He types again, the bubbles appearing and disappearing, just like last time. But this time, he doesn’t send a message. So, I lock my phone and tuck it in my purse, trying to convince myself that this is the right decision.
The hard part is that I feel like I’m on two missions right now. One, win the Stanley Cup with the Nighthawks. Two, explore my feelings for Matt. The problem is that one can’t happen with the other, not without jeopardizing everything.
CHAPTER 12
MATT
The next two weeks fly by, and Shay and I have found a new groove in our relationship. But we’ve been so busy, and the Patriots have given us a hell of a fight, so there hasn’t been time to even think about anything besides the game.
We’re up in the series, winning two games to one loss. But now we’re heading back into their arena for our next match-up. We really need to win game four and secure our lead, going into, hopefully, the final game of the series.
When we land in Philadelphia, the guys have plans to have takeout delivered to the hotel and watch a movie in one of our rooms—something we used to do more often during away games a couple of years ago.
Thankfully, we all decide on one of my favorite places here—Arly’s. So, I’m a happy camper with a rumbling stomach when Alec leaves to meet the delivery driver downstairs in the hotel lobby.
JD kicks my foot, shaking my entire leg that’s resting on the mattress. We’re both lying on one of the queen beds in the room, Costy and Burnsy in the other. Kos might have to sit on the floor during the movie.
Turning my head, I find a shit-eating grin on his face. “So, Matty boy, got anything to share with the class?”
I don’t have to look at the other side of the room to know the other two are carefully listening in. Although I don’t know what JD expects me to say.
“Nope.” I pop theP, turning back to the TV.
Burnsy groans audibly. “Oh, come on, Matt! We already know about you and your girlfriend.”
I scoff, probably too quickly. “What are you talking about? I don’t have a girlfriend.”
Now it’s Costy who laughs. “And I don’t have a wife.”
“And I don’t have the world’s biggest dick.” JD chuckles. “Great. Now that we’ve played the opposite game, can you fuck off and tell us the truth?”
Shit. They’re really not going to drop this, are they?
“I’m sorry, nothing to say.”
“You’re fine if I set your new coach up with a friend of mine then?” JD asks almost immediately.
My head whips his way, words at the ready to tell him he’s about to find my foot up his ass, but I see a smirk on his stupid fucking face and stop myself.
“I hate you. All of you,” I groan, plopping back down on the pillow.
“No, you don’t.” Burnsy laughs and launches a pillow at me from his bed.
I catch it and tuck it between my legs, giving my hips good elevation as I turn on my side to face them.
Burnsy and Costy are sitting up and waiting, matching JD’s impatient expression. For God’s sake.
“She’s not my girlfriend. We are strictly coach and player.Maybefriends.”
“That’s what she said?” JD pushes.
I nod. “Yep.”
“And what do you want?” Burnsy asks, prodding further.
“For this conversation to be over.” I grin.
They all argue at once.
