Page 110 of Saddle Storm

Heat rushes through my veins when I look at the fans pressed up against the rope. A few players lined up signing autographs and pucks. “Tell me you didn’t come through that.”

“No. I texted her and she snuck me in through the back door.”

I exhale and wrap my arms around her, my heart swelling so much it hurts. “I’m so happy to see you.” I kiss the side of her head wondering how long I might be able to hold her like this before it gets weird. Then I stiffen—nearly flinch when I realize what she’d said. “Which car’d you take?”

“The Range.” She cocks her head at me. “Do I look like I have a death wish driving your one true love?”

I roll my eyes.

“It’s so flashy and . . . yellow. Why yellow?”

I press my forehead against hers. “You haven’t figured it out yet, Bumble Bee?”

Her eyes flash with surprise and disbelief.

I wink. “Come on. Let’s go home.” Wrapping my arm around her and taking Max’s hand, I lead them toward the exit. “You mind driving? I’m exhausted.”

“Hey, Thorne!”

I pause at the voice. It’s distant and not one of my teammates. But the tone comes off like there’s familiarity between us.

Frowning, I turn. Security towers over a tall figure. Dark hair, dark eyes, and broad shoulders.

“No, no, he knows me. We’re friends,” I hear, and it’s so faint, but I’d know the guy anywhere.

Jasper.

I turn back to Storm, who’s zipping up Max’s jacket—my team jacket—before we step out into the cold. “Baby, give me one second. Need to say hello and then get rid of him.”

Storm touches my shoulder gently. “Oh, go ahead. I need to run Max to the restroom before the drive home.”

“See you out here in a minute,” I tell her, then make my way back over toward the crowd.

Security glances back and I give him a single nod of approval. They unhook the rope and let him through.

“Silas!” Jasper calls, jogging over to where I stand in the middle of the long hallway. “Man, it’s good to see you.” He reaches to punch my arm, then pauses and hits the left one. “Oh, that was close, huh?”

I blink, clenching my teeth. “I’m actually good, thanks, Jasper. It’s . . . good to uh, see you too.” I shake my head, glancing behind him. “I’m sorry, what are you doing here?”

He jerks like I’m being crazy. “Came to see you, support you. Man, sucks, doesn’t it? Injuries like that really mess with your head. I mean one minute, you’re the guy, next you’re watchin’ from the sidelines.”

Yep. That tracks. Glad he can’t surprise me anymore.

“I appreciate you coming to . . . support me.”

“Hey, let’s go grab some drinks. Happy to join you and the team if you’re all headin’ somewhere.”

“Actually, I’m heading home. We’ll catch up another time, Jasper.” I pull my duffle over my shoulder and turn back, taking a few feet before I hear him behind me.

“That Storm Dalton everyone talkin’ about?” he calls, making me pause.

I turn, careful not to attract any unwanted attention. “What?”

He draws closer, a casual smirk on his face. “Your hiatus fling.” He cocks his head. “Looks awfully familiar.”

I don’t blame him—or anyone for that matter—for thinking the girl wearing my jersey is a fling. It’s a rep I gave myself. So I can’t put my finger on why this bothers me to my very core. Or why I want to put him through a wall right now.

The bathroom door swings open and Storm steps out. Max behind her. Sweeping her eyes past me, she finds Jasper. They flash wide before the color drains from her face.