Page 86

She exhales an extended breath. “He didn’t. Honestly, he looked as upset as I felt.” A beat passes. “Peggy didn’t, though. Do you think she knew?” Before I can prepare myself, she throws out, “Please tell me she didn’t know and then tell you. Did you know? Is that why you were asking me questions about my job?” She pauses for breath. “Is that why you acted weird all weekend?”

My reaction is swift and off the mark. “No! I was acting weird because you want to tell your brother after not wanting to tell your brother, and I was getting whiplash trying to keep up. Plus, it’s getting damn hard to be around him when I’m seeing you in secret.” I heap on sarcasm when I add, “Oh, and I might have a few minor things on my plate—like whether I’m getting traded this month.” Suddenly I’m on the defensive, and my mouth is running just like it does on the ice. I make this about her. Yeah. It’s the same shit I do to our opponents, only it’s the wrong shit.

“Well, we can always do something about this terrible burden you’re carrying.” Her voice is cold and flat.

The night doesn’t get much better when Blue grills me over dinner. “What are you doing about smoothing things out between you and Harper?”

My frustration is on a constant simmer, and I jab my thumb against my chest. “What am I doing?” Blue gives me a look that would decalcify most people’s spines. Still, I launch into a description of our marshmallow escapade.

Blue snorts. “That was Coach’s idea. He wants you two to kiss and make up already.”

No lie, I’m a little stunned. “Did not see that coming. That Amanda is a good little liar.”

One side of Blue’s mouth hitches up. “She’s Coach’s niece.” His fingers tap the tabletop, and his almost-smile disappears. “Have you mentioned anything to Harper about swapping spit with his sister? You do realize you’re playing with fire, right?”

“I told you that was nothing!”

“Never pegged you for a player, Chase.” Blue gives me a look that says he thinks I’m a douche of epic proportions, and right now I feel like one.

A fork is laid out beside my empty plate, and I pick it up and slam it on the wood. “So it’s okay for Harper to bone anyone and everyone because he’s the Golden Boy, but the rest of us are stuck with a different set of rules?” This doesn’t even apply to me, but I’m fired up and a tad irrational. For weeks, frustration has been building; now it’s consuming me one piece at a time.

“Is that what you’re doing? Boning anyone and everyone?”

“No! I’m just saying I’m damn sick of everyone handling Harper with kid gloves.”

Blue leans in and drops his voice. “In case you didn’t know it, dickhead, he’s the face of the franchise. Or is about to be. You, on the other hand, are a fourth-line center—”

“And I’m expendable. I get that part, Cap. Believe me, nobody knows my role better than I do. And no one understands better than I do that all Harper has to do is snap his fingers and I’m gone. What I don’t like is this difference in rules. Here’s this set for me, Nick, and everyone else. Then there’s Harper. He gets shiny gold-lettered ‘guidelines’ in tiny script.” I hold up my hands like I’m presenting a prize.

Blue doesn’t say anything, and seconds tick by. I can’t take it. “I kissed his sister. So what? Not that any of this is anyone’s business, but I’m not tapping every willing female I encounter.”

“So you’re angling for Harper’s sister as a revenge play.”

He is so fucking far off base. “If it were a revenge play,” I grind out, “then I’d be sure he fucking knew about it!” A few heads turn our way, and I drop my voice. “He doesn’t know.”

Blue sits back, and a smirk forms on his face. “This is more complicated than I thought.”

I lean back too, matching his pose. “What the hell does that mean?”

“You’ve got a thing for Jackie Harper. A serious thing. And if my eyes don’t deceive me, she’s got a thing for you too.” He chuckles. “That sucks for you, bro.”

Scrubbing my hand over my jaw, I mutter, “Big-time.” Something tells me Jackie’s and my time together is fast approaching its expiration date.

Chapter 39

Roughing

Colby

Jackie and I haven’t spoken since last night. Or texted. Or emailed. Nothing. I made a lame attempt at extending an olive branch via a text I sent her hours after our phone call, but she didn’t respond. I want to know what’s going on with her job, but I’m cut off from Peggy, and I cut myself off from Jackie with the stupid shit I said.

I’m an idiot.

Or am I? This thing between us can’t continue in its present state. And while I really want to stay with this team I’ve found a home with, I don’t want it at her expense. All I’m going to do is screw up her life.

We’re back at our hotel room after a midday meal, and it’s time for a nap, except I can’t settle my brain down enough to sleep. Nick has his earphones on and passed out about two minutes after his head hit the pillow.

Swinging my legs off the bed, I grab my phone and head for the bathroom. Once inside, I close the door, lock it, and lower myself onto the closed toilet seat. Then I dial my sister.