Page 112 of Always Yours

“I think that will make things worse for him. I think he needs a new start somewhere else,” she says, and Myers nods.

“He doesn’t want to be here,” he adds, and I clear my throat.

“It’ll also open salary space, which will help us in the long run,” I supply. “We’ll need it when it’s time to sign free agents.”

Elli agrees. “Then we’re in agreement. Everyone good with the choices we’ve made?”

Everyone nods, but even though Dimitri is at the top of the list, I don’t feel confident it’ll work out the way I want. My chest hurts from my pounding heart, and my stomach aches badly. I don’t know what in the world is going on or what is planned, but I’m not even slightly comfortable.

It’s almost like I’m on autopilot once we start the meetings with each player. I smile, I bring up stats and notes, and I congratulate or apologize as we go. The apologies kill me, though, with how defeated each player looks. I don’t like this part, and it hurts to see players hit roadblocks for their dreams. I honestly don’t like how it makes me feel, and the anxiety of all this is devastating. I could blame it on my fear for Dimitri, but I’ve watched these guys work their asses off, yet it wasn’t enough.

It hurts.

With each name that is called in, my stomach tightens, waiting for Dimitri’s name. I feel as if it takes forever before his name is finally called.

In all his beautiful, stunning glory, Dimitri strolls in confidently, greeting everyone. His athletic shorts are loose on him, as is the Assassins hoodie he wears. His hat hangs low on his head, but nothing can hide his eyes. They are dark, playful, full of brashness as they slowly move to me. Within seconds, those dimples are deep, and that smirk is dangerous. My breath catches, my heart skips a beat, and I swear I want to smack him.

I know what he is thinking, and I’m thinking the same damn thing.

Of our pure need for each other.

He’s impossible.

I swallow hard as he coos, “Ms. McDavid.”

Oh, I hate him.

“Titov,” I say, with the right dialect, which only makes his grin grow.

He sits across from me, and his scent surrounds me in seconds. His hair is wet, and of course, knowing he took a shower makes me think of us in the shower, which makes my face burn. I swear it’s like he knows, because his dimples deepen as he hides his grin.

Oh, I want to kill him dead.

I glare at him, but he doesn’t care. He’s enjoying the effect he has on me.

As am I.

Thankfully, Shelli starts the meeting, and his gaze leaves mine. When I’m able to breathe again, I hit his tab on my tablet so I have his stats. When asked, I go over them proudly, and I know everyone can hear the change in my voice.

“Second fastest on the ice, shot accuracy went from seventy-two to ninety-three percent, he scores better from the right circle, but he also has the ability to score from the blue line. His shot was clocked in at ninety-four mph, and his accuracy from the blue line was ninety-two percent. Posey feels he could be a good asset to her special teams, and River wants him as a center since his face-off wins are right at ninety percent. The best on the team.”

I look up from my tablet to find him watching me, his eyes leaving me breathless. I have to look away before I pass out, and when I do, I meet Peepaw’s gaze. He’s been quiet the whole time, but I see his face flushing with anger.

“As you can hear, you’ll be a huge asset to our team, Dimitri,” Shelli says, but then she clears her throat. “We are ready to offer you a spot on the team at this point. Of course, things can change in the next two weeks, but as of now, the spot is yours. Your determination and work ethic have been impressive.”

“Dimitri. I am very proud of you,” Elli adds.

“I think we all are,” River says, and my heart sings with excitement.

“Thank you, truly. I couldn’t have done it without all of you,” Dimitri says, and the joy in his eyes is absolutely gorgeous. I want to cry; I am so proud of him.

But then, Shelli says, “There is a condition, though.”

My heart stops as I look over at her, my brows drawing in sharply. I look at where Peepaw sits, and I glare. “You will need to move out of the apartment you are currently sharing with Austen. That apartment wasn’t meant for you, and while that was my mistake and my mom’s, we want Austen to be as comfortable as she can be.”

I shake my head, fury burning my chest.

“I can guarantee you, Austen is very comfortable and safe in that apartment,” Dimitri says, then he looks at me. “But that’s fine. We’ll get our own place.” My eyes widen. He’s so buoyant, it’s maddening. I don’t say anything; I just stare at him, and he smiles. “It’s fine.”

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