Luca bursts out laughing. “Sheslappedyou?”
I scoff, feeling satisfaction that it’s as outlandish to him as it was to me. “I know! Can you believe it?”
He snickers. “I mean … yeah, JD, I can. But you know I’m on your side when it comes to your divorce.”
“We’re not divorced.” I roll my eyes. We’d have had to be together for that to happen.
“You know what I mean. But you did nearly end her boyfriend’s career and showboated after the fact.” I suck in a breath to argue, but he continues, “Look, fuck that guy. He’s a douchebag and so not good enough for my sister. I would’ve done the same thing you did if he had said that shit to me. Granted, he wouldn’t have because he’s trying to join my family, not get kicked out of it.”
I inhale again to cut in, but Luca keeps rambling. He has always been the biggest yapper in our group. Lainey and I used to have to fight to get a word in with him.
“I’m just saying that she probably slapped you because in her eyes, you targeted the guy she’s dating. She could’ve taken it personally.”
“Sheshould,” I snap, turning away from the party. Anger begins flooding my system as I remember the shit Cole said and the shit he has pulled, stuff that Lainey doesn’t even know about. “I personally hate her boyfriend and would rather see him six feet in the ground than ever touch her again.”
“Does that have anything to do with your feelings for her, or are you speaking as an unbiased friend?” Luca’s tone does little to hide his sarcasm.
It’s not a secret to either of us that I’ve always had feelings for Lain. He’s caught me staring at her more times than I can count. But he’s never called it out so blatantly.
“Shut up.”
“Look, I’m calling because she just moved to New York. She’s about to start working for the Nighthawks as a physical therapist.”Oh. Shit. “I just need you to look out for her. I know it goes without saying, but it’s one of those things I have to do.”
Without thought, I scoff. “You know I’ll watch over her. It doesn’t matter if she hates me right now, I’ve got her.”
“Thanks, man,” Luca exhales.
The question that’s gnawing at my throat finally breaks free. “What about Cole?”
Luca chuckles. “They’re still together, if that’s what you’re asking. They’re just going to do long distance.”
I groan. “We both know what that means.”
He sighs loudly. “Trust me, Iknow. I’ve tried talking to her about it, but she just refuses to listen. Their breakup is inevitable. Eventually, he won’t be able to gaslight her out of their problems. But if she calls me crying again, I’m going toactuallyruin his career on the ice.”
Calls him crying?
Why is she even still fuckingwithhim? I don’t get it. The Lainey I used to know would have kicked him to the curb by now. She certainly wouldn’t try to convince herself that he’s loyal when he’s clearly not.
Maybe I should give him some special attention next time we play. They might have to bench me to stop me from killing him.
“Don’t worry about her being here. I’ll keep her safe,” I promise him, meaning it from the bottom of my heart.
I know it’s been years since we were really close, but she’s still just Lainey at the core, and I’m just Jensen. That has to count for something.
Knowing who Cole is, I’m sure he’s done a hell of a job of making her forget whosheis. A badass. A walking ball of sass.The most beautiful woman in the world. He’s made her forget how strong, brave, and incredible she is.
I’ll be sure to remind her.
CHAPTER 9
LAINEY
“We are soexcited to have you here, Lainey,” my new boss, Caitlin, says with a smile as I walk down a hallway in the arena at her side.
“Thank you so much. I’m happy to be here.” I grin, excitement brewing inside of me.
This is it—the job I’ve been preparing for, for years. I’mfinallyhere, and I’m not going to let anything ruin it.
