Page 28 of The Roommate Remodel

As Brax hustles to the other end, he makes a sharp stop so that ice sprays from his blades. And in typical Brax style, he does it better than anyone else.

Showoff.

The other guys laugh and push him around like he’s already found his place on the team. From here, I can see that he’s fitting in just fine. Now if I can do the same.

“Earth to Jaz,” Vale teases, stopping directly in front of me. His lips curl into a smile as he traces my gaze to his brother. “Working hard?”

My cheeks heat as my gaze snaps back to my computer. “It would help if I had an office.”

He leans on his stick. “The view here isn’t bad.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I say, keeping my voice steady, my eyes glued on my screen. “I’m not watching.”

“Oh, really?” Vale smirks. “It looked like you were staring at Brax like he’s a life-sized chocolate statue.”

I glance up from my computer. “For your information, I don’t even like chocolate that much.” Which is not entirely true, since I adore chocolate.

Who else noticed I was staring?

Right now, I can’t get sidetracked by Brax. I need the team to like my ideas, or else I’ll never be able to get them to participate in the community initiatives I’m planning.

“If you need any help, let me know,” Vale says, looking back at the guys as they race across the ice, trying to prove who’s fastest.

Maybe Vale would be a good sounding board for my ideas. I don’t have a history with him the way I do with Brax, so my feelings won’t get in the way. But he’s also open to my ideas, unlike some of the other players.

“I could use your help with one thing, Vale.” He turns to lookat me. “What if I planned volunteer events that would help the guys bond?”

I see Brax look over at his brother, keeping an eye on us the whole time.

“What kind of bonding?”

“That’s what I’m not sure about. We need our fans to see the other side of our players—the goofy, funny side. I’m thinking about having the team volunteer at various places where you could interact with the people. Maybe do something fun. I’d take pictures for our social accounts, and we’d do something to help the community. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Sounds good,” he says with an easygoing smile that’s so much like his brother’s, I have to remind myself he’snotBrax. “And I’m fully in support of volunteering in the community. Whatever you need, I’m happy to help.”

“Thanks, Vale. I appreciate that,” I say with a smile before he heads back to the ice. At least he’s on my side.

Brax glances over at me once more, and I decide I’ve had enough of theBrax Show.

Snapping my laptop shut, I leave to check on the progress of my closet-office. To my relief, the space is empty. A small desk is pushed against the wall with the world’s most uncomfortable-looking wooden chair. It might not be more than a dark cave to work in, hardly big enough for one person, but at least I won’t have to watch Brax from here.

“Jaz?” I turn to see Brax standing in my door, filling the entire space with his massive frame. “Is this your new office?” He glances over my tiny room, which takes all of a second.

“Yes, welcome to my cozy hobbit hole. Won’t be any team meetings in here.”

He chuckles. “There are advantages to small spaces,” he says with a curve of his lips as he steps inside and I have to back up to put space between us. “Reminds me of that closet we hid in during Mia’s wedding reception. Remember?”

How could I forget?The memory makes me feel like I just crossed two sparking wires.

The room is so tiny, he could take two strides and crush me against the wall—a thought that makes my insides spiral.

You must not think of him crushing you like that, even if he is a Crusher.

That’s when it hits me: I’m never going tostopthinking of him that way. I’m reminded of it everywhere I turn. It’s even across the silky black athletic shirt he’s wearing:Carolina Crushers.

I stare at the logo on his chest long enough that he rubs the back of his neck. “I take it that’s a yes?”

My eyes snap to his, and I nod robotically. “Yeah, so many advantages.” Like the fact that he’s already standing so close that I can see his dark green eyes, the ones I’d like to swan dive into.

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