Love Faces Off

Chapter 19

She didn’t feel as confident 5 minutes before the press conference. She was shaking inside and only hoped it wasn’t visible on the outside. Nick was off to the side talking with the Attorney. Raegan sat by herself on a lobby chair. She had her talking points, she knew what the official statement would be for the team. Tomorrow morning she and Nick would sit down with the leading local station and give a one on one interview to further tell her side of the story. But right now she just sat and stared at her hands, willing them to stop shaking.

“Angel? Angel it’s time.”

She looked up and saw Nick looking at her all concerned. She stood and went straight into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her tightly.

Raegan’s voice cracked, “I don’t think I can do this. I can’t go out there and put the most painful event of my life on display.”

Nick held her tight, “You are so strong. If you don’t want to do this, I will support you all the way. But know that you can do anything. You are the strongest person I know. Just remember, I’m here and I’m going to keep you safe. If it gets to much walk away.”

Once last squeeze and Raegan pulled away. She straighten her suit and nodded her head, “I’m ready.”

Mr. Kwatski delivered the teams official statement. This was a rare happening as he normally left it to the attorneys or the PR manager.

But before a room full of reporters from all over the world he said, “Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, thank you for joining us today. Today we will take no questions but will briefly address the charges that have been lobbied against our club and our Assistant Head Athletic Director. We have irrefutable video and eyewitness evidence, that we will share only during the judicial process, due to the sensitive nature of the event. This evidence proves that 4 years ago Ted Tidewater attempted to r**e Raegan Moore. It was by her fighting spirit and the heroic actions of another, that the r**e was stopped. The team stood with Ms. Moore and proceeded as she directed. We continue to stand by Ms. Moore who has proven time and again to be a valuable part of the Thunder family. Mr. Tidewater never fit in here. His time here was troubled in many areas. His attempted r**e of Ms. Moore was simply the final straw.”

“ Hear me when I say, every word he is spewing concerning this event and the actions that followed is a lie. Tomorrow morning the Tampa Thunder will official file suit in local court on the team and Ms. Moore’s behalf to fight this defamation of character and filth from being released to bookshelves.”

“At this time, Ms. Moore would like to give a statement.”

He stepped to the side and allowed her to walk up to the podium.

Reagan released a deep breath and began, “Good evening. I wish my first time before the press was under different circumstances. I have tried to put the events of 4 years ago out of my mind and move on with my life as much as a survivor of s****l assault can.” Her voice cracked, “I am a private person by nature, but...”

She took a deep breath and continued, “I was not and have never been in any form of a romantic relationship with Ted Tidewater. He had made several passes at me, which I always turned down. When he became more aggressive in his pursuit I went to team management and the issue was addressed properly. Steps were taken to insure I have little to no contact with Mr. Tidewater. During a game at the arena Mr. Tidewater cornered me in the laundry and tried to sexually assault me. I demanded he stop, I screamed for my life, I said NO. As stated before a player came upon the scene and only by his heroic actions was the s****l assault stopped. The Tampa Thunder immediately took action to remove Mr. Tidewater from their employ. They strongly encouraged me to press criminal charges. It was my decision to not press charges. I was fearful that it would hurt my chances of employment if I were to go to another team. I never demanded or expected special favors from the team in return for not pressing charges. The team did support me on my road to recovery. I will lean on the legal advice of the Thunder’s attorney and pursue what ever legal avenue is available to stop the second assault this time on my character and invasion of my personal life.”

“I should have come forward 4 years ago but was young and scared. I here now to set the record straight and to encourage any other women that may be victims of Ted Tidewater to come forward. Let’s fight this monster together.”With that she walked away from the podium the media began to shout out questions. Nick was right by her side as they left the media room.

He whispered, “You did great.”

About an hour later they were finally on their way home. Nick was navigating the the Tampa roads back to his townhome.

“Pete went and got your SUV from the restaurant.” Nick was telling her, “He left it at my townhome. Do we need to arrange to get you some more things from your condo?”

Raegan was starring out the window at the buildings going by. “I should be good for a little while. I’m so sorry.” She said as a tear fell down her cheek.

Nick grabbed her hand, “What are you sorry for?”

“Putting you through this. I don’t know what I would do without you. But you don’t deserve to have to go through this. You should be preparing for the playoffs next week.”

Nick gave her hand a squeeze, “I got in a good skate this afternoon and I will make both sessions tomorrow. Do you want to car pool tomorrow or drive separately? I don’t want you to feel like you are trapped riding with me each day. I’m not really sure what your hours are compared to mine.”

Raegan realized she didn’t know her new hours either. “I’m not really sure what my new hours are either. I think we should ride together tomorrow and see what the day holds and decide how to go in the future. Do you think we could walk on the beach tonight when we get home?”

Home. Nick liked that she was thinking of his place that way.

With a huge grin on his face, “Absolutely. How about a picnic dinner on the beach? While you change into something comfortable I could pack some things up.”

Raegan gave the first genuine smile He had seen in hours and said, “Perfect.”

The next week settled down and they got into a good routine. The attorneys filed lawsuits and emergency motions to stop the publication of the book. They had also named Reagan’s condo building in the lawsuit. Currently the building owner was working with The Thunder’s attorneys to get out of the sale with Tidewater. Turns out the sale was not finalized, he was technically renting for the next 30 days until closing happened. Reagan liked knowing he would have to move out but she wasn’t sure she would feel comfortable living there. At Nick’s they were getting very use to living together. They shared chores and alternated cooking meals. The nights were filled with making love and pillow talk. Raegan took early morning runs, while Nick made breakfast and coffee. Then they would drive into work together.

She had settled into her new position. She actually had less contact with players than she thought and it was possible to go all day without seeing Nick. Because it was an off week, she was able to make sure she was done around the time the guys finished the afternoon skate.

The team was set to leave on Monday for the opening series against the Quebec Stars. During the playoffs the team had the no family rule. They want players to stay focused on the game, curfews are set, and had a different code of conduct. They would be in Quebec for 4 ½ days. Raegan would be there in the executive box and in a separate hotel room from Nick. It was going to be their first real test. Normally, she probably wouldn’t do this travel trip. But given the situation with Tidewater they all felt it was to dangerous to leave Raegan in Tampa without anyone around to keep her safe.

Sunday night they were tangled up on the couch when a call came to Raegan’s phone late.

“Hello?” She said as she answered the call.

“Raegan, its Anthony Debois, the Thunder’s attorney? I’m sorry to call so late before you leave for the road trip.

“That’s ok we were still up.”

“I got some big news I wanted to share with you. We have worked with your building’s attorney and they are serving Tidewater eviction papers tomorrow morning. Combing through the fine print on the contract, we found Tidewater misrepresented himself enough that they could get an injunction against him.”

“That is great news.” Raegan wasn’t really sure how she felt about the news.

He continued, “You should be able to move back in within a week or two. No word on any of the other proceedings but this is just the first of many victories.”

Raegan thanked him again and ended the call.

Nick looked at Raegan and asked, “So what was that about?”

“They are getting Tidewater evicted. He should be out within a week or two.”

“Oh.” Was all he said.

She laid back down in his arms.

Nick broke the silence first, “My offer still stands. We can make this into our home together. There is plenty room for you an office or anything else you need.”

“I have been thinking about that. Carla will be back in a few months and will need a safe place for her and Riley to stay. I thought about letting her stay at the condo. Once she is on her feet she can pay rent or maybe buy it from me. I don’t think I want to live there anymore. I can’t imagine my nights not being here with you.” She sat up and looked at him, “Are you sure about this? The confirmed bachelor asking a girl he has only know a few months to live with him? It could seriously effect your status as hockey’s sexist bachelor.”

Nick smiled, “Well, you can either move in here or your condo is going to get really crowded with me, you, Carla, and Riley all living there. I know I can’t go back to lonely nights. The next 4 days are going to be hell knowing you are so close but I can’t be with you.”

Raegan was relieved, “Well, I’m here now.” She crawled up to straddle him. “I say we make the most of tonight. You can always sleep on the plane.”

Nick was already kissing her neck, “I like the way you think.”