Page 64 of The Roommate Remodel

That’s only half of it. He also threatened to target anyone I cared about by making up lies about me and using them to hurt the people I love. He’s ruthless, and until he finally leaves me alone, I refuse to get Jaz involved. That’s why I didn’t contact her after the wedding.

Her brow crinkles in concern. “Don’t tell me you have to play this monster again.”

“In about a month.”

She shakes her head. “Tell Coach Thompson your history with this goon. Sit out a game.”

“If I run away from him, he wins. I won’t allow that to happen.”

She stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. “But your shoulder still hasn’t healed. What’s going to happen if he pulls the same stunt?”

“I’ve got a plan, and Vale’s got my back.”

“And the rest of the team?”

“They don’t need to know,” I repeat.

“Then I’m telling them. Because I’m not letting you go out there on the ice and lose your career because of some jerk.”

“You will not,” I say firmly. “This doesn’t involve you.”

She crosses her arms. “You don’t get to decide that.”

“This is my problem, Jaz. Not yours. Even if that means using this as my bargaining chip with you.”

She frowns. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll talk the guys into doing your fashion show. Just let me handle Felipe, okay?”

She turns to me, her eyes racked with worry. “Okay, but all bets are off if I think your way isn’t working.”

“Itwillwork.” It has to. If not, I’ll deal with it on the ice. It’s the way I’ve always dealt with things.

“I don’t want to see you get hurt.” She reaches over and brushes my arm, and that touch spreads through me like warm honey.

“Me? Hurt?” I stand, putting some distance between us. “I’m more worried about you. You’re working late. Not eating. Staying after hours alone. Anyone could hide out in this place.”

A corner of her mouth rises. “Like you?”

I lift an eyebrow. “I’m not dangerous.”

“I might disagree,” she says, rising from her chair.

“The only place I want to intimidate people is on the ice.” I level my gaze so she knows I’m not playing around. “With you, I’m a total pushover.”

For a moment, our eyes lock, our bodies only inches apart. Those impossibly deep brown eyes make me feel like someone’s sucked the oxygen from her office.

In a past life, I might have taken advantage of that look. But I made a promise to her. It takes all my willpower to step away from her, but I do it.

“See you at home?” she asks, before turning to the mess onthe desk and organizing it. “Maybe we could find a movie to watch, if you’re game?”

“Is it going to be a cheesy romance?” I’m not about to tell her I’d watch the cheesiest romance on the planet if she asked me to. If Leo requested the same, I’d probably slam his head into the wall.

She looks up from packing the leftovers. “You could use a few cheesy romances in your life to balance all the testosterone in this place.”

“For your information, I’m the most balanced guy on this team. Yesterday, Sloan made me eat a vegetarian stir-fry with tofu, and Tate is sharing his boring philosophy books with me. Not to mention the elementary school visits you’re making us do.”

She props a hand on her hip. “You’re a softie when you get around those kids. Just admit it.” Her lips curve up on one side, and I’m reminded how being with her feels natural, like a comfortable sweatshirt just pulled from a warm dryer.

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