Page 58 of The Roommate Remodel

“I never said I don’t trust you,” Brax says. “But Jaz has important work to do, and she doesn’t need you bothering her.”

“Watching you two is entertaining,” I say, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms. “I’m not bothered at all. Vale, stop by anytime.”

Before leaving, Vale gives Brax a smug smile, clearly irritating his brother.

Brax glances around my office, noting the new wall hangings and photographs I’ve added since he last stopped in. I figured if I’m going to be stuck in here, I should at least make it look like home.

“You really need to talk to Tom about moving offices.”

“The notorious tightwad? He won’t find me a new office unless I make the team piles of money.” Which is a long shot, considering Alex’s plan to shut down the team after this season, anyway.

“Maybe I can ask him,” Brax suggests.

“Good luck with that,” I mutter. “You can try, but don’t be surprised if he laughs in your face.”

“You don’t know me. I can be very convincing when I want something.” He looks at me intently, and I suddenly get the feeling that we’re not talking about Tom anymore.

That weightless feeling in my stomach returns. The office suddenly feels like the walls are shrinking on us.

“Why are you here, Brax?” I tap my pen against my mouth.

“Do I have to have a reason to stop by?” he asks, innocently.

“That’s exactly what your brother told me.”

“It runs in the family,” he quips. “I know I’m hard to tolerate.”

“You aremore thantolerable,” I admit before I can stop myself. I remember what Vale told me about Brax keeping me at arm’s length. “Who else would’ve been my partner for zip-lining?”

One side of his mouth tilts up. “That’s why I’m here. I’m waving the white flag.”

I shake myhead. “What white flag?”

He shoves his hands into his pockets and shifts his weight. “No matter what’s happened between us, I want to start over. If I hurt you, I’m sorry.” I can see the hesitation on his face, how hard this is for him. “I’d like to make things up to you.”

My stomach is in free fall before I find my voice. “You don’t have to make anything up to me, Brax.”

“I know. But I want to,” he says, stepping toward me. “Go out with me for dinner tonight. Just you and me.”

His gaze holds mine, making my stomach feel like it just bottomed out as the walls close in on us.

This isn’t us being accidentally paired up on the zip line or dancing together at Boots and Buckles. Those moments weren’t planned.

This is an intentional ask. Now it’s up to me whether I accept it. I could shut him down now and stop this from going any further.Remember Alex’s warning about dating hockey players?

But I also know what Vale told me. That Brax thinks I could never forgive him for the past. Even though I’m afraid, I want to move past what happened—as long as he knows I’m not handing over the key to my heart so easily this time. He’s going to have to win me over.

“Okay,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “If you’re sure about this?”

Brax’s shoulders dip and visible relief passes over his face. “Never more sure.”

Is it possible that he’s nervous about asking me out? The same guy who’s a rock star on the ice?

I meet his gaze head-on. “Just so we’re clear, there’s one thing I want you to understand.”

“Anything. Just tell me.”

I cross my arms. “This time, I’m not kissing you.”

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