Page 85 of My Pucked Up Enemy

I falter. “Honestly? I don’t know. There’s a lot happening. Good things. Complicated things.”

He nods like he understands more than he’s saying. “You’ve been good for this team, Nina. They trust you. And,Itrust you. This award is something to really celebrate! Whatever’s coming, you’ll navigate it. If you need help with anything, I'm here.”

His words sit heavy and kind in my chest.

“Thanks, Coach,” I say softly. “Really.”

I step out of the conference room, still thinking about his warm heartfelt comments. Back at my desk, I sit down slowly, staring at the screen without seeing it. There’s a weight in my chest that hasn't eased, even with the encouragement. I glance at my planner, the invitation email, and the open tabs I haven’t closed since last night. My fingers hover over the keyboard, but I don’t type. Not yet. Not until I know what I want to say, or who I’m saying it to.

My phone buzzes.

Alex.

Missed seeing you today at practice. Thinking about you.

I stare at it. My fingers hover. But I don’t respond.

Instead, I open the email again and reread the offer.

Base salary. Signing bonus. Start date: June 1.

If I accept, I’ll be gone before the playoffs end.

Gone before I know if this thing with Alex could actually work.

Gone before I figure out if I’m brave enough to want both love and ambition.

I close the laptop.

Then I glance back at my phone. The message from Alex is still glowing softly on the screen.

I chew the inside of my cheek for a moment, then tap out a reply.

Same. Sorry I went dark. Swamped with a few things.

The reply bubbles pop up immediately.

Should I be worried? Or just assume you’re secretly plotting to hypnotize me with another vision board?

I smile despite myself.

You’d be lucky to make it onto my vision board, Chadwick.

Lucky? Please. I’m center square. Right between your dream kitchen and your private meditation garden.

You assume I don’t already have both.

Correction: I’m the dream kitchen.

I laugh, thumbs moving before I can stop myself.

Full of heat and occasionally smoking hot? Sounds about right.

You forgot well-used and fully loaded.

I pause, heartbeat tapping faster. Then I write:

Thanks for the message. It helped. Really.

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