* * *
Declan entered the attorney’s office, ready to sign the papers assigning him part ownership of the Renegades. He hadn’t heard from Cole or Booker, so he had no idea if they’d changed their minds. He couldn’t see how they would—not with their careers so hot.
“Go on in,” the receptionist said.
“Thank you.”
Jaime was already seated, his knee jackhammering. “Hey, man.”
“Hey.” Declan greeted his friend before turning to shake the lawyer’s hand.
“Great. We’re all here.” Harrison smiled. “Okay, let’s get started.”
“I guess we’re not waiting for Cole and Booker?” Declan glanced at the door.
“They’re not coming.” Jaime sat up. “It’s just us.”
The lawyer held up a document. “I received this notarized letter from Booker relinquishing his interest in the team. And since Kurt specifically stated the rights can’t be sold or transferred that would mean the three remaining parties each own one-third of the team. But Cole emailed to say he’s giving up his share, so the team will be co-owned by the two of you. That is, if you both want it.” The lawyer addressed Declan.
“I do. I want it.” He’d made peace with not coaching. It was all right. He was fine.
The lawyer pulled out two sets of identical contracts and lay them in front of each man. “You’ll just need to sign—”
“Hang on.” Jaime lunged for the pen. “Let me sign first.”
“Take it easy, man.” Declan chuckled. “It’s not like the first person to sign has a bigger say in decision-making.”
“I know, dumbass. But I need to be the owner first.” The tip of his pen scratched as Jaime hastily marked his initials where indicated. “Okay. Now, I can make you an offer.”
“You’re not buying me out, rich boy.” Declan shook his head.
“He just said two seconds ago that’s not possible.” His friend tapped the contract. “The will forbids trading, selling, or transferring ownership.” With a shit-eating grin, he said, “How would you like to be the coach of the Renegades?”
What? Is this real? “I would like that very fucking much.” Excitement rumbled under his skin, little sparks that triggered a chain reaction until his entire body was buzzing. “But how is that possible? They have a coach.”
“He had all these ideas for the team, but none of them ever panned out. He’s aggressive and keeps changing the line-up, and he won’t give them the time to work together to develop the chemistry they need. After hanging out with you this summer, the guys decided they like your vision. They like the way you talk to them. They like you.” Jaime smacked his shoulder. “They want you.”
“Even after I raged on the ice the other day?”
“Especially after that. You know hockey from the inside out. They want you.”
Well, damn. Of course, he wanted to coach the Renegades. “What does this mean for ownership, though? Do I have to give up my share?” Because no matter how much he wanted to coach the Renegades, he still felt that stubborn pull to honor Kurt’s wishes. His mentor had never steered him wrong, and he almost felt like there was a plan in all this that he didn’t feel right messing with.
“Well, that’s the next order of business.” The lawyer sat back in his chair. “Instead of relinquishing your rights, I can make you all silent partners. Jaime would make all the decisions. You, Booker, and Cole would have no say and no involvement in meetings. We could either give it an end-date, or we can leave it open.”
“Kurt wanted us back together.” Declan wanted that, too. And not because he was alone in the world, but because he missed his friends. “That works for me.” He jerked his thumb to Jaime. “The way this guy blows through coaches, I’ll need a fallback plan anyway.”
They both laughed, and Declan knew Jamie was as relieved as he was. Neither had wanted Cole and Booker out of the picture, so leaving the door open felt good.
“All right, then.” The lawyer leaned forward and gathered the two sets of documents. “Let me get some new contracts worked up. Jaime will own the team, and the three of you will be silent partners.”
Declan should be elated. He should be flying high. Not only did he get to coach, but he got to lead Kurt’s team. The one Kurt bought for them.
But the only person he wanted to share the news with lived in London. Because he’d pushed her away. And for what? He’d thought she was under her parents’ thumb, but what had he just said about honoring Kurt? And he wasn’t even my dad.
Taking the job at the foundation meant Phinny was a good, loyal person. It should give him comfort that she’d have her family’s back.
That she wouldn’t leave him.
Just as she’d told him. “I think I fucked up.”
Jaime shot him a look. “You don’t want to coach?”
“No, I do. I meant about something else. People are always telling me I’m a badass on the ice.”
“You are. You’re the most confident, focused player I know. You’re fearless.”
“But I’m a coward in the ways that matter.” Oh, fuck. Like uncorking a bottle of champagne, something popped inside his chest, and all the love he’d tried so hard to hold back came gushing out.
Everything Phinny had said was true.
Whatever he’d been doing to protect his heart…it didn’t work anymore. Now that he knew happiness, passion, and love, there was no going back.
He knew what it meant to live his dream—he’d just gotten the job as an NHL coach. Phinny should get to live hers. Whether it was running the auction or opening a store, she needed his support and encouragement. And if it meant they lived apart for a while, so what?
When Harrison walked back into the room, Declan stood up. “Hey, you knew all of Kurt’s business associates and friends, right?”
“I do. What did you need?”
“I’ve got to make things right with my girl, and I’m going to need some help.”
She’d waited for him long enough.
If Phinny didn’t relax her facial muscles and kick off her pointy-toed high heels, she was going to lose it. She also wouldn’t mind stripping off the shapewear that made it difficult to draw a full breath, but one didn’t do such things on a receiving line at the gala celebrating the end of Cowes Week.
Bored, she took in the massive crystal chandeliers, the marble parquet floor, and the catering staff moving through the room with pewter trays of appetizers and bubbly champagne. Feet screaming in pain, she kicked off a pump and flexed her toes.
Her mum discreetly nudged her, forcing Phinny to slap the smile back on and curtsey in front of Lady Kent.
“Lovely to see you, Phinny, dear.” The woman smiled warmly. “We must speak about the auction. Come and find me later, and I’ll make some introductions.”
“Thank you. That would be wonderful.” It was, after all, Phinny’s job to finagle as many items as possible out of the extremely wealthy guests.
For so many years, she’d lived for these events. But now, she could see what she’d loved was the time with her mum, as they got their hair and make-up done together and sorted through the dresses, shoes, and clutches the stylist brought them. She knew that because for one blissful month she’d gotten to experience an entirely different kind of life. One that included hot sex and stunning mountain ranges, Jeep rides with the top down and full-bellied laughter.