Breakout (A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance) (7 page)

“Night, Lexi. Text me when you get home, okay?”

My heart melts even more. “I will.”

I slide behind the wheel of my car. I turn the car on, wave to him, and then drive out of the parking lot.

I glance in my rearview mirror, and Niko’s still standing there, watching me.

I watch him, knowing he won’t leave until my car is out of sight.

And just like that, I know.

Niko is The One for me.

And I only have to hope with all my heart that he might come to see me as The One for him, too.

Chapter 10

The One Online Dating Service Profile Question:
If someone has significant travel for his/her career, is that a dating deal breaker?

My write-in answer:
As long as he stays in touch, misses me as much as I miss him, and wants to spend time with me when he gets back then it’s not a problem.

This is happening
, I think, staring at the Total Access Total Sports Building.
Today is my first day at Total Access Total Sports.

I smile to myself. I was called by Wyatt on Tuesday and sent him my resume and YouTube link so he could see my work, as well as a link to the corporate websites and videos I’ve worked on.

He called that day, and we met for a lunch interview Wednesday. I was hired on the spot to edit the
Demons Details
, a magazine show about the Dallas Demons, as well as to work other editing projects during the week. They wanted me to start immediately, too. Luckily I worked out my last two weeks with the bank to do most of the work remote, which means I’m going to be buried in work every spare minute I’m not at TATS, but I know it’s going to be worth it.

This is my chance
, I think.
I’m going after it with everything I have.

And I feel the same way about Niko.

We’ve done Connectivity video chats on his off days. We text daily, too. It’s like our conversation from the coffee shop has carried right over, and even though he’s in Canada today, I still know I’m going to talk to him and continue to get to know him a little bit more, which I love.

I draw an eager breath and head up to the building, thinking of how ready I am to start a new chapter in my life. After two years of doing freelance assignments for projects I had no passion for, I’m finally about to do what I’ve dreamed of doing since I went to TCU.

I’m going to work in sports television
.

I step inside and approach the receptionist desk, where Wyatt told me to ask for Jake Pfeiffer, who is always there bright and early, and he would help me get situated.

I approach the receptionist and wait for her to finish the call she is on.

She disconnects and turns to me. “May I help you?”

“Hi, I’m Lexi Stewart, an—”

“Oh! So you’re Lexi,” she says, her eyes flashing in recognition. She gets up and moves down to the edge of her desk. “You have a delivery this morning.”

I furrow my brow. “What?”

She picks up a red Starbucks cup and flat box. “These are for you,” she says, placing them on the counter in front of me.

My heart leaps. Niko had asked yesterday what time I was going into work on Friday. Could it be from him?

No. No way. That’s crazy.

I glance at the cup.

And I see written in black Sharpie is the word ‘Editor.’

It is from Niko.

“Let me get Jake for you. He said you’d be starting today and to get him when you arrived. I’m Catherine, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you,” I manage, but the whole time my heart is pounding against my ribcage. I slide the ribbon off the box, vaguely aware that Catherine is talking to Jake, and lift up the lid to find a notecard on top of crisply folded tissue paper.

I pick it up and read:

Editor,

You’ll need these for your new career in sports TV. Have a great first day.

Niko

Excitement courses through me as I lift up the tissue paper.

And as I do, my heart melts at what I find.

Because Niko has sent me a pair of black fingerless gloves.

I touch the gloves, and I realize how much thought he put into this gift. How did Niko even get this delivered to me anyway? He’s in Canada!

My cell beeps in my purse, and I fish it out. I see I have a text message from Kenley:

Nate just texted me. Your boyfriend picked up the tab for him and Harrison at breakfast. For doing intermission interviews. The guys are impressed. Not as much as you are, though. ;-)

I blush furiously at her message.
Oh, Kenley, if you only knew what I was holding in my hands right now!
A gift from a guy I haven’t even kissed yet. Talk about impressive.

And I really hope that little bit about not having kissed yet changes when he gets back from the road.

“Lexi?”

I jerk my head up to see a younger guy approaching me.

“I am,” I say, smiling at him as I drop the gloves into my tote.

He extends his hand and smiles at me. “Jake. Welcome to TATS. You ready to come on back?”

I pick up my coffee and nod eagerly. “I’m so happy to be here.”

I start walking with Jake, down the long corridor I walked with Niko only days before. Has it only been days? It feels like it’s been weeks!

“We’re grateful for the help,” Jake says. “We’ve been short staffed, and the Demons magazine show could use someone with a hockey background. Niko says you fit the bill perfectly.”

I smile, thinking of how wonderful it is to have Niko believe in my ability like this.

He knows I can do this
, I think.

And I know it, too.

“I love hockey,” I say. “I’ve been a fan for as long as I remember.”

Jake laughs. “That’s what Niko said. For a moment I had to give him a hard time about suggesting you. I asked him if he was trying to get his girlfriend on board because he was so adamant you’d be a good fit.”

My heart stops beating. I nervously glance at Jake.

“Oh, really?” I say, trying to sound casual.

But if Jake picked up on Niko’s interest from the way he was talking about me . . .

“Yeah, but he laughed and said there was no ulterior motive. He said he doesn’t date
in house
, if you know what I mean. Niko said you were a talented editor that both he and Ryan could vouch for. And you were passionate about hockey, so that was his motivating factor for bringing you on board,” Jake explains.

My stomach turns over as I absorb Jake’s words.

Niko was simply being nice to his future editor
.

I realize Niko is just one of those good guys—who treats people who do good work in an effort to recognize them.

I grip the Starbucks cup in my hand a little tighter.

This drink was a welcome to work latte.

It wasn’t his way of showing affection, like I stupidly allowed myself to believe.

It is no different than the breakfast he bought for Nate and Harrison this morning, I realize painfully.

And as it hits me, my heart squeezes inside my chest so hard it hurts to breathe.

I force myself to focus on Jake, who leads me to my work area, explains Wyatt will be in later this morning to go over my schedule, but in the meantime I can fill out all my paperwork so I’m ready to go when Wyatt comes in.

I smile at Jake, nod, and take a seat in my new cubicle. As soon as he’s out of sight, I draw a deep breath of air, trying to loosen the pain in my chest.

We never even had an official date, and I let my crush on Niko grow wild. Niko himself even said it was drinks to celebrate our firsts—his as a Demons producer and mine of creating an open for TV.

He couldn’t have been any clearer.

And as for wanting to see me when he gets back? As a friend at the most. After all, he’s new here. It’s probably nice to have someone to grab drinks with.

It doesn’t mean he’s interested.

And obviously he’s not.

I force myself to look down at the papers in front of me, but it’s hard to concentrate. I should be elated, because in an hour Wyatt will be here and my career will begin.

But instead my elation is tempered by the realization that Niko and I will only be friends.

Ugh. I
finally
meet someone who is special and kind and smart. Who shares my interests. And to top that all off, a man who is sexy as hell and that I’m insanely attracted to.

But we’re going to be coworkers.

Nothing more.

I’ll have to learn to deal with it.

I lift my head and take another breath of air. Then I glance to my right and notice the name on the frosted glass panel next to the office door.

Niko Xenakis, Producer
.

My stomach rolls over.

Apparently I’m supposed to forget all about him with him working no less than fifteen feet away from me.

And I don’t know how on earth I’m going to do it.

Chapter 11

The One Online Dating Service Profile Question:
What is the theme song to your dating life?

My write-in answer:
Suddenly “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift is heart-achingly appropriate . . .

I twist my hair into a sleek ponytail, wrapping some of my long auburn strands around the rubber band for an extra finishing touch. I swallow hard as I gaze at my reflection in the mirror. Hair is stylish yet casual. I’m wearing my usual neutral makeup, but adding a pop of color with my Bite lip pencil in Rhubarb. I give my neck a spritz of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt perfume, inhaling the earthy scent as the spray lands on my skin.

I step back so I can see my full outfit. I’m wearing my black and white plaid wool mini skirt, black leather riding boots, a crisp white dress shirt with a black cashmere sweater layered over the top.

So I’m perfectly dressed for a casual Saturday brunch in Uptown.

With my good
friend
Niko.

I flip off the lights and stride into my bedroom, grabbing my purse. Niko got back with the team late last night, but he had texted me on Friday asking if I would like to join him for brunch today.

And I’m tortured by my answer of yes.

I mean, I’m setting myself up for emotional disaster here. I head out the front door and lock it behind me. I should have simply thanked him for the gloves and the best wishes for my first day and claimed I was busy working on stuff for my banking job.

Which I should be doing anyway.

But I know I need to be a mature adult about this. Just because Niko wants to be friends and I want more than that should I shun him? Avoid him? Decline all invitations simply because he doesn’t see me the way I want him to?

I get on the elevator and punch the level for my spot in the parking garage. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. No, I think. Niko has already done so many things for me, it wouldn’t be right.

And the truth is, I enjoy his company. I like our conversations. I love hearing him laugh. I like how we’re continuing to discover each other, even if it’s going to lead to nowhere for me.

I open my eyes as the elevator chimes on my level. And I know with each brunch, each run in at work, each time we talk, I’m falling harder for him.

Which makes this such a slippery slope I’m on.

Yet, while my heart knows the danger, it can’t say no.

I can’t say no
.

Gah. Life was a lot easier when I met idiots on The One Online Dating Service and was thankful when the date ended.

I get into my car and make the short drive to café, which is one of my favorites in Dallas. I told Niko I’d meet him here at eleven, and I’m five minutes early.

I open the door to the hip restaurant, and people are crowded around the waiting area. The smell of warm cinnamon rolls and fresh brewed coffee greets me when I step inside. I drink it in, as I love the scent of breakfast.

I’m about to go to the hostess stand to put our name on the list when I spot him.

Oh shit.
Shit
. I should never have agreed to this.

Niko is leaning up against a wall, reading a folded up newspaper with one hand. He has his right leg braced against the wall behind him. He’s wearing a blue and green plaid shirt with a gray crewneck over the top. His jeans are well-worn and fit him just right.

And in his left hand he’s holding a motorcycle helmet.

I’m rooted to where I’m standing. Niko is simply sexy-as-hell, with his dark hair and the way his five o’clock shadow shades his gorgeous olive skin, but he rides a motorcycle, too?

I need to cancel. I need to run. I need to get out of here because it’s going to be too damn hard to sit across a table from him and fight back desire for him.

It’s freaking impossible.

But while I’m considering my options, he lifts his eyes from his paper. And through those long black eyelashes, his Mediterranean Sea-colored eyes meet mine.

A smile lights up his gorgeous face, revealing the dimple in his cheek, and,
oh
, I’m so beyond screwed.

I make myself approach him, and my stupid-should-know-better heart is humming with excitement.

“Hey, Lexi,” Niko says, grinning at me. “Good to see you.”

“You beat me here,” I tease, smiling back at him.

“I’m starving,” he admits. “So I got here early to get our name on the list.”

A man jostles me from behind in the crowded waiting area and I’m pushed into Niko’s chest.

The second I brush against him, his crazy sexy scent washes over me. I breathe in his rich spice and cedar cologne, and as soon as I do, guilt floods me.

He’s my coworker
.

I don’t need to get turned on by the scent lingering on his olive skin.

I blush furiously and push back from him.

“Sorry,” I manage.

“No worries.”

I clear my throat. “So how was the road trip? Other than losing the last game?”

“It went really well,” Niko says, moving to place the newspaper back in the rack where he apparently took it from. “I was able to go out with the traveling crew and get to know them better. Shared some dinners, that kind of thing, but I was ready to come home.”

I bite down on my lip. Oh, how I wish I were the reason he wanted to come back to Dallas.

“Niko, party of two,” the hostess calls out.

Niko motions for me to go first, and he falls into step behind me. The hostess greets us, grabs some menus, and leads us to a nice booth in front of a window.

I slide into my seat, and Niko moves in across from me, putting his helmet down first.

“So you ride?” I ask, nodding in the direction of his helmet as I flip open my menu.

“Yeah,” Niko says, his eyes sparkling. “My bike is my guilty pleasure. I bought one after I got my first full-time TV gig.”

“What kind of motorcycle do you have?”

Niko rubs his hand over his jawline. “Uh, a BMW R 1200 RT.”

“BMW makes motorcycles?” I ask, clueless.

Niko laughs. “Yes. For a very, very long time.”

“Obviously my BMW motorcycle education is lacking,” I admit.

“I’ll tutor you,” Niko says, flipping open his menu and casting his eyes downward.

I shift my gaze to his full lips.
I’d prefer you’d tutor me in kissing
.

“So what’s good here?”

I blink, horrified by my thoughts. I’ve got to get myself together. He’s a coworker. A friend. What the hell am I thinking? Do I have a desire to torture myself by dreaming of things that will
never
happen?

Yes. Apparently I do.

I refocus my attention to the menu. “I can only speak for one thing,” I say, “because I get it every time I come here. But I love the Cap’n Crunch French toast. With a side of bacon.”

Niko glances up at me, once again looking through his amazing fringe of eyelashes. “Is that right?”

Our server stops by and we order some coffee. After she leaves, I grin at Niko.

“It’s crazy good. Sweet and crunchy cereal on the outside, drenched in maple syrup . . . I can’t resist it. And I don’t even try to.”

“I like that about you.”

I furrow my brow. “You like what?”

“You like to eat,” Niko says, shifting his gaze back to the selections on the menu. “My last girlfriend didn’t. Going out to eat was an ordeal because she was really picky. I think there were about five foods she ate.”

“There has to be more than five.”

“Hmm. Maybe seven. But not more than eight.”

We both laugh at that. The server comes back, setting down two big mugs of coffee for us. We place our orders, with me going for the Cap’n Crunch French toast and Niko getting scrambled eggs, hash browns, and toast.

I reach for the creamer and dump some into my coffee. I pick up my spoon and begin to swirl it into the hazelnut-infused house blend.

“So what’s the story on the last girlfriend?” I ask. “Besides the fact that she liked no more than eight foods, and I’m sure you’re grossly underestimating that fact.”

Niko arches an eyebrow at me. “Oh, are you defending her now?”

“Be careful, Niko, slander isn’t nice,” I tease.

He laughs. “So the story on Jessica who I shall not slander is an easy one. We dated for two years, but the last six months were nothing but dragged-out drama. She hated that I traveled for my job. It was hard on her, and I could never do enough to reassure her that I missed her when I was on the road. And when I was home I needed to spend every minute with her, and if I wasn’t with her, I was reassuring her that I wanted to be with her.”

“That sounds suffocating,” I say softly.

Niko is quiet for a moment. “It was. But I’m gone a lot, and it’s something that a woman has to be willing to take on when they date me. And when I’m home working, I’m not around for dinner. I work late. Then add my family dynamic and it’s enough to send any sane woman screaming. It wasn’t worth it for Jessica. I guess I wasn’t enough for her in the end.”

Surprise fills me. Niko thinks he wasn’t enough? Jessica was lucky to have him, and she was too stupid not to see it.

And I’d be willing to deal with all of that to be with him. Niko is worth it.
I know he is.

“So what about you?” Niko asks, interrupting my thoughts. “Did your ex eat more than ten foods?”

I laugh. “I don’t have many ex-boyfriends.”

“Come on.”

I shrug. “Not recent ones. I date, but I haven’t met anyone I’d like to see on a regular basis.”

Except for you
, I think.

Damn it! I need to stop this. Niko has made it clear to me, and even to guys he works with at TATS, that he
doesn’t date coworkers.
I need to say it out loud. I need to put it out there and have him confirm it before these feelings get more out-of-control than they already are.

“Besides, it’s not like I’m going to date anyone I work with,” I lie, taking a sip of my coffee. “And that’s where I am most of the time—at work—so it kind of limits my dating pool, so to speak.”

I study him for a reaction. Niko’s face briefly changes. Almost like he was upset by what I said. My breath catches in my throat. Hope fills me. Could Niko be changing his mind about that, about dating at work?

Could I be the one that changes his rules?

“Right.” Niko shifts his gaze to the sunny streets of Uptown for a moment. Then he turns back to me. “I understand where you are coming from. Dating a coworker. That makes things complicated, doesn’t it?”

My throat goes dry. “Um, yes.”

“So it’s not worth the risk,” he says softly. “Right?”

I force myself to nod as any shred of hope I have evaporates into thin air. “Exactly.”

But as the word passes my lips, my heart wants to take it back.

You’re worth the risk, Niko. I’d take that risk for you
.

But I can’t say that. Not when it’s obvious he’s not interested in me in that way.

My head understands.

But my heart is struggling.

And I have no idea how to reconcile the two.

“I think you’re wrong,” Kenley declares. “Niko
likes
you.”

I blush furiously. We’re shopping in Uptown on Saturday afternoon, looking at dresses for Dallas Demons Casino Night. And while Kenley is wandering around trying to find the perfect outfit for the event, I fill her in on the brunch date I had a few hours earlier with Niko.

“Yes, as a friend,” I emphasize. “Now more than ever I’m convinced of that fact.”

“I disagree.”

“Why do you refuse to believe I have once again been dealt the friend card? You have seen this over and over. It always happens when I like a guy. Why should Niko be any different?”

“Because it is,” Kenley says simply. “And since you haven’t been dealt the friend card, you should try on this one.” She stops and selects a short, gold-beaded dress, smiling as she takes it off the rack. “Niko would like to see some leg I’m sure.”

“I’m not going,” I say firmly. “I have no business being there.”

Kenley puts the dress back and rolls her eyes. “Would you stop? Of course you do. You’re coming with me. And CiCi won’t let you get out of it either. If she’s going, you’re going.”

I lift an eyebrow. “How did you get your mother to agree to this?”

Kenley moves across the hardwood floor, to another display of festive party dresses.

“Mom’s new life coach has told her to broaden her mind with new experiences,” Kenley says, pausing and studying another shimmery dress. “So she said she would go with her girls. And by girls, I mean me, Amanda, and
you.
”

“But I don’t want it to seem like I’m there trying to see Niko.”

Because as the Dallas Demons producer, Niko is sure to be at Casino Night.

Kenley lets out an exasperated breath. “Would you
stop?
This isn’t a fraternity party back at TCU. You aren’t going to be standing around with a red Solo cup next to a keg waiting for
him
to walk in. This is a
professional charity
event
. One your best friend is working. You have every right to be there. Looking gorgeous of course.”

Despite how my heart is hurting right now, I laugh.

“Lexi, Niko
wants
to see you. I saw the way he looked at you at the Demons Club, and it wasn’t the way a man looks at a
friend.
And I don’t know why you two are wasting time with this ‘we can only be friends’ crap when it’s so obvious you both want something more.”