Page 75 of False Start
Sighing, he leans back on his hands. “I have to be honest. If this is how HR is going to handle it, it’s not going to be resolved right away. We have to first file a report with HR for harassment and sexual misconduct. We have to make sure there’s a report on file and they listen this time. Once that’s done, he will be suspended and an investigation will be opened.”
“What good will that do? Since they have no physical proof, no one will believe them right?” Emilia deadpans, and I can see the defeated look in all of their eyes.
“I’m not saying that. If you all trust me and want to do this, it will be an uphill fight. In order for anything to be done, we have to file an official complaint. Once it’s on record, it can’t be taken away. ”
“You believe us?” Hannah asks, and the softness of her voice shows just how vulnerable she really feels.
Coach, with so much pain and frustration mixed in his gaze, looks right into her eyes. “It was never a question of believing you. The second you said he did those awfulthings to you, invaded your space, and violated you, it became my mission to fight for you because I don’t condone this kind of behavior under my roof.”
She nods her head before she looks at Kailyn, who also nods and then turns back to Coach. “Okay, so, what do you need us to do?”
Chapter 29
Kailyn
After we left Coach’s office a couple days ago with a plan set in place, things have been better all around.
Hannah and I officially filed harassment claims against Eric and now we’re just waiting to see what happens next. HR plans to talk to him, which is a good first step, so it’s just a waiting game at this point. They were also made aware of Jake and I’s relationship. After questions about the complaint filed against us, making sure that no rules were broken or professional boundaries were crossed, they’ve declared that we are in the clear and we won’t face any consequences or penalties.
It’s good to know that this time around HR is taking things seriously and doing a full investigation into our allegations, especially after Hannah was dismissed last time. Right now, there’s nothing I can do but sit back and wait it out, which is easier said than done.
I just have to trust that Coach and the team have our backs and be prepared to fight this if it comes down to it.
On a brighter note, Jake and I are officially going to have our firstdate since getting back together. With our schedule it’s been hard to find time to make actual plans, and I’m really excited to spend some quality time with him outside of hockey and work.
I finish applying my mascara and take one final glance at myself in the mirror before walking out of the bathroom and into my bedroom to finish changing. When I asked what we were doing, he said he would cook dinner at his place and it would be just a casual, intimate date, so I decided to dress up a little.
I’m wearing one of my favorite dark blue floral boho style dresses that has off the shoulder sleeves, a cut out drawstring under my bust and flows just above my knees. I’ve paired them with my white wedges that I stole back from my sister.
I’m also wearing my favorite lingerie underneath, a lace baby pink set. I wasn’t sure if I was going to wear it, only because of my cycle, but luckily it ended yesterday, and I’m feeling a surge of confidence in myself, especially after Jake reminded me of the power and beauty that I hold.
I bought it when I was back in L.A. and needed a pick me up one day.
I’d been feeling really insecure that day, one of my coworkers that I thought was my friend telling me that I was too fat to ever be attractive to any man. I had been walking around the shops by myself when I saw this lingerie store, and on the mannequin was this beautiful set that I couldn’t take my eyes off of.
The worker who saw me, also a beautiful plus sized girl like me with an hourglass figure and soft hips, brought me in and encouraged me to try it on. I was hesitant at first, not feeling very beautiful or sexy, but when she told me about how she felt more powerful in lingerie, that it gave her back herconfidence, I felt like it was a sign that I should try it on. Once I stepped into the dressing room and tried the set on, I instantly felt that power and confidence she was telling me about.
I didn’t have anyone at home to wear this for, wasn’t going to show myself to anyone, but wearing it made me feel sexy just for me, and I hadn’t had that in a long time. When I needed a pick me up, a reminder that I was beautiful, I would put it on just for me and walk around admiring my curves and my figure. It made me feel proud of myself, of the body that I have and the beauty that I saw staring back at me.
I’m grabbing my purse and walking out the door when an incoming text pops up.
Jake
Hey beautiful, dinner’s almost done. Can’t wait to see you
I’m leaving my place now. I can’t wait to see you, too, handsome
I walk over to the elevator, making my way down and out to my car, hopping in and starting the short drive to his place.
A few minutes later, I’m pulling up and parking in his driveway, smiling to myself as butterflies fill my stomach, before getting out of the car and walking up to his front door. He’s right there before I can even knock, opening the door with a sexy as hell smile painted across his face. He’s also dressed casually in a black T-shirt that stretches thinover his muscles tucked into a pair of grey slacks that do little to hide what’s underneath.
“My eyes are up here, baby girl,” he teases, and I can't hide the blush that paints my face.
“I know, but I couldn’t help myself,” I tease back, and he laughs before extending a hand out to me, lacing our fingers as he guides me into his house.
I take the opportunity to look around, noticing how spacious and cozy his place looks.
His walls are painted in warm white tones that are offset by the beautiful and cozy looking dark grey sectional in the living room. The floor plan is an open concept, his kitchen having no wall separating it. There’s no dining table, but he does have an island in the middle that has four stools set up. I continue into the house, not letting go of his hand as he follows closely behind.
