Page 160 of The Wingman

Some guys like Volkov play until their mid- to late thirties. It’s rare, but it happens. I can’t ask her to wait until then. To wait for me. Something in my chest wrenches with pain.

I hate both options. Both of them take something away from us.

“I don’t know what to do,” I admit, scrubbing a hand down my face.

Ward sighs. “Both of you be quiet for a moment,” he says, not unkindly. “You’ve each made up your mind, but it isn’t your decision.” He cuts each of us a sharp look. “Either of you.”

Darcy’s face goes red, and I grit my teeth, sitting back in my chair.

“Neither of you are going anywhere.” He folds his arms over his chest. “And if you would have let me get a word in edgewise when you barged into my office, I would have told you that.” The corner of Ward’s mouth tips up like he’s amused.

Darcy and I glance at each other, hope rising in our eyes.

“I’m very selective and deliberate about who I hire,” he continues, “and I only hire the best, including a stellar public relations department, who has been all over this since the second Driedger opened his mouth and insulted one of our own.” He raises his brows at Darcy. “This job is a calling for you, isn’t it? It’s not just a job. It’s your purpose.”

She nods. “Yes. I finally feel like I’m in the right spot.”

“I know.” Ward reaches for a TV remote and turns on the screen on the opposite wall. Sports highlights play on mute and Ward fast-forwards until he finds what he’s looking for.

“This aired twenty minutes ago.” He hits play, and the sports reporter speaks.

“Coach Tate Ward has made a statement regarding the allegations of a conflict of interest against the Storm’s recent data analyst hire, Darcy Andersen. ‘Darcy Andersen is an incredible statistical data analyst who approaches her role with the utmost professionalism. She is a valued member of the Storm family, and any comments to discredit her based on her relationship with Hayden Owens are sexist and degrading, a problem women in STEM face every day. On behalf of Ms. Andersen, the Vancouver Storm will be donating $100,000 to the Vancouverchapter of Women in STEM and making the nonprofit organization one of our official causes.’”

The reporter turns to her colleague at the desk with raised eyebrows.“That sure sends a message to Driedger.”

My heart is in my throat as Ward turns the TV off and leans back in his chair, regarding us.

“The team has posted on their social media in support of you. Your old colleagues from Eckhart-Foster have spoken out about your professionalism and talent as an analyst. The Women in STEM group obviously are supporting you, and Jesus, even your old university profs are weighing in.” He regards Darcy. “Don’t let some jerk who’s bitter over something personal drag you down with him. You’re not leaving.” He looks to me with a stern look. “Youaren’t leaving.” He looks between the two of us. “Are we clear?”

Darcy and I sit there in shock. I’m not leaving, she’s not leaving, and the future we wanted together is no longer in jeopardy. We glance at each other. She starts to smile, and my mouth tips up as relief surges through me.

“We’re clear,” I tell Ward, smiling at Darcy.

“Crystal clear.” Darcy offers her own relieved smile.

“Good. Now, please get out of my office.” He nods at us. “See you Monday.”

I stand and hold my hand out to Darcy. When she takes it, I pull her out of his office.

When we’re finally outside the arena, walking through the park under the cherry blossoms, Darcy stops walking and turns to me with a worried expression.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

CHAPTER 79

DARCY

“I love you,”I tell Hayden under the cherry blossom trees while the April sun shines down on us, glinting in his hair and making his eyes look more blue than the ocean. “I should have said it last night, but I froze up because I was scared. I didn’t trust myself. I was scared I’d hurt you or I’d disappear into your life.”

He watches with a small smile, listening patiently, and I rest my hand on his firm chest. Beneath my palm, his heart beats steadily. A breeze lifts a lock of hair that’s fallen onto his forehead, and more cherry blossoms flutter from the trees.

Love blooms all around us, and I see it so clearly now.

How could I ever think I’d lose myself in this man? Wrong again, Darcy. He’d never let me. He tried to give up everything so I could keep a job I love.

“You would never let that happen,” I tell him. “With you, I’m the best version of myself.”

I look over my shoulder at a nearby bench, the one we sat on a couple of weeks ago. “I sat under the cherry blossoms, watching you play hockey with those kids, and realized my life was undeniably better with you in it.” My breath catches with emotion as I gaze up at him.

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