He raised an impressed brow. “Didn’t think you’d be able to deliver.”
“Oh, ye of little faith.”
Sam snorted. “Get them to me ASAP. I want to verify everything.”
“They’re large files. I’m going to upload them to a drive later. I’ll give you permissions.”
“A drive?” His voice hitched, concerned. “That’s hackable. We don’t want anyone to—”
“Relax, relax.” I gestured my hand up and down. “It’s under control. Everything’s hackable. I get the worry, but what’s done is done. We need to focus on the next steps. First of which is getting back-ups.”
Sam blew out a breath. “Fine, alright. We’ll figure it out.”
I nodded. “We will. For now, let’s focus on killing some Crows, eh?”
He chuckled, getting back to his usual self. “Right. You ready for it?”
I scoffed. “Am I ready for it?”
“Well…” Sam gestured to his face. “You’re a little red.”
“I’m fine,” I promised in a stiff voice. Damn. I never thought I was this much of an open book when I was excited.
“Better be. I heard Alex Greate’s coming for your head.”
“Really?” Now, that’d be entertaining. Alex Greate was a Crow legacy. A fourth-generation player from a line of pro-players. He was one of the best defensemen in the league. One of the most dangerous too, with a temper that matched my own.
“Really.” Sam gave me a curt nod. I heard my phone buzz in my locker. My fingers clenched. I resisted the urge to respond, which was difficult because I knew it was her.
“I can handle him,” I promised.
“Good.” He pointed to my locker. “Mentally, let's leave whatever that is in there.”
He was talking about the photos. But if he knew about Chai, he’d warn me against her, too. I nodded, watching him go.
“Is it a someone?” Henrik asked.
He’d been so quiet, I forgot he was still in the room.
“Remember that thing you said about it being none of your business?”
Henrik smiled and stood from his seat. “Right. I just thought you’d like to tell at least one of us. Secrets feel heavier on the ice. Lighter loads mean easier wins.”
I stared at him for a moment, considering. “Yeah. It’s a someone.”
“Do I know her?”
“I’ve never met her… not in person. That’s happening tonight.” My stomach clenched hearing myself say it out loud. Shit. None of these nerves were about the game. They were all for her.
“Congrats,” Henrik said, sounding genuine. “Let’s make sure you get to meet her in one piece.”
“You heard that nonsense about Greate?”
Henrik snorted. “Everyone has. Stick tight. None of that renegade stuff you play. At least not when you want to make a decent first impression. Showing up to a date with a black eye’s kind of a red flag.”
I nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.” Chai knew only a little about hockey. Explaining a black eye to her while also asking her to take our relationship to the next level would be awkward and challenging.
“I’ll make it as clean as possible,” I said.
