Page 100 of These Wicked Hearts

“When I got signed, they had me room with a veteran defenseman. I know it pissed him off at first, being stuck with a rookie. Grey likes his privacy. He doesn’t people well.” I smile. “He was really kind to me, though. We became close.”

Gage watches me and I see the wheels turning in his brown eyes. “You were in love with him?”

When I think about Grey now it just hurts, but not in the way it did when he was falling in love with Felix. That shit was painful, but now I just feel shame. “I thought I was.”

“He didn’t feel the same?”

I shake my head softly.

“Do you still love him now?”

It takes me a moment, but the truth finally sinks in. I look at Gage’s eyes. An espresso brown. There are these little flecks of gold in them.

“No.” And I’m not sure if I ever was. “I was confused.”

“Are you okay?” Gage leans in, pressing kisses along the corner of my lips and jaw.

Kissing has never felt like this. I comb my fingers through his hair. He’s so sweet when he’s like this. His eyes hood then he leans in, kissing me hard. His thigh drapes over my hip, and a gentle hum of pleasure makes my back arch.

A soft moan slips my lips.

“Your body on mine,” I whisper.

He breathes along my throat, pressing his lips to my pulse point.

“It’s just perfect.”

Gage settles back against my chest while we watch the game. I think about Grey, and I’m still ashamed of how I acted at the wedding. I’m realizing now, though, that Grey was right. As much as his rejection hurt, I know he was right. If Grey feels for Felix even a fraction of how I feel about Gage, I wouldn’t have picked me either.

I need to make this right.

I’m going to see Grey when I go to New York.

I’m going to get my friend back.

TWENTY-THREE

Gage

“You know, I’m so used to tour buses, but I didn’t think this would be as bad. I can’t wait to get out.” I’ve been fine most of the ride. We stopped for a quick bite to eat, and now it’s nearing five. “I’m ready to get out of here.”

“Do you mind if we stop at the rink first? Then we can go back to my house.”

“I mean yeah, why?”

“I just want to let Sarah know I’m in town. I’ll call my mother tomorrow. We’ll just say hi quickly.”

“Whatever you want. This is your trip.” I want him to make peace with whatever’s hurting him. Grey seems to be the key, and I don’t like the way the jealous squeeze feels in my stomach. I mean, I shouldn’t be, but I can’t help it.

Atlas pulls the rental truck into the parking lot. It’s dark now and there’s only one other car here.

“They’re about to close.”

He parks and gets out of the truck, and I follow.

I walk behind him, shoving my hands into my pockets as he lets himself in. It’s quiet in here, the sun nearly setting despite it only being five in the afternoon. Most of the lights are off, but then I hear footsteps ahead before a woman squeals. “Jesus! You scared the shit out of me!” But she’s laughing and runs up to Atlas, giving him the biggest hug I’ve ever seen.

She buries her face into his neck and squeezes him tight. And no, I don’t feel any type of way about it at all. I definitely don’t want her to get her fucking hands off him.