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Brandon presses a kiss to my temple and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear.
Cue more chills.
“I met with Coach and Scarlet after I left earlier. I told them I’m retiring at the end of this season. They knew it was coming, but now it’s official. Do you know what that means?”
I curl a hand around his neck and lower the one holding the ice-filled towel down to my lap.
“What happened?” He asks, concern lacing his tone as he picks up my hand and inspects my palm. Soft lips press gently against the small burn, and I almost forget what I was saying. Almost.
I lift his chin up and stare into those dark, fathomless eyes. I want an explanation. “Focus, Brandon. What are you telling me?”
“I’m saying you’re not my employer after the end of this season.” He leans his forehead against mine. “I’m saying you being the owner of the team no longer matters. I’m saying hopefully, I’ve got three more months, then you’re no longer my boss.” Then he groans. And oh my, that groan does incredible things to me. “At least not on the field.”
“I was never your boss,” I murmur, wondering if he’s going to regret this.
“And yet, you’ve always been the one in charge.” His lips brush over mine, and I melt.
A distinctly male throat clears behind me, and I bury my face in Brandon’s shoulder, grateful it isn’t Lindy. “If you’re good, I’m gonna head home.” I can hear the smile in Hudson’s words without ever turning around.
“I’m good,” I squeak, embarrassed to be caught making out like a teenager.
Brandon nods, and Hudson let’s himself out the front door.
“He was waiting for you, wasn’t he?” I ask, a lightbulb going off in my brain.
“Yeah. I’m spending the night tonight. I needed to make sure you and shortcake were safe until I got back.”
“Brandon... Lindy is... I’m not sure how to explain this. She’s young and impressionable. I appreciate you wanting to be here, but—”
“I’ll sleep on the couch.” His thumb grazes my cheekbone as his eyes strip me bare.“For now.I get that you’re a package deal, baby. We take this at your pace. But you’re not staying here alone. Not tonight. Not with everything happening.”
“That didn’t sound like a question...”
“It wasn’t. That gonna be a problem?” I almost laugh at the certainty in his voice, but this man’s confidence is so very sexy.
“No.” I brush my lips over his. “Not a problem.”
He captures my mouth with his, and I slide closer.
“Oh, gross, Mom.” Of course,nowshe walks in. “I mean, bedrooms have doors for a reason.”
Please... someone dig me that hole I can hide in.
“Hi, Brandon.” She chuckles as she walks by us and heads for the basement. “I’m done studying and need to get in a workout before Andrew picks me up for practice.”
“Okay, honey,” I call out, mortified.
“Andrew?” Brandon asks.
“Her skating partner.”
His eye twitches, and I swear I can read the expression on his handsome face with ease. “Do we like this guy?”
“Yeah. He’s a good kid. He’s been her partner for years. Between him and their coach, Lindy’s experience is light-years away from mine. You’ll like him.”
“We’ll see about that.” Brandon tightens his hold on me, then his lips tip up on one side, and that damn dimple pops deep in his cheek. “Guess you better not sneak down to the couch in the middle of the night. No doors down here and all.”
“Smartass.”
