grill. On the bottom level there’s a hammock. That’s about as much outdoor space as I wanted.”
“This is honestly one of the coolest houses I’ve ever been in.”
“You have been in Jax and Lucy’s eight-thousand-square-foot rooftop apartment, right?” he said dryly.
“Yes. That is a fantastic space for them. This place is just . . . you. I get why you keep it to yourself. I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone either.”
Nolan reached across the counter and tugged my hair. “Careful, or I’ll think you’d never want to move in here with me.”
Did he mean that? This was one of those times I didn’t know how to respond so I tossed off a flip, “Well, I don’t know, Charming. I would need some closet space.”
“For you, my Gabriella, I’d make space.”
“Nolan.”
He grinned. “No need to give me your answer now. I’ll wait until after you’ve seen my bedroom with the lights on. And the master bathroom. It has a Jacuzzi garden tub and a steam shower.”
Once again, I was speechless. Then my phone buzzed on the counter, startling me.
Caller ID said: Wolf Sports North.
I just stared at it until it nearly vibrated off the countertop.
Nolan said, “Babe. Answer it.”
“Why are they calling me on a Saturday afternoon?”
“You won’t know if it goes to voice mail.”
I hit answer call and said, “This is Gabi Welk.”
“Gabi! Alan Mayes from Wolf Sports North. How are you today?”
“Good. Curious.” I couldn’t believe I was basically taking this call naked.
“I imagine so, so I’ll get right to the point. We want to hire you as our co-broadcaster for the UMD college hockey TV program.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. You were the best qualified candidate and we saw an enthusiasm for the game that transcended our expectations. We’d love to have you as part of the Wolf Sports North family.”
I paced to the French doors. “I am in a happy shock right now, so excuse me if I’m coming across like an idiot. But yes, I am one hundred percent on board.”
“Excellent. We’re keeping this on the down low until we get a few more details finalized. But we will be in touch with you on a weekly basis to keep you in the loop as far as start dates and preproduction.”
“Do you have any solid dates in mind? Because I do need to let my boss know he’ll have to find someone to fill my position.”
“I understand. But if you could hold off until you get the all clear from us, outside guess is maybe two weeks?”
“Okay. That seems doable. As long as I have access to the financial details of the proposed contract for my attorney to look over.”
“Of course. We’ll send the links to your email. Congratulations and have a great rest of your weekend.”
“I will, sir. Thank you.”
I ended the call and stared out the window, not really seeing anything, the buzzing in my head was so loud. Had that really just happened?
So when Nolan came up behind me and set his hands on my hips, I jumped.
He murmured, “Easy.” He stayed warm and solid and strong behind me until I leaned back into him. “You all right?”
“In shock. I got the job.”
He squeezed me and kissed the back of my head. “I figured. Are you happy about it?”
“Yes. But it sucks because I can’t talk about it with anyone.”
“Not even to me?”
Especially not to you. After you practically invited me to live with you and now . . . I’ll be moving to Duluth.
God. How could I be so excited and yet so . . . unhappy at the same time?
“Gabriella?”
“No, I’m sorry, I can’t tell you either. My new boss reminded me I signed a bunch of NDAs and until they’re ready to announce this, I have to keep it under wraps.” I groaned. “I hate that I can’t tell Jax. Or Lena at Minnesota Youth Hockey League. And now, there’s no way I can try out for the new NWHL expansion team here in the Twin Cities.”
I spun and wrapped my arms under his, grabbing onto his shoulders and squeezing him tight. “Sorry to babble. Thank you for listening.”
“What is this about? Because there’s something you’re not telling me.”
“The truth? I’m crazy about you.” I nuzzled his chest and pressed a kiss to his heart. “While maybe you’re thinking this job is the greatest thing for me, the truth is . . . you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. Maybe ever. I’ve never said