Grant stood, too. “Thanks so much. Faith’s lucky to have such a great friend.”
Once Taylor climbed the basement stairs, Grant answered, “Hey, Nick.”
“Hey, how’s Twisted Christmas?”
That was only one of his agent’s nicknames for Grant’s hometown. But Grant wasn’t in the mood for Nick’s wry humor. “Did they clear me?”
“Not yet.”
He was both frustrated and grateful. “Why not? This is taking freaking forever.”
“Danbar’s on vacation in the Caribbean.”
Doctor Danbar was the last signature Grant needed on his release forms. “Fucking A.” He threaded his hand into his hair. “This is ridiculous.”
“Relax. He’ll be back tomorrow and I’ve already talked to Max,” Nick said, referencing the team’s manager. “You’ll go right back to first line when you hit the ice. Hey, I’ve got something that will cheer you right up—the perfect way to get you out of that backward little Christmas town and into a place where we know how to do it right.”
Grant squeezed his eyes closed and dropped his hand. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re going to the President’s National Christmas Tree Lighting, and the VIP After-Party hosted by the National Park Foundation. Ted made a big donation to the Foundation this year,” he said, referring to the Rough Riders’ owner Theodore Hennessey, and he and Fiona are in France for the holiday. So he’s sending you, Croft, Saber, Donovan, Hendrix, Andrade, and Lawless to represent the team. This is an awesome photo op for you to get your face back into the light after being out eight weeks.”
“Ah, wow, Nick...” Fuuuuck. His chest tightened. His skin crawled. “You know, I don’t—“
“And I’ve already got all of you the hottest dates on the planet. You can thank me later. You’re escorting Bridgette Ferreira.”
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That name made Grant wince. Bridgette was okay, and if he hadn’t met Faith, he’d be happy to return to the sheets with the model-turned-broadcaster, but now…no. The only women he wanted in his sheets was Faith.
“The event is, of course, tomorrow,” Nick said, “and since you’re in Nowhere, USA, I had to book you a crazy flight schedule to get you out of Twisted Christmas and into DC in time for the event. You’re leaving tonight.”
“Just hold on.” Grant rubbed a hand over his face and started to pace. “Remember why I’m here in the first place? Ted was the one busting my ass about spending too much time with women like Bridgette. Ted was the one who forced me to choose something “meaningful” to do with the rest of my rehabilitation time. So, I’m here, doing that. He can’t just wiggle his nose like a fuckin’ witch and bring me back to DC whenever he wants.”
“Uuuuh, yeah. He can. He pays your salary. These events are in your contract. I thought you’d be offering to name your first born after me when I gave you the news.”
Grant dropped his head back and glared at the ceiling. Noooooooooooo!
“I’m here for the kids, Nick. I don’t want to bail on them.” It was true, but he was picturing Faith in his mind. “This is charity too. I’m bringing in a lot of money for my high school team. With them Ted wouldn’t have me to drag around by the scruff of the neck. Just tell him I can’t make it and pick someone else.”
“Dude,” Nick said in his what-the-fuck-do-you-mean-no? tone. “What’s wrong with you? It’s Christmas and all the other guys just finished five fucking grueling away games. One of the reasons Ted chose you guys is because all of you either live locally in DC or don’t have families. And may I stress Ted chose you.”
Which translated to “Go if you want another offer when your current contract runs out.”
“Right, sorry. My parents are making me crazy. But I promised these kids—”
Grant hung his head.
“This isn’t negotiable. This is contractual. And if you’re not on that plane, you’re in breach of that contract. Ticket’s in your email. I’d better see that pretty face of yours on the news tomorrow night.”
Twelve
Faith’s mind kept winding it’s way back around to “what if” and “maybe” as she tested the last string of lights illuminating the ice carving stations. She’d already packed up her gear and stored it in one of the storage sheds on site. In a few days, she’d come do this all over again—in reverse.
By then, Grant would be gone. He’d come and gone from her life in what seemed like a flash, yet he’d left an indelible mark on her—heart and soul. She couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take her to get over him. How long it would take her to move on. Or whether she’d ever find a man like him to love again.
Love...?
She thought about that a few seconds, trying on that new description.