Page 92 of Boss with Benefits

Reluctantly, I met her gaze.

"You're my big brother, and I love you," she said softly. "But right now, you're being an idiot. A scared, stubborn idiot who's about to lose something amazing because you're doom scrolling through non-existent futures that only live in your mind.”

"It's not that simple," I protested.

"It is that simple," Tina insisted. "Do you love Rachel?"

"Yes, but?—"

"No buts. Does she make you happy?"

I nodded, unable to deny it.

"Then what are you doing here, sulking over vegetables? Go get the girl."

I shook his head. "It's too late, Tina."

Tina grumbled, frustration in her narrowed gaze.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out, reading the message. My heart slammed in my chest, blood rushing behind my ears.

"What is it?" Tina asked, glancing at my phone. "Who's Eva?"

"Rachel's best friend. She says something happened to Rachel during her bout. That I need to come. That she's injured."

I was already rushing out the door, whipping off my apron.

"What's a bout?" Tina asked, chasing after me.

I ignored her, searching desperately for a cab, but there were none.

Tina slipped a key in my hand.

"Here. Take my bike. There's an extra helmet in the top box."

I didn't think. I shoved the helmet on, threw my leg over her black Yamaha, raised the kickstand, and pressed the start button, the engine rumbling to life.

"Thanks!" I shouted over my shoulder as I zipped down the street, praying, because if something horrible happened to Rachel...

I shook the thought from my head.She'll be fine, I told myself as I sped through the streets toward the rink.

She had to be.

44

DERRICK

Ibolted into the Roller Derby rink, the smell of sweat and rubber assaulting my senses. I scanned the area, searching for Rachel among the women zipping around on their skates.

"Derrick! Over here!"

Eva was waving at me from the bleachers. As I ran over, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"Where's Rachel? Is she okay?" I sucked in air, my hair and clothes a mess after speeding through the streets of Brooklyn on a motorcycle.

"She's fine."

I narrowed my gaze. "What the hell, Eva? You said she was hurt."

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