"Because this place must cost a fortune," I explain, gesturing at the sleek space around us. "Downtown real estate like this? There's no way my business can afford something like this. Not yet, anyway."
The five of them exchange glances, a silent communication passing between them.
"Actually," Jax says, stepping forward, "we wanted to give it to you. As a gift."
My eyes widen. "A gift? You can't be serious."
"We are," Darren insists. "We wanted to do this for you."
"You've mentioned how crowded your apartment has become," Dmitri adds. "How difficult it is to work efficiently in such a small space."
"And we might have contributed to that problem," Zayn says with a pointed glance at Aidan, "with all the flowers. And baked goods."
I shake my head, overwhelmed by their generosity but knowing I can't possibly accept something so extravagant. "I appreciate the thought, really, I do, but I can't let you just... buy me an office space. That's way too much."
"We figured you might say that," Jax says with a knowing smile. "So we made sure the lease terms were reasonable."
"Extremely reasonable," Aidan adds eagerly. "Like, suspiciously reasonable."
"We got a great deal through some connections," Jax continues, shooting Aidan a look. "The building owner is a hockey fan. We used that to our advantage."
"Seriously?" I ask, still stunned. "So I could just take over the lease?"
"That was our backup plan," Darren explains, watching me carefully. "We wanted to give it to you outright, but we knew you might be uncomfortable accepting something like that at this stage."
"The lease is month-to-month," Jax explains, "so there's no long-term commitment if it doesn't work out. And the rate is locked in for three years."
My hand runs along the edge of the cutting table as I consider their offer. The space is stunning, exactly what I would have picked if money were no object. Tall ceilings for displaying hanging pieces. Natural light for photography. Enough room to actually move around while working instead of climbing over inventory in my apartment.
"And it's only a few blocks from the arena," Darren points out. "So when we have home games..."
He doesn't finish the thought, but I get it. I could see them more easily. Drop by practices. Be part of their world while still having my own professional space. Even more than the thoughtfulness of this space, the fact that they want to see me is what touches me the most.
"Can I look around?" I ask, still stunned.
"It's your space," Jax says simply, grinning. "If you want it."
Starting to explore in earnest, I imagine how I would use each area. The main workspace with the cutting table. A small photography corner for product shots. A shipping station with proper shelving instead of stacks on my dining table. There'seven a tiny kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower, practical for long workdays.
"This is kind of incredible," I murmur, running my fingers along a windowsill. "There are never spaces available in this area. I've searched before."
"Like Jax said, we pulled some strings," Zayn admits, watching me with those intense dark eyes.
Every detail has been considered. Made as risk-free as possible. A gift that's both extravagant and practical at the same time.
"I don't know what to say," I admit, turning to face them all. Five men still standing awkwardly in the center of the room, looking so hopeful it makes my chest ache.
Aidan shifts his weight, looking like he might explode if I don't give an answer soon. "Do you like it? I know it's a lot, but we all pitched in ideas. Zayn found the space, and Jax handled the lease negotiation, and Dmitri picked the cutting table because he said it had to be the right height so it wouldn't hurt your back, and I just thought?—"
"It's the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me," I cut in, stopping his adorable rambling. My voice catches on the words, emotion tightening my throat. "I love it."
The collective relief that washes over their faces is almost comical. Aidan's shoulders drop, his stiffness visibly melting away. They all look like I've just giventhema gift.
"You deserve a lot more than that," Darren says, closing the distance between us to take my hands in his.
"Why are you all so nervous?" I ask, squeezing his hands. "Did you think I wouldn't like it?"
The men exchange quick looks again.
