Page 28

Blake doesn’t flinch. On the surface, he doesn’t seem surprised. “You know I can.”

“Hmm. Please don’t tell anyone. I know you talk to Katleen about everything, but this shouldn’t leave your household.”

“I don’t have to tell her.”

I shrug. “Valentina and I are just friends.” A half-truth. “She’s doing me a favor.” How brave am I today? I don’t want to admit how pathetic I really am, that I hired an agency to distract from my real love life.

Blake sizes me up. “Okay? You’ve never mentioned her before.”

I shrug noncommittally. “We met the other day through a mutual friend. And besides, we need to finish the season in peace. We have to stay focused on the playoffs. The team has a real shot at the Cup. After that you can finally retire.”

Now he almost pushes me off my chair. Laughing, I hold on to the edge of the table.

“You’re too kind.” he growls under his breath and takes a sip of his mocktail. With a hearty but slightly painful thump, his hand lands on my shoulder. He squeezes it. “I would’ve thought there were other ways to get some peace and quiet. That’s not meant as a criticism. Wherever love, or in your case, friendship, takes you.”

My stomach keeps churning. Is he hinting at something? Does he have a hunch? Does he not believe my assurances that I’m straight? It’s best to keep saying that.

My gaze is fixed on the tabletop in front of us.

“Hey.” Blake shakes me gently. “What’s wrong?”

I glance up. Spears and Clark are ruffling Sid’s hair, and he turns around angrily. Valentina laughs quietly. My teammates are all in high spirits. Tomorrow we have a light practice before the game. How would they all react if they knew what was really going on with me? Would they accept Parker the same way they accept Valentina?

I don’t think so. A man by my side raises not only questions, but resentment, doubt, and mistrust. No, we don’t have time for that.

“Nothing.” I sigh. “I want the tabloids to leave me alone at last. I just want to play. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Blake exhales heavily and lets his arm drop. “Okay.”

Right on time at nine, Blake wraps up our little gathering, and we leave the bar in a somewhat disorganized fashion.

Most of the cars we’d ordered are waiting outside.

I search the street for Valentina’s and mine.

She lets out a shrill scream, and I jerk my head toward her. As I do, I see her throwing her arms around Parker’s neck.

Parker.

What’s he doing here?

My heart is racing. It almost feels like I have the puck on my blade and an open net in front of me.

“Valentina.” Parker sounds as surprised as I am. He peers at me over her shoulder. His gaze pierces me, going right through me.

Sid is immediately by her side, eyeing Parker skeptically. “Hey. Are you a friend of Valentina’s?”

Meanwhile, she’s kissing Parker on his cheek, and he’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Yeah, we’re friends.” He pulls away from her and lets his gaze drift over all of us. “You’re Sid Walker, right?” he continues, turning to Sid.

My teammate nods.

“Nice to meet you.” Parker holds out his hand to him.

“Guys, this is Parker. One of the best people on this planet.” Valentina has her arm around him and is introducing him like a proud mother introducing her firstborn. She’s so passionate and warm. I hope a friendship comes out of this whole mess for us.

Blake greets him, and Spears nods at him.