Page 21 of The Owner

I feel sick as I gather my things and get ready to head out.

Nausea hits as I realize what I have to do.

I have to break up with him. It’s the only sane option.

We can’t go on like this anymore. At least, not until the playoffs are over.

I pull out my phone and ignore all of his unread dirty texts, even though every cell in my body is screaming at me to read them.

Meet me in my office. We have to talk.

I hit send and put my phone away before he answers.

I’ll do it quick. I’ll try to make it painless, even though it’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

My stomach is in knots as I hurry over to my office, unlock the door, and slip inside. I don’t turn any lights on. I just sit on the leather sofa, trying not to cry. I’m trying to steel myself. Trying to get myself ready for the hard task at hand.

Brantley knocks on the door and I let him in, keeping my eyes on his shoes.

“What’s the matter, my love?” he asks in that soft rich voice I’ve come to love.

“Sit down,” I say as I close the door and lock it.

The blinds are drawn so no one can see us. I don’t want anyone to see me crying.

“We have to break up,” I say bluntly.

He grabs his heart like it’s breaking in two. “Why?”

“You know why.”

“Because you lost?”

I nod, tears welling in my eyes.

He gently touches the bottom of my chin and raises my head until I’m looking into his gorgeous blue eyes. “It wasn’t your fault, Riley. You weren’t on the ice.”

“I was distracted. With your texts.”

“You’ve done all you could,” he says with a warm comforting smile. “You prepared the boys all you can. It’s up to them now. They have to take it from here.”

I look at him,wantingto believe him.

“The other team’s owner is just as distracted,” he says with a sly grin. “So, it evens out, really.”

Some of that worry starts to dissipate. Rachel’s words aren’t hitting as hard now that he’s in front of me. I know he’s not doing this on purpose. He’s as in love with me as I am with him. No one can fake this.

“There’s always tomorrow night,” he says as he cups my jaw, rubbing his thumb along my cheek. “Your boys will be fighting even harder, trust me. It’s not over yet.”

“Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath.

“And you and me,” he says leaning in and hovering his lips over mine. “We’re not over either. You can’t get away from me that easily.”

My whole body turns to jelly as he leans in and kisses me. My legs go weak. I cling to him as he kisses me harder and deeper, making me moan.

I’m already so wet. I’m so ready for him.

I’ve been thinking about it all night.

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