Surely this meant they weren't going to trade Tanner as well.
But there was still another day until the trade deadline.
Tanner would tell her if it happened, wouldn't he? He wouldn't just get on a plane and fly to Anaheim or wherever without calling her … would he? Especially since he'd sent her that video apologizing and wanting another chance.
She had her plan, but if he ended up in Anaheim, she wouldn't be able to carry it out.
She watched the game with her stomach in knots. The game started out rough for the Aces. Obviously, they were a little distracted by the off-ice happenings, and they let in two goals in quick succession. Eeep.
In the second period, they came back stronger. She watched Tanner take a Predator hard into the boards, then moments later set up a goal for Marc.
She'd loved what he'd said about giving a new team his all, if it happened. And clearly he wasn't giving up on the Aces either. Even though his situation was uncertain, he was now playing with everything he had after a slow first period. She admired that.
She admired so much about him.
She admired his bravery in making that crazy video, in front of his teammates no less. She admired his courage in making himself vulnerable, in admitting his feelings for her and admitting that he'd screwed up. Putting himself out there by asking her to leave with him again … even though last time she'd said no.
He had screwed up. And she'd been hurt, no question. But after thinking about it, about him and his messed-up family and all the things that had been eating away at him lately, she got it.
Monday morning she woke up and, with wings fluttering in her stomach, got ready-shaving her legs, a little bikini-line wax touchup, her favorite nectarine-and-amber-scented lotion rubbed into her skin. She'd had a manicure and pedicure last week, so her fingernails were pretty, pink tipped with white; her toenails a deep red. She blow-dried her hair out smooth, added a few waves with her curling wand, and pulled on her nicest lingerie … an orchid purple lace demi-bra with satin trim and a matching lace V-front thong. Then she dressed casually in a pair of skinny jeans, her favorite ones with the dark wash that was lighter down the middle and miraculously made her thighs look thinner, and her gray wraparound sweater.
She made a stop at Eataly, then drove to Tanner's condo and rode the elevator to the thirteenth floor.
Lucky thirteen.
She still had a key. He'd broken up with her over the phone, the bastard, and he'd never mentioned getting it back. So she used it to let herself in quietly.
The condo was dim in the dull February day, the sky overcast. Silence met her ears as she closed the door behind her and pulled off her boots. She padded in sock feet across the hardwood floor. No sign of Tanner. She left her purchases on the counter in the kitchen.
She found him in his bedroom, stretched out on his stomach, lying diagonally across his king-size bed, the covers down around his hips, exposing the strong V of his shoulders and back. She glanced at the clock, the numbers glowing red in the dusky room. Nearly noon. She knew they'd had an optional skate that morning, which he apparently had skipped.
She sat on the bed and laid her hand on his warm, strong back. He jumped and his eyes shot open. He stared at her. "Katie."
"Hi."
He blinked. "You're here."
Chapter 21
Tanner gaped at the woman sitting on his bed, his heart thudding, thoughts bouncing around blearily in his head.
"Yes. I'm here." She smiled at him, and it was the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen.
He still wasn't entirely certain he wasn't dreaming. Wasn't he supposed to pinch himself? He pushed up and turned onto his ass to sit, knees bent. He rubbed his eyes and shoved his hands into his hair. "Is this real?"
Her smile broadened. "Yes."
"Why? Why are you here?"
"Because I love you."
He stared at her sadly. "You never answered me. After I sent you that video."
She gave her head a slow shake. "No. I wanted to see you in person."
"Oh. Ah fuck. I thought you … " He closed his eyes. "I thought you didn't want to see me again."
"Tanner. I came to be with you this afternoon. I loved your video … but I was coming anyway."
"Why?"
"To be here with you for the trade deadline."
He shook his head blankly.
"Have you heard anything else?"