.
“Come with me.”
“To the shower?”
“Unless you want to be late for work.”
She grins. “I could be convinced.”
We shower together, which takes longer than it should because I can’t keep my hands to myself. By the time we’re done, it’s almost seven and I’m definitely cutting it close.
I throw clothes in my bag while Marnie makes coffee and toast. She’s dressed for work now—professional and competent and still slightly rumpled from sex, which is a good look on her.
“Barrett promoted me,” she says casually, handing me a travel mug.
I stop mid-zip. “What?”
“Yesterday. He called me into his office and offered me Director of Sports Medicine and Recovery. It’s a new position. I’d oversee all the PT staff, coordinate with team physicians, manage recovery protocols.” She’s trying to look calm but I can see the excitement underneath. “It’s a significant raise and it means I’m not reporting to anyone except Barrett and the GM.”
“Marnie.” I set the bag down, pull her into a hug. “That’s incredible.”
“It’s a little terrifying. I’ve only been back three days.”
“It’s what you deserve. Making you Director just makes it official.”
She leans against my chest. “I haven’t accepted yet.”
“Why not?”
“Because I wanted to talk to you first. Make sure it doesn’t—I don’t know. Complicate things.”
“How would it complicate things?”
“I’d be more visible. More scrutiny. Everyone will be watching to make sure I’m not showing favoritism?—”
“So you don’t show favoritism. You do your job, I do mine, and we’re professional at work.” I tilt her head back so she meets my eyes. “But Marnie, you can’t turn down a promotion because of me.”
“I’m not turning it down. I just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.”
“We are. Take the job. You’ve earned it.”
