I groaned. “That’s boring.”
“It’s pictures. Take out your phone and call me. Pretend you’re talking to Noah and talk loud enough for them to hear you.”
“No, that’s too much.” I’d feel too awkward.
“It’s really not but do whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“Okay, I’ve got to get to work.”
“I’ll email you the details of the interview as soon as I have them.”
“Thanks.”
We hung up and I went back to my emails. I was shocked by how many people were interested in Noah. He was a star and he didn't even know it.
I searched his name and nearly screamed when images pulled up. Someone posted pictures of us in Vancouver. I clicked the link and found a full article about Noah taking me home to meet his family. There were pictures of us at Stanley park, Noah and Evan playing basketball, and me and Mary sitting on the porch watching.
It was creepy. I hadn’t even noticed them there.
I took a breath and let it out. This was what we wanted. I sent the link to Chloe, so she could help spread it. This was the kind of positive press Noah needed, even if the article was exaggerating our relationship.
Chapter Twenty-One
Noah
Practice had an audience again. Instead of letting it get to my head I focused on pushing myself. There would always be people watching me. It didn’t matter that they had control of my future. All I could do was prove my worth.
I was dripping with sweat only twenty minutes into practice. I still had a bit of a headache but ignored it.
“You doing okay?” Erik was sitting next to me on the bench.
“Yeah. Sorry about last night. I should know better than to give into peer pressure. ”
He nodded. “I get it. There’s a lot riding on your shoulders, but don’t let the pressure get to you again.”
“I won’t.” I wouldn’t let it. Not again. I was stronger than that.
“Did Colby give you crap for it?”
I shook my head. “Not nearly what I deserved. She’s actually helping me right now. Setting up interviews and stuff.”
He grinned. “Working the press. Good idea. Sounds like something I would do.”
“She’ll probably get some help from Chloe.”
He laughed. “Probably. Those two have gotten close.”
“They have.” I was glad Colby found a group within the team. It would’ve been hard to ask her to come to practice and games if I’d known she was alone. The women in the Pride were as inclusive as the team. Another reason I wanted to stay here. These guys were great, and I wanted to be a part of them.
“Back in boys.” Coach Rust yelled at us and we threw our legs over the boards and joined our line on the ice.
Even though I was tired, mentally and physically, I didn’t let myself slow down. I watched the puck like my life depended on it. I didn't let it get past me. Olli could have fallen asleep behind me. I wasn’t letting anyone by.
Coach blew the whistle and we switched out again.
Hartman stopped by me and slapped my back. “Great work, Malkin.”
I nodded and took a seat on the bench. Hartman was always supportive, but rarely gave out such blatant compliments. It was reassuring that I was doing the right thing. Hopefully, our observers noticed too.
Once practice ended, I stretched out quickly before resting in an ice bath. I sighed when I got in, actually enjoying the feeling on my muscles.
I lasted a few minutes longer than normal before showering and heading home. When I walked in, Colby was sitting at the table with her computer.
“Hey,” I called.
She looked up and smiled. “Hi. How was practice? Sorry I didn’t make it.”
“It’s fine. Practice was really good.”
“Good. Are you ready to get back to work?”
I eyed her. “What do you mean?”
“Chloe got you an interview with Sports Now Magazine, and I got you one right after with On the Ice. They’re posting it on their website.”
I nodded. I didn’t really want to do these, but I knew I had to. “Where are they?”
Her smile grew. “That’s the best part. They’re both over the phone so you can do it from your bed if you want.”
I laughed. “That’s perfect. Thanks.”
“The first one is in fifteen minutes. They emailed me their questions. Do you want to prep with me?”
She slid her computer toward me enough that I could see her screen. I read over the short list. “Nah. I got this.”
“Okay great. Do you want me to stay for them?”
“Do you have somewhere to be?” I didn't mean to sound rude, but she was normally around.
“I ordered us dinner, so I was going to pick it up along with some promotional headshots the team wants signed before the game.”
Of course, she was still working. The woman never stopped. “I’ve got this. Thanks for doing all that.”
“No problem.” She stood up and grabbed her purse. “They’ll call you. I have the questions for the second interview pulled up. They’re set to call at five thirty.”
“Thanks.”
She smiled once before heading out.
I read over the questions again. They were pretty basic. How was it playing in the NHL for the first time? What do I think of the team? What have been the biggest surprises? What do I think of the team’s chance of a third championship?
I assumed they would ad lib a few questions as we went, but it wasn’t anything I couldn't handle.
The phone rang and within a few seconds we were started. I tried to give interesting responses, but I felt like I was repeating myself from past interviews. I hated giving stock answers, but that’s what happened when they all asked the same questions.
I finished without problems. Things had gone smoothly, and they said they would use images they already had. I didn’t bother asking. They were probably shots the team had sent them.
I closed out of that window and clicked around trying to find the next set of questions. I opened a document. Maybe she copied the questions onto it.
I scanned it and realized I was wrong.
This was her resume.
Updated to include her work with me. What was going on? Was she looking for a new job? A different client? Was she quitting?
She told me she noticed I was avoiding her. I hadn't meant to. I cared about her. So much. Enough to dedicate all of myself to training and performing the best I could. I wanted a future with her and to do that I needed to stay here.
I thought she understood. I thought we’d cleared things up.
Apparently not, since she was looking for more work.
I couldn’t believe this. My phone rang, and I realized it must be the other interview. I minimized her resume and the questions showed. Perfect.
I answered and tried to push her out of my mind. I knew I wasn’t as charismatic as I could have been, but at least it was over the phone. If it was in person, they would see how distracted I was.
The interview only lasted ten minutes, which was fine with me. But that meant I was alone with my thoughts afterward.
What was I going to do? She was looking to leave?
I couldn’t sit and wait for her to come home. I needed some space to think about things. I grabbed my duffle and headed back to the arena. More training was the only constructive thing I could think of.
I’d lift weights, maybe run. Push everything out of my head.
I expected the gym to be empty, but when I walked in Erik, Reese, and Olli were all there.
“Hey.” Olli waved me over. It wasn’t like I could avoid them.
“Hey guys.”
“What’s up? You look off.” Erik said, and I was surprised he noticed.
“Nothing.”
Reese laughed. “It’s about Colby.”
I looked up to see the three of them nodding. “Why would you say that?”
“It’s always the girl.”
<
br /> Erik chuckled. “We all made stupid decisions, ended up looking like you, then fixed it.”
Olli shook his head. “It’s true. We should probably start having a dinner or something for guys when they start dating a new girl –.”
“We’re not really dating.” I interjected.
He ignored my interruption. “It would save everyone a lot of time and pain. We just need to tell them they’re going to screw up, go home and talk to her, grovel a bit, maybe buy her a gift, and all will be well.”
“Says the married guy.” I rolled my eyes. He and Emma were perfect together. I doubted he knew anything I was going through.
“He’s right, though.” Reese looked at me. “I pushed Chloe away and had to fix things. So, did this moron. We’ve been where you are.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Erik narrowed his eyes. “Haven’t you though?”
I shook my head. “No. We were completely fine.”
“Until?” He asked.
“Until I found her resume on her computer. It was updated to include working with me. She’s trying to find another job. She’s quitting.”
Reese smirked. “Did you talk to her about it?”
“Obviously not, otherwise he would be with her enjoying dinner. Not brooding here with us.” Erik said with a cocky look.
He was right, but I wasn’t going to admit it.
Olli squeezed my shoulder. “You need time to cool off. Let’s burn off some of that angst and you can leave with a more level head. Nothing good happens when you try to talk about something while you’re still angry.”
I nodded. “You’re probably right.”
“No, I definitely am.”
I didn’t want to admit it, but he was. There was nothing good that could come from me confronting her right now. The guys made it seem like there was a completely logical answer, and there probably was.
I’d jumped to conclusions, and I ran.
Colby didn’t deserve that. She was doing everything she could to help me succeed. Why would she want to leave?
Maybe she just likes to always keep it up to date.
Maybe Bryce asked her for it.
There were plenty of possible explanations that had nothing to do with her leaving. Why hadn’t I seen that before? Why did I storm off? Why did I assume the worst?
It was because I cared. I was scared of losing her. I couldn't handle it.
Things had changed between us, especially in Vancouver. I didn’t want to go back to being just friends. I wanted her.
I wouldn’t screw this up.
Erik spotted me while I did bench presses, then we switched.
“How did you tell Madeline how you felt about her?”
I expected him to laugh or maybe tease me, but he blew out a breath as he lifted the weight then stopped. He turned on the bench until he was facing me.
“I screwed up. I pushed her away.” He shook his head. “I thought I lost her. I thought she was getting back together with her ex. It was a humbling experience. I had to lay everything out for her. She could have walked. She had every reason to, but she stayed. She told me she felt the same and the rest is history.”
I nodded. “Think that’s what I’m going to need to do.”
He smirked. “It’s worth it.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Colby
I listened to Chloe’s advice and made sure I was seen as I left. I walked through the front doors of the building and down the street to the restaurant I ordered from. A few photographers followed me. I couldn't believe they thought I was interesting enough to be filmed walking down the street. On the way, I called and asked the printer to deliver the photos, to which they thankfully agreed.
I got our food and walked back making sure to smile.
“Is Noah ready for tomorrow’s game?” A paparazzi called out.
I looked over my shoulder and grinned. “Yes, he’s been working so hard and really pushing himself. He’s ready.”
“Are you guys getting serious?” This was a different voice. “Will you be the third couple to get engaged?”
I tried not to blush and forced my smile not to waver. “I don’t know about that. We’re enjoying this stage right now.”
That was a good answer, right? I was great at prepping other people for interviews, but me? Not so much. I was a behind the scenes kind of girl.
“Do you think he has what it takes to stay on the Fury?”
I turned in the direction of the voice, unsure which person asked. “Of course. I’ve never known an athlete more deserving of where he is.”
They continued shouting questions, asking me to turn or pose, but I waved and walked into the building.
That was exhausting. Chloe must be used to it from her position with the team. Plus, Erik was one of the more popular players with the media. She was probably used to fielding these questions.
I finally relaxed when I got to the door and unlocked it. I stepped inside and instantly noticed how quiet it was.
“Noah?”
No response. I set our food on the counter and went to the table where my computer was sitting.
I woke it up and my resume was up on the screen.
“Oh no.”
I’d completely forgotten I left it up. He had to have seen it while looking at the questions. I’d been working on updating it since my contract with my other two clients would be up at the end of the month.
My contract with Bryce for Noah was great. I wouldn't have to worry about finding more clients, but I didn't want to risk depending on him. What if he didn’t get the contract? What if he got picked up by another team? What if he got sick of me?
There were endless possibilities and I didn’t like being vulnerable. I knew most people only had one job. Most PA’s only worked for one person, but I didn't like that. I wanted to always be busy and always be secure.
I dug my phone out of my purse and called him. It rang but went to voicemail.
Great.
I had no idea where he was or what he was doing. Hopefully it wasn’t a repeat of last night.
Crap. Now that’s what I would worry about.
I debated calling some of the guys, but I didn’t want to worry them, or have them thinking I’m crazy.
No, he would come back. I’d just have to wait.
I put our food in the fridge and went to the couch. I could wait him out.
I turned on the TV and found a makeover show to entertain myself.
Two episodes later he still wasn’t back. Not only was I worried, but I was hungry. I called him again, but he didn’t answer.
It was like déjà vu.
Well, if he wants to disappear on me, I’m not waiting for him to eat.
I went to the kitchen and heated up my enchiladas. He was on his own. Once my food was ready I got a glass of water and went back to the couch to eat. I was almost done when I heard a key in the door.
It swung open and Noah walked in, a sweaty mess. “Hey.”
I stared at him. That was it? He disappears and ignores my calls and all I get is a ‘hey’? Like everything was normal.
“Where did you go?”
He tossed his bag to the ground and finally looked at me. “I needed to clear my head.”
I wanted to ask about the resume but didn’t want to flatter myself. He wouldn’t have gotten that upset about it.
“Were the interviews bad?”
He shook his head. “They were fine.”
“Then why did you leave?”
He sighed and rubbed his face with both hands. “I saw your resume on your computer. I wasn’t trying to snoop. I was looking for the questions for the second interview and found it. It freaked me out.” He paused before looking me in the eyes. “Are you quitting?”
I felt guilty that was his first thought. “No.”
“Then what are you doing?”
I set my plate on the coffee table. “My contracts with my two others clients are done
this month and I wanted to make sure I had more work.”
He met my eyes and stared. “Are you sure that’s it?”
I nodded. “I’m not going anywhere, Noah. Not as long as you want me here.”
He sighed and collapsed on the couch next to me. “They were right.”
“Who?”
“The guys. I went to work out. Erik, Reese, and Olli were already there. They told me I was crazy. That I just needed to talk to you.”
I smiled at him even though he was staring at the ceiling. “They’re pretty smart.”
“They learned through experience.”
I laughed. I could only image what the girls put them through.
He turned and met my eyes. “You’re not leaving?”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
He looked so relieved I couldn’t help but laugh. “You really think it would be that bad without me? I’m sure Bryce would find someone within a few hours to step in.”
He blinked. “They wouldn’t be you.”
He sounded so sincere, vulnerable.
“You would miss me?”
He nodded. “It would destroy me.”
I sucked in a breath. “Because I do so much for you?”
He shook his head. “Because you're the first thing I think about when I wake up, and the last thing I think about when I fall asleep. You’ve become a part of me. When I get good news, you’re the first person I want to tell. When I’m frustrated or nervous, you always know exactly what to say to help me. You get me. You know me better than anyone else. I can’t imagine life without you.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. He was saying everything I wanted to hear, but something was missing. He could mean I was his best friend. It didn’t mean he had the same feelings I did.
I smiled. “Noah, I could say all those things about you.”
“Because I’m you’re client?”
I shook my head.
We stared at each other. Neither willing to take the leap.
“Will you be my date to the dinner after the game?”
I almost laughed at the change of topic. There was a fancy pants dinner for the team and season ticket holders and a few more important people. I’d picked up his tux for it. I thought if he wanted me to go with him he would have asked a while ago.
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