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It’s been two days since our meeting with Jerry.

He had a lot of questions about what he was reading in the tabloids and on social media.

The Bobcats owner had called him just before our meeting, wondering if there was any truth to the stories.

After a two-hour meeting, where we were joined by both the head of PR and the head of HR, Ellie and I went our separate ways to our own homes.

And I have barely heard from her since.

We had the day off after our game against Detroit, and the following day was full of positional meetings, video, and small group practices on the ice.

For the first time since we started working together, our paths didn’t cross.

And I think it was intentional.

Ellie is avoiding me.

Nothing terrible happened during our meeting.

Besides the fact that Ellie looked nervous, pale, and barely looked at me the entire time.

In terms of consequences though, it was all relatively good news.

Jerry wasn’t thrilled to hear that we are in a relationship.

It was the first time we even confirmed we’re in one and we are already fighting for its survival.

Becky from HR confirmed what I already knew, there’s nothing in the HR policy that states we can’t be in a relationship.

There are guidelines and policies in place if a player was ever to engage in such a relationship with a staff member, but even that isn’t forbidden.

Jerry was hesitant at first, but overall he was understanding.

He and the owner both agreed on one thing: the team comes first.

Ellie and I both stated our cases, and explained that we agreed 100 percent with that sentiment.

Jerry did get terrifying at one point, though.

He promised us he would not hesitate to terminate one or both of our positions if the relationship got in the way of our jobs.

We both nodded silently and took his warning loud and clear.

After the interrogation and warnings, Lucy from PR went over a game plan as to how the team will react to the articles.

The team will be issuing a statement in response.

Basically, it’s a very vague response, neither confirming nor denying the allegations, and trying to shift the focus to our successful season.

She plans to have a few follow up statements ready to go, depending on how the media and fans respond to the first one.

The statement is set to release first thing this morning, and I’ve been up for hours anxiously waiting for it to go live.

There’s a sinking pit in my stomach because Ellie has been avoiding me ever since that meeting and I don’t know how it’s all going to play out today.

We have a full team practice this afternoon and I can guarantee the guys will have some questions.

Niko has already reached out, asking me how I’d like him to handle it.

I haven’t given him a response yet, because this isn’t a decision I should be making alone.

I need to get Ellie’s input but she hasn’t responded to any emails or texts unless it was work related.

But this is work related.

Right?

I pull up our text thread.

As I’m thinking of what to say, I stare at our most recent texts.

Ellie

I just need some time Lincoln.

I understand.

I’ll be here when you’re ready.

She never responded, so I sent her another text the next day.

I’ve been thinking of you.

I hope you’re okay, baby.

It’s been over twenty-four hours since I sent that text and I’m losing my mind.

Frustrated and unsure of how to approach this, I pull up the group text with Hunter and Sadie.

Ellie hasn’t spoken to me about anything other than the team since our meeting with Jerry.

What should I do?

Sadie

Just give her some space.

She’s really worried about the statement being released today.

She’s not the only one.

But we need to figure out how we’re going to address the team later today after the statement goes live.

Hunter

Shit, I hadn’t even thought of that.

Maybe I can talk to her?

Thanks for the offer, but this is really something she and I should work out together.

Think I should come over?

Sadie

I don’t think an aggressive power play is the way to go here.

Maybe we “accidentally” bump into you two later?

Hunter

Damn.

Nice hockey reference Sadie

Even I’m impressed.

But back to this run in…

Hunter

We bump into them and then I whisk Sadie away to talk about a new idea I have for a goat yoga class.

Sadie

DID YOU JUST SAY GOAT YOGA?

Focus.

Sadie

Sorry, sorry.

Yes, that works.

But Lincoln, be gentle with her.

People are already going hard online about the rumors.

Half of them are tearing her apart while the other half is wanting to give you a high five for “banging the hot coach.”

For fuck’s sake.

Hunter

Yeah, it’s pretty bad man.

I’d stay off the internet today if I were you.

You’ll want to burn the world down.

Noted.

Okay send me the details of where and when.

Hunter, I'll pick you up on the way

*Hunter changes the group name to: Operation Surprise Ellie THEN Grand Gesture*

Sadie

Ooo good one.

Hunter and I are waiting around the corner at a record store until we get the confirmation text from Sadie. She convinced Ellie to head to the new bookstore downtown to pick up some new romance books that came out today. I stopped listening after she started telling us it’s about a serial killer who falls in love with another serial killer.

I’m pretending to look through a stack of vinyl when I feel Hunter brush against my back. “Dude, could you please back up? We are like the only people in the store, why are you so close to me?”

He takes a step back but continues to try to peer over my shoulder. “Is that a Chris Stapleton record? I’ve been looking for his new one on vinyl but it’s sold out everywhere!”

Pretending not to hear him, I take a few steps to the side so he can look through the stack of vinyl I abandoned. I’m just beginning to get antsy when my phone vibrates in my hand.

Sadie

The eagle has landed.

Hunter snorts at his phone, clearly amused by his “twin flame’s” commentary. They sure are two fucking peas in a pod.

I huff at Hunter to follow and leave the vinyl behind. He starts to protest, and I shoot him a glare I save for the guys on the ice after a bad game. Immediately, he shuts his mouth and follows me out of the store.

The bookstore is only a few stores down and we make it there in under a minute. I push the door open and a bell hanging above it jingles, announcing our entrance. It’s a quaint bookstore, about the size of the entire first floor in my house, so it doesn’t take long for the girls to notice us.

As soon as Ellie sees me from across the room, my heart starts beating like I just got done sprinting a lap around the ice. These two days apart and the questions hanging in the air have me more nervous than I care to admit. Ellie’s body tenses, her eyes widening once she comprehends what’s happening here. She stands frozen, her face void of emotion, instead of softening into a smile like I’d hoped.

Standing there like a fool, Sadie’s voice cuts through the awkward tension.

“Oh my goodness, fancy seeing you guys here! Are you here for the new serial killer romance too?”

Hunter laughs next to me and grabs at the back of his neck. “Uh, I actually already preordered that one. According to my mail app I’ve been stalking all morning, it should be at my house by lunchtime.”

I look at him dumbfounded. “I can’t believe you read romance books.”

“Women love that shit. I’m telling you, you can learn a lot from them. Even some new tricks in the bedroom,” he says with an exaggerated wink.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I scoff. “Uh, I think I’m all set in that department. But…thanks.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Hunter makes his way over to the romance section the girls are perusing. Hesitantly, I join them, but hang back as they chat about one of their favorite authors. Ellie stays quiet, fidgeting with her fingers while the other two chat away.

As planned, Hunter and Sadie casually separate themselves, leaving me alone with Ellie.

Finally.

She continues to browse the books on the shelves, picking up a book that has dragons sprayed on the edges. I could comment about how cool they are, or I can grow a pair and talk about what I came here to talk about.

Just do it, you coward.

“So the article went live this morning. I’m assuming you saw it?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Ellie doesn’t take the bait to extend the conversation. I guess I’m going to have to work a little harder. “We should probably figure out what we’re going to say to the team this afternoon.”

The mention of the team finally pulls her attention away from the dragon book in her hands. She sets it back on the shelf and crosses her arms over her chest. “Yeah, we probably should.”

This conversation reminds me way too much of how things used to be. Back when we spent our time hating and picking fights with each other. Back when we weren’t even friends. And I refuse to let us go back to that place. The thought of returning to snarky comments and avoiding each other has me practically begging for her to talk to me.

“Ellie. This isn't us. Standing here, tiptoeing around each other. The fact that we can be so honest and open with each other is why we work so well. On and off the ice.”

She nibbles at her bottom lip, causing my eyes to drop to her mouth. God, I haven’t kissed that mouth in over forty-eight hours and I am desperate for her touch. She takes a deep breath and the sound has my eyes moving back up to hers.

“Lincoln, I just don’t know what to do. I’ve worked too hard to watch this all blow up in my face. But I also can’t stand the thought of being away from you. I am at war with myself here.”

Ellie’s eyes are full of sorrow as she looks at me. It’s not lost on me that she has so much more to lose in this relationship going public. Her reputation that she’s fought tooth and nail to build is at risk. I can see the misery in her eyes, pleading for me to understand where she’s coming from.

Without thinking, I reach out and grab her hand, causing her to uncross her arms. “Let me go to war with you, Ellie. I’m in this with you. This isn’t just a casual thing anymore and I think deep down you know that. We’re better together, yeah? Well, let’s do this together then.”

I can see her mind working overtime, trying to come to a decision. Holding my breath, I hold her hand tight, praying she doesn’t run from this. From us.

A minute passes. Or maybe it’s only seconds. I don’t know, but she still hasn’t said anything. I’m afraid that can only mean bad news is headed my way. I won’t force her to do something she’s not comfortable with. Squeezing her hand one last time, I drop it before stuffing my hands in my pockets.

Giving her a nod, I accept defeat. “It’s okay, Ellie. I get it. Really, I do.”

Just as I turn to walk away, she grabs my arm and forces me to turn back to her.

I swear I hear her mumble “Fuck it.”

And then her lips are on mine.