Page 55 of The Roommate Remodel

“Careful,” I tease. “You’re getting awfully handsy with my harness there.”

“Professional hazard,” Brax shoots back, his grin disarming. “You can file a complaint with the management later.”

“Iamthe management.”

Brax laughs, and it’s so full of life, like a bucket of cold water dumped over my head on a sultry day. Then he peels off my helmet and the harness with so much tenderness I didn’t know could exist in a man this strong.

He could break me if he wanted. Or he could catch me if I fell.

I have to accept either outcome. That’s the risk of love.

“Ready to go?” he asks, still smiling at me.

I nod. While we move to the stairs, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re also stepping into something new. And maybe that’s the biggest leap of all.

“Brax,” I begin. He stops and waits for me as I reach thebottom of the stairs and my feet finally touch the ground. “I can’t thank you enough. For... everything.” I gesture vaguely upwards, toward the lines we conquered.

“Hey, it was nothing,” he replies, the corner of his mouth lifting in that endearing smile that makes tiny fireworks explode in my chest.

“Nothing?” I arch an eyebrow. “For someone who considers herself reasonably brave, dangling from a wire a hundred feet above certain death felt a lot likesomething.”

“Okay,” he says. “It wassomething. Best team-building event ever,” he declares.

“Couldn’t have done it without my partner in crime,” I respond, playfully bumping his shoulder.

“Partners in crime, huh?” He tilts his head toward me. “Sounds like we make an unstoppable team.” Something sparks in his eyes as he steps forward and wraps his arms around me, pulling me in for a hug.

My pulse skips, and this time, I know it’s not from the zip-lining.

As I sink into his chest, a voice startles us from behind. “What are you doing?”

I wheel around just as Alex steps out from the shadows.

From the look on her face, she isnothappy.

THIRTEEN

Jaz

“Alex!” I squeak, pushing Brax away hard enough that healmostloses his balance. Since he’s built like a brick wall and is used to guys shoving himhard, he barely teeters.

“We were just finishing,” I say breathlessly, which is more from her catching me hugging Brax than the actual zip-lining. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to give you some news.” She crosses her arms and I get the distinct impression that she does not approve. “Everyone else is on the bus.”

As Brax and I start toward the exit, Alex waves me over. “One moment, Jaz.”

Brax stops to look at me, concern etched into his face, and I give him a faint smile, letting him know I’ll be okay.

She waits until Brax is out of earshot and then turns to me. “I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but take my advice. Don’t date a hockey player.”

“We’re not...” I begin, but she lifts a hand to cut me off.

“Whatever it is, it needs to stop. It’s unprofessional. And you’re both new. Not a good way to make an impression.”

“There’s nothing going on between us,” I say, even though Iknow that’s not entirely true. Something wasdefinitelyhappening on that zip line.

“Do you really want to date someone who’s always gone? Getting hit on by other women? Is that what you want?” She lifts an eyebrow. “Now, let’s get back to business. Your submitted proposal for the fundraiser is getting the green light. Tom approved it with some budget modifications. Personally, I think it’s a great idea.” Her lips curve into a tight smile, and I realize this is the first time she’s given me a compliment.

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