Page 83 of Power Pucking Play

"Alexandra, wait…"

But I'm already gone, racing down the stairs because the elevator feels too slow. My mind is clear, my heart pounding with certainty.

I won't sacrifice my happiness for success. I'll find a way to have both.

As I step outside, the warm sunlight hitting my face, I feel free. Free from the expectations and pressures of others. It's time to live life on my own terms.

I burst out of the building, gulping in the fresh air like a drowning woman. My phone is in my hand before I even realize I've pulled it out.

Charlie's office picks up on the second ring. "Sports News Now, how may I direct your call?"

"This is Lexi Brookes," I say, my voice steady and sure. "I need to speak with Charlie Holcomb immediately. It's urgent."

There's a pause, then: "I'm sorry, Ms. Brookes, but Mr. Holcomb is out of the office at the moment. Can I take a message?"

"No, you can't take a message. This is time-sensitive. Where is he?"

Another pause. "I'm not at liberty to…"

"Listen," I cut her off, channeling every ounce of determination I have. "You can either tell me where Charlie is, or you can explain to him why you obstructed a senior correspondent on a critical deadline. Your choice."

I can practically hear her weighing her options. Finally, she sighs. "He's at Chez Pierre for a breakfast meeting. But Ms. Brookes, he specifically said not to be disturbed…"

"Thank you," I say, already hanging up.

As I race toward my car, I feel a surge of adrenaline.

This is it.

For the first time in my life, I'm not following the path laid out for me. I'm not chasing accolades or bylines or my father's approval. I'm chasing my own happiness.

I'm chasing my own happiness. And if that means risking everything, so be it.

I jump in the car, putting Chez Pierre on my GPS and heading in that direction.

Chapter 27

Gio

I've faced down walls of defensemen without flinching. I've played through injuries that would make most men cry.

I've stood tall in front of screaming crowds, both cheering and booing.

But nothing, absolutely nothing, has ever terrified me as much as watching Lexi walk through those restaurant doors.

My heart is pounding so hard I'm surprised it hasn't burst out of my chest.

My palms are sweating like I'm a rookie at his first pro game. And my mind? It's a whirlwind of every moment I've shared with Lexi, every laugh, every argument, every late-night conversation.

I have no idea how she'll react to seeing me here, or if she even wants to see me at all.

But when our eyes meet and her face goes from shock to anger to something that looks almost like relief, I know I need to try.

"Hey, Brookes," I manage, shoving my hands into the pockets. "Fancy meeting you here."

She takes a step forward, then another, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What...what is all this? Where's Charlie?"

I can't help but smile, drinking in the sight of her. God, she's beautiful.

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