Page 35 of Fall Wherever They May

River rolls her eyes, even though he’s only making friendly conversation. Her mind must have been with mine.

“Marketing.”

Once I can finally breathe again. I cut their conversation off when I notice River on the verge of fleeing. “No more work talk. I’m done with work for the next twenty minutes.”

Carter rocks back in his seat with his intent still set on River. “Want to grab a coffee or lunch this week?”

I groan, knowing where this is going. Placing my head in my hands, I massage my temples. River is about to bolt. Her fight-or-flight response is set on get-the-fuck-out-of-Dodge. She stands up and throws her food in the trash. “I’m good, Fight Club. Thanks for lunch, sis.” She saunters over to Tucker and places a kiss on his forehead before walking out. “Love you, Sport.” He quickly wipes the kiss away.

Once she is gone, I hone in on Carter. “Yeah, I think you’re wasting your time, honestly.”

He shakes his head. “Nah, she’ll come around.”.

I’m not going to argue with the guy. It’s not like I’ve known her my entire life, or anything, so I change the subject. “Please eat the pizza. Whatever is left, someone can take home.” I stand.

Cal grabs my arm. “Are you leaving? We just got here.”

In response, I throw a thumb over my shoulder to let him know I’m going after River without saying it out loud. I say goodbye to everyone and ask Hannah to meet me in my office at one o’clock.

I find River in her office and knock on the door before I enter. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yep.”

“Not all men are like Jaxson, you know?”

“And not all men are like Jason, but here you are acting like every man you meet is going to walk out on you,” she counters, and my eyes widen. I know she’s a little triggered, but damn, that was a low blow. I nod and turn to leave.

“Aspen, wait. I’m sorry.”

“River, you know how I pop off, and I’m trying hard to rein it in. Cal and I are just now becoming friends. Plus, I’m his boss. It’s not like that with us. Foroncein Tucker’s life, hefinallyhas a man who gives a shit about him. Cal is a good man who Tucker looks up to. I’m not trying to jump into a relationship and mess that up for him. No man sticks around for me, but at least there’s one who I think might stick around for him and be a mentor or whatever . . .” I take a breath trying to rein in my temper. “Maybe I said the wrong thing when I walked in. I’m sorry.” I laugh at myself. I’m being a hypocrite and a fucking liar. “You’re right. I think you and I both have some things to sort through inside here.” I point to my temple. “And here.” I pat my heart.

“I’m really sorry I snapped at you, Aspen. There’s just something about Carter. Sure, he’s hot, but you see how he is on the ice.”

“I do see how he is on the ice; he’s protective and aggressive. He does his job, and he does it well,” I cross my arms tight against my chest. “I also see how he is off the ice; he’s playful, but at the same time he can be very levelheaded and serious. Carter is a nice guy. Be nice to him. Be professional and friendly.”

“Pfft, he’s nice and levelheaded? He beats the shit out of people. She counters, shaking her head. “I just can’t.”

I lean against the doorway of her office and take a deep breath in understanding. “He fights because that’s his job. It changes the momentum of the game, River. He also holds his opponents accountable for dangerous plays. He’s protective. He’s not . . . look, if you’re not interested, be direct and stop running away. But if by some miracle you decide to go on a date with him, sign something with HR.”

“There will be no date, but I suppose I try to be nice to him,” she says, rolling her eyes.

I can deal with that. I nod and walk over to give her a hug before heading to my office. As I leave, River mumbles, “Maybe you’re the one who needs to speak to HR.” I snicker.

Yes, Cal makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. And yes, he is hotter than the damn devil on doomsday, but that man is just my friend . . . fuck me, who am I kidding? I’m only lying to myself. I like him. I really freaking like him.

It’s been a long, yet productive day. We hired our new GM, Trey Miller. He and his wife were looking to make a move from L.A. to New York, and with the contract we just offered him, he was eager to accept. Teagan and I shot through a number of questions T.T.S.N. was set on asking me tonight. She requested all questions be sent in advance and told them I would not be addressing any tabloid rumors during the interview. Thankfully, they stuck to every question submitted to us and didn’t veer off script.

It’s ten o’clock at night, and I’m dead-ass tired. I take my weary ass up to my room, and as I pass by the window, I see Cal walking over. I watch him as he makes it halfway through my yard, then he seems to think better of it and turns to walk away. Remembering what River said to me earlier and the promise I made, I quickly throw on a robe, dash down the stairs, and make a quick but quiet exit out the door, closing it lightly behind me.

“Cal,” I call out, “What are you doing?”

Turning around, he runs a hand through his hair and blows out a puff of air. “I have no idea. I was up and wanted to see how the interview went.”

“Oh. It went well.”

“Okay.” He nods. “That’s good.”

That’s it? That’s all he was coming over for? Wanting a little more time with him, I ask before he can leave, “Do you want to sit outside and chat?” I close my robe tighter around me.

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