Luke eyes me as I slip on my jacket. “In a hurry?”
I shrug my shoulders to settle the fabric. “Just ready to celebrate our win.”
We fought hard for that last winning point. Keeping my focus took everything I had not to let my thoughts wander to Bree and search the seats to see if she was still wearing my jersey.
But I resisted. Proved to myself that I can keep control of my mind and stay focused.
Towel wrapped around his waist, Ethan strolls by, punching me lightly in my side. “Cowboy’s on a mission to wrangle his girl.”
With a groan, I roll my eyes and stare at the ceiling. “Is this how it’s going to be?”
All of them say yes at the same time. It’s like they’ve made some kind of pact to orchestrate my love life.
“I appreciate the sentiment, fellas, but I think I can handle this on my own.”
Pay-man and Jammer exchange looks.
I know what they’re thinking, but just because their relationships started under complicated circumstances that seemed impossible at first doesn’t mean they know how things should go for Bree and me.
Payton rises from the bench. “We disagree.”
“We?” I gawk at him.
“Oui.” Barbie-man winks as he says this.
Elias simply nods.
Grin tilted, Ethan shrugs.
Mason won’t look me in the eye, and Zayne snorts.
Great. Just great. I’m surrounded by cocky toddlers.
“I’m out of here.” I turn on my booted heels and head straight for the exit. Forget those guys. I’m going to take Bree wearing my jersey as a sign that her feelings for me are changing, growing into something more.
When I walk out of the door leading to the back hallway and the family waiting area, my gaze collides with her sparkling blue eyes. Her blonde hair frames her face, making her look like an angel.
But she’s not wearing my jersey.
The anticipation I carried from the locker room turns to sludge in my gut. I guess I thought if she still had it on, it couldmean something more than a last-minute idea Rebecca threw at her.
But then I notice how her eyes are traveling up and down my suit in appreciation.
That’s a good sign, right? Baby steps, and all that?
“Wade!” She rushes to me and takes my arm. “I’m so glad you’re cleaned up and dressed already. The press is eager to ask you questions about tonight’s game. Zach highlighting you caught their attention.”
Disappointment wraps my chest like a belt and tightens. That’s why she was assessing me when I walked out.
I remember Luke’s gesture to control my face and take a deep breath. “Sure. No problem.”
She walks with me into the press room, but waits by the door as I head to the front and take a seat behind the mic that’s sitting on a narrow table. Beyond that, reporters fill most of the seats. It’s not a large space, and the place isn’t packed like an NHL press room, but the Sun Kings have drawn a lot of attention in the region.
“Wade, you looked surprised when Zach called you up tonight.”
They read that right. The heat of that moment crawls up the back of my neck again as I lean in toward the mic. “I was.”
A rumble of soft laughter breaks out.
