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“No, it doesn’t. And I don’t think it’s anything we need to worry about. But I wanted to make sure you knew what was going on, since he mentioned you.”
My hands come up in confusion, because I just don’t get why. Rux shakes his head.
“Waters has got a thing about Greg. He doesn’t think he would have retired if it weren’t for Julia. He’s been pretty vocal about his lack of confidence when it comes to me taking over as captain, and now he’s gone and blown any shred of credibility he might have had by suggesting that my being with you—Julia’s sister—is cursing the team. It’s bullshit. But there are always a few nut jobs out there.” He rubs a hand over his face. “I’m sorry you have to deal with any of them.”
“Don’t be sorry.” I lean closer and cover his hand with mine. Smile when he flips his and threads our fingers together. “I don’t love being the downfall of the Slayers Hockey organization,” I tease. “But I’ve been around this stuff since the first time Julia went live.” Granted, I’m not usually called out by name. But there’s been stuff before.
“Look, I know the security in your building is good, but—”
“It’s very good.” It’s why Julia picked this place. “Hey, it sounds like this guy is just spouting off. I mean, there isn’t any reason to think it’ll go further, right?”
If there was, Rux would have led with it.
“No.” He takes a breath and rubs a hand down his face. “I just don’t like you ending up in the spotlight because of me.”
My phone starts to vibrate across the table, Jeremy’s name flashing across the screen.
“Go ahead and get that. It might be about Matty.” He gives my hand a squeeze but doesn’t let go and for some reason it makes my heart beat a little harder for him.
“Hi Jeremy, what’s up?” I ask, eyes still locked with Rux’s.
“Cammy, have you seen this article?” he barks through the line, voice tight and loud. “Some asshole called you out as the reason Ruxton Meyers can’t get his shit together on the ice.”
I close my eyes as heat splashes through my cheeks. When I open them, Rux is still watching, his mouth twisted into a smirk that says he’s heard it and everything else someone could say about his game before. I try to pull my hand free of his, hoping to block the sound, maybe go to the other room. But Rux holds on.
“I know about it.”
“Babe, are you okay?”
Rux raises a brow, the slant of his smile increasing even as his eyes harden. He mouths,Babe?
Something tells me I’ll never hear that out of Rux’s mouth again.
“This reporter never should have had your name. Meyers should know how to protect you.”
“Jeremy—”
“Look, don’t freak out. I’m coming over.”
This time I manage to free my hand from Rux’s and push up from my seat. “Jeremy, stop. Thank you, but we’re fine. Rux is here and honestly, I’m not concerned.”
There’s a pause and I can feel Rux waiting to see how he fills it.
“Is he… staying?”
I blink.
Balls, Rux mouths, and I take a breath, trying not to bristle at the question that’s none of Jeremy’s business.
“He’s not. It’s one article. There’s no reason to. But if anything changes, I promise to keep you in the loop.”
* * *
Rux
Waters doesn’t quit,but at least he leaves Cammy out of his smear campaign. The guy has it out for me, and while I normally wouldn’t give two shits about what someone like him is posting, there’ve been rumblings about changes in the Slayers organization beyond pulling Danny Whalen up, and everyone’s feeling more vulnerable than normal.
I tell the guys it’s bullshit. That the best way we can protect what we have is not to let rumors get in our heads and to focus on our play. We all know it’s true, but when we fall apart in the next two games, it’s clear I failed to drive it home the way they deserve.
