Her face falls. “What?”
I sigh, combing my hand through my hair. It’s all catching up to me now. I’ve never been in a situation like this. All I know is that whatever I need to do to protect him, it’s done. It’s only been a few months, but these last few months have touched me in a way I’ve never felt before. “His ex is a cop. He’s come to my house two times now, and I think he’s following us. This morning, he showed up again and had pictures of us downtown. They were taken from far away, but still...”
“What the hell! Are you sure?”
I nod, folding my arms over my chest and leaning against her car. “The first week he was here was a bit rough. I was awful to him. Lashing out. I went too far one time.”
“Greyson!”
“I know. I know. I caught him in my office and snapped at him. I felt like shit about it. I apologized. We had some drinks that night, and he got so damn drunk. I helped him tobed and undressed him, and there were bruises along his ribs.” I take a breath. “And his hips. Like fingerprints.”
Her face falls and she shakes her head. “Oh my god! Why didn’t you tell me?”
“When you brought him here you said he needs this too. What did you mean?”
She folds her arms over her chest, leaning against her car next to me. “I mean, he didn’t want to speak much on the phone. The last time I called him he was in a hurry. He sounded scared.” She puts her hair up. “I didn’t think it was like that, but I’m not sure what I thought. I could tell he really wanted this opportunity, though.”
“This morning his ex came back. He’s been a bit shaken since.”
She watches me for a moment. “And you’re protecting him out of the kindness of your heart?” Her brow rises.
“You know if someone was in trouble I’d help them.”
She squeezes my arm. “I know. I know you would. I was just teasing you.”
It’s been a while since I’ve felt like this, and as scary as it is, I trust him. I think I do, at least. I can’t see him hurting me like the other men I’ve been with. “I like him, Aly.”
“Believe me, we all saw the constant longing during dinner, Grey. I think the entire state of Oregon knows you like him.” She swoons and sighs batting her lashes dramatically.
“Fuck off.”
She pats my arm. “A crush looks good on you.”
“I don’t know what’s going on.”
“But... you like what’s going on?” she asks.
I think for a moment. These last few months have been amazing, and it’s because of him. “I’m just. . . I mean we?—”
“Oh my god! You’ve kissed him!” She slaps my chest.
“Shut up.”
“Aw look at you, all blushing and shit. Adorable.”
“I hate you. I want you to know that.” She pinches me, and I slap her hand away. “I like him, alright. I like him a lot, and I don’t know how to get him out of this. I just know that I’m going to.” That man will have to go through me, injured or not.
I’ve had a career as a defenseman. It’s what I do. I defend what’s mine.
And maybe one day Felix could be mine.
“Well, I’m happy for you. I am. I love this. You just seem healthier.” She squeezes my arm.
“I’m sorry. For everything. I haven’t been myself.”
She surprises me with a tight hug. “I know you Grey. Better than anyone. Who you’ve been since your accident hasn’t been the real you. You went through something really hard. I hate that your hockey career is over. I know how much hockey means to you.”
Damn her! I blink fast, ignoring the heat building in my eyes, and I hug her tighter. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
