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I sighed. “Yes, I’m staying with Ransom. He insisted.” My face brightened up. “And he’s sending his company jet for me tomorrow, and a driver named Edgar! Isn’t that fantastic?”
Gigi nodded smiling, her delicate fingers wrapping around her coffee mug as she brought it to her lips.
I narrowed my eyes at her. “What?”
She just took a sip, then kept smiling. “When are you going to tell that man how you feel?”
I shook my head and glanced over at the cubicles for distraction. “The third month of fucking never.” I pulled my coat on to use as a shield.
Feeling Gigi’s look of derision, I shifted my gaze back to her. She waggled a painted finger at me. “You’re being stupid and stubborn. Tell that man you want more than just a friendship. You deserve to be happy.”
I licked my lips trying to explain. “First, he doesn’t think of me that way. I’m more of a tag-along or little sister even,” I said wrinkling my nose at the idea. “Second, he’s him and I’m me. You’ve seen how hot he is. We don’t make sense. And third, being in hockey, he needs the right kind of date. Someone who looks good in the photos.”
Gigi pursed her lips. “Girl, one day you’ll set aside all the pain and the anxiety and just love yourself. And tell that man how you feel so he can love you back.”
I snorted. “I’ve gotta run. Keep me posted on everything, okay? You can never send me too many texts or emails.”
She gave me a little finger wave. “Have a safe flight. And say hi to Edgar for me!”
I lifted my hand to wave and trudged down the stairs back to the lobby. Down was much easier. Stepping out into the brisk air, I flagged down a cab and took it home. My feet were officially killing me now, so no stops. No stroll through Times Square or window shopping. Straight home. Then I took the stairs up to my apartment.
Once I wiggled out of my coat and pulled off my sadistic boots, I slid down the door exhausted.
When I heard my phone chime, I knew it was Ransom. I could practically hear him growling at me to answer.
I crawled across the room to where I threw my purse. As I dumped out the contents, the extraneous bits of candy wrappers and receipts from buying food reminded me of all the comments I heard in the elevator earlier. I couldn’t control my sobs, so I answered the call, letting the camera aim up at the ceiling.
“Are you hurt?” he asked with such concern my heart melted and I sobbed harder. “Raven, answer me!”
Between my sobs, I croaked. “I’m fine.”
He scoffed. “Bull-fucking-shit. What happened?”
I sprawled out on the living room floor, feeling so pathetic I couldn’t sit up.
“Pick up the phone!” he demanded. I complied and saw his gorgeous face full of concern. “Tomorrow I’ll get you out of that goddamn city. I’ll be done with practice by the time you land. I’ll come pick you up, okay?”
Sniffling, I forced a smile. “I really can’t wait to see you. I can come see you play too, right?”
He grunted. “We get comp tickets for guests, which for me is rare. Coach owes me tickets.” He really studied my face. “Why don’t you shower, cool off, and pack. Thinking about good things coming up in the future will make you feel better.”
My voice sounded small. “It will?”
Ransom forced a smile. “Yeah, and wear one of those girl power shirts or something. Something to make you feel badass.”
I grinned thinking about one of my favorite shirts. “Is it a throat punch kind of day, Chief?”
He growled. “It is now.”
I pushed up until I was sitting with my legs to the side. “Kick someone’s ass for me, tonight. I’m sure they deserve it.”
His eyes darkened. “Don’t forget how fierce you are, Raven.”
“Fucking fierce,” I shouted, trying to get into the spirit.
He gave a real smile. “There she is.”
I nodded. “Thanks for calling.”
