Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
“He will. I’m sure of it.”
I take a deep breath, girding myself to deliver the news that’s been gnawing at my stomach lining since it happened. “Also, Bellamy closed a deal with Moriarty tonight, Luca. He’s coming to practice in the morning.”
Luca’s frown regarding his buddy Calhoun being let go becomes sharper. As a crease forms in his forehead, he runs a big hand through his dark mop of hair. But in a flash, he pulls himself together enough to say, “We always knew he’d come back. It just means we have to work that much harder, which we will.” He places a hand on his unbelievable bare abs, looking fiercely determined and delectable. “We’ve got this, Chelsea. You and me. Together, we’re unstoppable.”
My stomach twists. “You’ve got this, Luca,” I correct softly. “You don’t need me anymore.”
“Are you insane? Of course, I do! You’re my secret weapon baby. As long as I’ve got you, I can do anything.”
Fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck! “Luca, they’ve assigned me to Moriarty. I can’t work with you anymore. The order came from the top.” To my shock, tears spring into my eyes as those last words tumble out.
Luca looks like I’ve just delivered a death blow. A terminal diagnosis. He slowly sits on the edge of the bed and hangs his head. “Starting when?”
“Effective immediately. I’m working with Jacob tomorrow morning during our usual time slot.”
He winces like I’ve slapped him across the face. “Can I work with you at the end of the day, then? Or maybe late at night? I’ll take any time slot you’ve got for me.”
The tears in my eyes haven’t fallen yet. But they’re blurring my vision. “No, that’s not possible. I’m sorry, Luca. All I want is to keep working with you. I hope you know that.” A tear falls, and I wipe at it. I hardly ever cry. It’s just not my thing. So, this traitorous water streaming down my face isn’t only a surprise to me; it’s a confession.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he coos softly, and with so much tenderness, my heart pangs like it’s splintering. “You should be celebrating. This is a huge promotion for you.”
“No.” I blink, and the water in my eyes squirts down my cheeks.
“Chelsea, they’re pulling you off a scrub and putting you with their biggest superstar. That’s a huge vote of confidence, baby. I’m thrilled for you.”
With a sad little smile, he gets up and gently wipes at my wet cheek with his thumb, and my entire body thrums with the urge to throw my arms around him.
“Put Moriarty on your résumé and you’ll get a great job with another team in record speed,” he whispers. “Maybe even this season, instead of waiting for next like you originally planned.” He looks absolutely devastated, but he manages a tight smile as he cups my face in both warm, large palms. “Celebrate this win, and don’t give me a second thought, okay? You’ve given me the fishing rod and taught me how to use it, so I’ll get out there and catch some big-ass fish for both of us.”
“But I want to keep working with you,” I choke out through tears.
He shakes his head and drops one of his hands. With the other one, he smooths my hair. “Look out for yourself. I’ll be just fine.” He wipes at another tear with his thumb. “If you do as well with Moriarty as you did with me, Bellamy will have to hear you out on what you could do for his department. I know you said he doesn’t buy into all your spreadsheets and stuff, but maybe after you kick ass with Moriarty, you’ll be able to convince him.”
Suddenly, I feel like I’d be lying to Luca if I didn’t disclose my secret deal with Bellamy in this moment.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” I tell Luca the story of the deal Bellamy offered me without leaving anything out, and Luca looks deeply distressed. “This doesn’t change anything,” I choke out. “I admit I want that job in operations, but that doesn’t negate the fact that I genuinely believe in you. I’ve never lied to you about that, Luca. Not once.”
His face softens. “I know that, Chelsea. If I look upset right now, it’s not at you. It’s at Bellamy for hitching your dreams to mine, when he knows full well you don’t have any control about how things pan out for me.” He wipes at another tear. “You’re a terrible liar, remember? I know you believe in me. And thank God for that, because it’s been the ultimate fuel for me.”
I crack a wan, sad smile. “Even more so than fun?”
Luca returns my bittersweet grin. “Baby, anything having to do with you is always the best kind of fun.” His brown eyes drift to my lips and linger. His bare chest expands sharply. And when I don’t lean back—when, in fact, I move in a bit—Luca bends down and crushes his lips to mine.