Page 122 of The Roommate Remodel

Thanks to our fans, city officials backed off their support of the project. When Alex’s developers started dropping like flies, she was forced to abandon her plans and leave town.

Since the Crushers are no longer in financial trouble, the money raised from the fundraiser was split evenly between the charity and paying off Sloan’s medical expenses, something the whole team kept secret until they threw us a surprise party and presented us with a massive check.

“Did you notice how excited Brendan was about coming on as the new conditioning coach?” I ask Brax. “It surprised me he wanted to work for the Crushers. Some of the team didn’t really like being bossed around by a guy who’s never played hockey.”

“After we experienced him whipping us into shape for the fundraiser, he’ll do just fine. Plus, he has motivation to stay now.”

“Besides the job?” I ask.

“He’s been hanging out with Scarlett at the coffee shop,” Brax says with a smirk. “Turns out, he and Scarlett are old friends. He mentioned some agreement they made a long time ago. If you ask me, sounds like they’re going to be more than friends soon.” Brax gives me a wink before kneeling to pick up the papers he tossed earlier.

I frown. “Sounds like a contract. What kind of agreement was it?”

He shrugs. “Brendan likes being a mystery.”

“Well, he’s also a man of honor. Whatever it was, he wouldn’t go back on his word.”

Brax pauses. “Or maybe he doesn’t want to. Maybe he’s invested in her.” He returns to picking up papers before I realize I’m taking advantage of his kindness.

“You don’t have to do that.” I kneel beside him, reaching for a paper.

He grabs my hand and arches a brow. “Stop helping. I want to.” Then he kisses the back of my hand, my body warming in response.

“Well, okay, you win.” I willingly give in, putting my feet up on my desk and lacing my fingers behind my neck.

Actually, I’m pretty sure I’m the one winning here. I have a man I love. A job I adore. And a house of my dreams, even with four rambunctious hockey players living upstairs. A few months ago, it became painfully obvious, once they toured the Bayside Apartments, that it wouldn’t be the same as living with us. And we didn’t have to twist their arms to convince them to stay.Rose & Thornis their home now.

Somehow, the living arrangement feels more like a family than just housemates. We sometimes get on one other’s nerves, but mostly we’re glad to have each other and not be alone. To my surprise, I’ve been searching for a place to belong, and I found it in the place I least expected: with this team.

“You have time for a quick break?” Brax asks as he picks up the last paper. “I have a little surprise for you.”

“What kind of surprise?” I say, sitting up straighter.

“No questions, Princess. That would spoil the fun.” He takes my hand and leads me to his car.

When we arrive at the house, he winks at me and says, “Stay here.”

Then he runs around to my door, opens it and sweeps me off my feet.

“What are you doing?” I protest as he carries me into the house. “I’m perfectly capable of walking.”

He laughs at the suggestion. “And I’m perfectly capable of carrying you.”

He kicks the door shut behind us and doesn’t stop carrying me until we reach his bedroom. The bed is still neatly made, dappled light spilling across it.

He sets me on his bed gently before he takes a step back, studying me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, my stomach dropping. “Is someone hurt? Is Sloan okay?”

“No, Sloan’s fine,” he insists, but I can tell there’s something he’s dying to say. “My agent called yesterday. He said I might be called up to Tampa Bay next season.”

I blink, realizing what this means. “The NHL? Oh, Brax, that’s wonderful!” I reach up and smother him in a hug. This is everything he’s wanted. “I’m so proud of you. The NHL is your dream.”

“Was my dream,” he corrects, shaking his head and pulling back from me. “You’re all I want now. I could quit hockey tomorrow, and if I still had you, it wouldn’t matter.”

I press my finger into his chest. “It would still matter to you.”

“Not the way you do,” he insists, leveling his gaze. “I turned them down.”

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