Page 13 of Trust Me

“You don’t want to see your room before you go?” he calls out.

I wave him off with my hand. “No. Whatever it is will be fine with me.”

I’m truly grateful to have a space of my own, because I didn’t think that would happen this year, so whatever he has will do.

I’m about to leave when his voice reaches out to me once more. “Thanks for doing this, Jasmine. I appreciate it. There’s no one else I’d trust to be here and take care of my girls.”

I so badly wish I could roll my eyes at that, but deep down warmth begins to spread from my tummy to my chest. I want to ask what he means by that, but think better of it. “And thank you for letting me stay here and wanting to help me with my business.”

He nods, his lips tugging up to the side.

I take that as my cue to leave and shut the door softly behind me. I instantly sag against the door, tilting my neck back and resting my head against it.

Why do I feel like I took my first real breath in the last half hour?

Chapter 5

Elio

Once the door closes behind her, I let out a deep breath. My brain is already a mess from having to see her in my space, from her being the first woman in here besides my family.

Granted, I only started living here last December, but still. A woman has never been in any of the spaces I’ve owned. I’ve always told myself that if I didn’t want her in more than my bed, they weren’t going to see it to begin with.

Whenever I needed my needs taken care of, I’d rent a room in the nearest hotel. It may sound sleazy, but it’s what has worked for me.

I’m slightly stressed about the place becoming a mess, but that’s a gamble I’m willing to take. What I’m more worried about is seeing her in intimate ways that don’t involve our bodies melding under my sheets.

Seeing her fresh-faced in the morning or her wet hair and smelling her fresh, peachy scent after she showers. Watching her bake in my kitchen, or even lounge on the couch with my girls.

There are so many goddamn scenarios of ways I can unravel the person she really is, that would give me a closer look into who’s behind the façade I know she puts on.

But I can’t let myself think of her that way.

I partially lied to her that day in my office when she asked if I wanted anything sexually out of this. Obviously, I’m not expecting anything to happen, and I’ll do my fucking hardest to make sure it never does. But she’s easily the most beautiful person I’ve ever laid my eyes on. And that’s on her physical traits alone, which is why I’m afraid to get to know her on a deeper level.

The good news is that we won’t be spending too much time together apart from working on her business, since I’ll be gone a lot for hockey. Being an assistant coach to a university’s hockey team wasn’t on my list of things to do after I retired, but here I am.

RLU students and staff were informed ahead of time about my arrival as a coach and student, and it was stated that if anyone harassed me, they would be expelled. It was a stipulation I made during my negotiations with the school because I value my privacy and want to attend school like any other normal student.

I have no clue what I want to do once I get my degree, but the idea of figuring it out excites me. I’ve always loved challenges, new opportunities, and unknowns. I embrace them. It’s how my parents raised us, having started with nothing when they first moved here as a young couple.

And my first challenge? Not crossing the line with Jasmine.

Hours later, I’ve changed into black slacks and a black blazer to meet my best friend, Brooks. We’re meeting at an upscale bar called The Lot, which requires verification of your status in order to enter.

There are a few around the country, and while it sounds pretentious, it’s a safe haven for people in the media who want to relax at a bar without having fans to worry about. I never really liked going out. When I was in the NHL, on the rare occasions I did, it was for media appearances.

In reality, I’ve always preferred to stay home with my cats with a good gin and tonic, and a game of chess.

But Brooks insisted on coming here, telling me that we needed to catch up in person since the Bears were gearing up for their season.

The entire loft-style bar is sleek with black and dark wood details everywhere. Dim light fixtures hang from the ceiling along with TVs all around us with various different sports on from leagues around the world.

My eyes land on Brooks sitting at the bar by himself, his mid-length dark brown curls easy to find in a crowd, which he’s famously known for. Brooks may be the best goalie in the league, but his hair is what both women and men are very fond of.

Brooks looks over his shoulder and spots me as I come up behind him. “Leo! My man, take a seat.”

“How’s it going, B?” I ask while signaling the bartender my way.

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