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“Mase said something about a break-in over at Sam’s place. She good?”
“Yeah. She thinks someone broke in and stole her favorite scarf.”
“That doesn’t sound like your typical break-in. It sounds like some crazy stalker-level shit.”
“Yeah, it seemed… off.”
“How do you mean?”
“I don’t know.” I ran a hand over my face. “It’s been a long day, and I’m dog-tired. I’m not thinking straight.”
“You think she set you up?”
“Asshole, right?”
“I’d say if you got a gut feeling, then it’s worth listening to.”
“Nah, I’m probably overreacting.” I pulled out a chair and sat. “She wouldn’t make something up like that.”
“Yeah, it’s a stretch. And she seemed pretty shaken up, right?”
“Yeah.”
“You know she’ll want you to be her knight-in-shining-armor now.” His mouth kicked up, clearly amused by the whole thing.
“That’s what I’m worried about,” I murmured.
“Just stick to your guns, and don’t let her little scared girl routine dent all that armor you wear.”
“Fuck off, Morgan. I don’t—”
He silenced me with a single look. One that radiated, ‘I know all your dirty little secrets.’
He didn’t.
He couldn’t.
Because I’d barely spoken two words about my family since moving to Lakeshore. I wasn’t looking for sympathy or pity. Everyone had shit in their past, baggage that they dragged around with them. I just chose to ignore mine.
“Who else is home?” I asked.
“Austin’s out. Caught him sneaking out earlier for a little nighttime exercise, if you catch my drift. And little Hart is up in her room reading.” He watched me intently as he talked about her.
“What?” I snapped.
“Nothing, bro. Nothing at all.” A faint smirk traced his lips as he got up and clapped me on the back. “I’m calling it a night. See you tomorrow.”
“Night.”
Connor left, and I sat there, a hundred and one thoughts rolling around my head. It was always like this when I didn’t have the pressure of the season hanging over my head—the intensity of back-to-back games and non-stop practice.
I’d never been good at standing still or taking time for myself. When things were quiet, my demons roared the loudest. So I didn’t give them space to surface.
But I could always feel them, circling, pushing against my defenses.
I shoved the dark thoughts away. I wasn’t in Buffalo anymore with him. I was free. And I had my whole life ahead of me. One that included a shit ton of hockey and silverware if things went to plan.
Getting up, I helped myself to a glass of water, wishing it was something stronger. I rinsed the glass and added it to the drainer before hitting the light and heading upstairs. But as I hit the top step, a bare leg bit the bottom step of the stairs leading to the third floor.
