Page 53 of The Sweetest Risk

“Everything I do for you is worth it.Youare worth it, Brooke. You have no idea how much I would be willing to risk my career –to risk my position with the team – for you.”

Tristan looks away and I notice that his demeanor changes.

“What?” I ask. “What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“You looked away when you said something about risking your position.”

“It’s nothing, Brooke. Just – you are worth every punch that I give out in defense of you. I am always going to defend you. So you are just going to have to get used to it.”

“Well, I’m not going to get used to it because that’s not how conflict resolution works. Sorry to burst your bubble, Hot Shot.”

“Are you seriously treating me like your kindergartners right now?”

“Yes, I am treating you like a kindergartner right now because you are acting like a kindergartner. Fighting isn’t the only solution, Tristan. Why don’t you and Dean just sit down and talk?”

Tristan laughs. “There’s no talking to Dean Hastings. He’s made up his mind about who he is…”

“Apparently, so have you. Look, I don’t need you to defend me. I just…don’t want to see you lose everything. Like Randall said, you’ve worked too hard. You’ve done so much for your career. I’d hate to see you lose it. Especially over me. I would never be able to forgive myself.”

“Well you wouldn’t have to forgive yourself, Brooke because, like you said, I would make those decisions – not you. I made the choice to punch Dean tonight, not you. And I’ll do it a thousandmore times if that means protecting you. Because you are my girl and I am never going to be okay with Dean treating you the way he did tonight. For him touching you the way he did. No man should ever touch a woman like that – or their partner or whoever. That’s not okay. And that’s why I punched him.”

I look into his eyes. They are so honest. He isn’t just saying these things to put a bandaid on the situation. He genuinely wants to be my protector. He doesn’t want me to get hurt. Ever.

Just when I thought Tristan was done saying the sweetest things to me tonight, he continues, “And the fact that he said he wasted his time on you…how is that even possible?” He pushes some hair behind my ear and grazes my jaw with his fingers. “Spendinganyamount of time with you is not a waste. It’s a fucking gift.”

My heart leaps at his comment. And I realize at this moment that Tristan will do anything for me. I’ve never felt safer than when I am with him. He has a hold on my heart that no one else has ever had before.

I press my forehead to his and say, “Thank you for saying that. I don’t think you realize what a gift you are to me, Tristan.”

25

Acouple days later, I’m at work when I get a text from Tristan.

Don’t hate me.

Too late. ?? what’s up?

I might have let it slip while I was talking with the guys in the locker room that you won the trip to Telluride. Bradley is gonna try and convince you to invite him, Jen, me and maybe Oakley. They want it to be a group trip before the craziness of the playoffs.

Yesterday, I got a notice from the Storm Foundation that I was the lucky winner of the weekend getaway to Telluride, which I am sure Tristan had some sort of hand in. I was so excited to spend some time with Tristan and just be us without any distractions or having to tiptoe around anyone. My heart sinks a little.

Aw I was really looking forward to having that place all to ourselves. But I still want to see you. Maybe I can bring Tess?

That’s a great idea. Everyone will be coupled up. So to speak.

Again, I’m sorry, Cupcake. I really wanted to be alone, too. At least we’ll be able to spend time together in some way.

But if you want, you can tell Bradley no and you can just go with Tess.

No, I want you to go.

I kind of miss you, Hot Shot.

We arrive in Telluride on Friday night and drive about fifteen minutes until we reach Tristan’s house. It is located on the Telluride Golf Course and it has amazing views of thesurrounding mountain ridges. His massive two-story house has a pitched roof and floor-to-ceiling windows along the front of the house. The inside is equally as breathtaking. The living room has probably a thirty-foot ceiling, showcasing gorgeous wooden beams. There is a reading nook with a large light-stone gas fireplace, situated across the way from the gourmet chef’s kitchen. Off to the side, a large wooden dining room table could accommodate twelve people.

All five bedrooms are located upstairs, Tristan’s master bedroom having the best view of the snow-dusted mountains. Outside of his window, I see a large hot tub that could probably fit all of us comfortably. Brad and Jen take their next largest guest room, while Tess and I share a room and Oakley takes his own room. This place is a dream and I hope that Tristan will take me back here, just the two of us.

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