Since there weren’t any away games before the Fire & Ice event, Wade has camped out in my office every day after practice while Harper and I finalize plans. After the second day, I gave up trying to reassure him that I’m fine. That he doesn’t have to babysit me. I’m not as fragile as he seems to think I am.
But secretly, I love that he’s here. He makes me feel safe, protected. Like he always has, but it feels different this time. I can’t quite figure out why yet—I just know I’m grateful that he’s here.
Sometimes he tells me about the latest prank Zayne pulled during practice or pulls up silly cat videos that make me laugh. Other times, he simply sits in the chair near my desk, quietly scrolling on his phone. His presence has both comforted and strengthened me, but it’s also caused a rush of new yet familiar feelings for him.
During the year I dated—and I use that term loosely now—Chase, I missed Wade. A lot. I assumed I missed the stability and grounding he always brought into my life. But now I’m wondering if it could have been more, like a longing for him in a deeper sense.
Yet no matter how much I try to tell myself these feelings aren’t real or that they’re just a product of circumstances, they won’t go away. If anything, they’re clarifying, making me realize that I do care about Wade—much more than I realized.
Nervous energy spikes through me at the thought, leading me to glance at him standing nearby like my own personal bodyguard. We’re set up in the lobby of Sunfire Arena, checking in the goalies as they arrive, and showing them where to stow their gear in the locker room and the conference room, which we converted into another pseudo dressing area for the players.
As if he can read my mind, Wade moves close enough for me to feel his body heat before he rests his hand on my shoulder. His warm presence wraps around me like an embrace, making my eyes flutter shut. Without even thinking about it, I press my cheek against his fingers. When I realize what I’m doing, I snap my head up to look at him.
He draws his brows together, his gaze carrying a mix of curiosity and caring. “We’ve got you covered.”
My stomach flutters at the protective tone in his voice, and the temptation to kiss him without a care for who might see almost overwhelms me. Perhaps a reaction to how moved I am by how everyone has rallied around me? Or maybe not…
Lily created an elaborate plan, using available security staff and players, to act as my protection detail—her words. Sophie’s been my eyes and ears, keeping me up to date on any developments since the link to her article went live, and making coffee and latte runs. And Mia’s standing guard at the entrance with a picture of Chase on her phone so she can text us when he arrives. I’d rather know when he’s on his way than be surprised.
The whole thing feels like a sting operation designed to not only protect me from ever being alone in Chase’s presence but also to make sure he doesn’t try to pull any stunts during theweekend, especially after he’s exposed for what he’s done. That’s the fallout I’m dreading.
But it’s Wade’s presence that keeps me from hightailing it out of here. My best friend, my rock. That man has stood by me through every crisis in my life, and what did I do to repay him? I dated his rival and ghosted him for a year.
Yet he still stands by me, no matter what. Never wavering, still caring. Every time he looks at me, I see it in his eyes, in his face.
How did I miss seeing that before?
After a while, I fall into a comfortable rhythm, registering the goaltenders as they arrive, assigning one of the Sun Kings players to show them where to stow their gear, and give them a brief tour of the facilities. Harper hands them the information packets we prepared and provides a quick rundown of the schedule for the weekend.
My phone pings at the same time as Harper’s and Wade’s. We glance at each other, knowing it’s Mia sounding the alert. Wade shifts from his spot behind me to stand next to me. The back of his hand brushes my arm, letting me know he’s here, ready to leap into action if needed.
A wave of goose bumps erupts down my arm. When I glance up, his grin tilts, drawing my attention to his mouth, reminding me of how his lips felt on mine. A small shiver runs through me, contrasting the heat I feel in my cheeks.
The last thing I want, though, is for him to act rashly and endanger his career. When the guys fight on the ice. There’s an expectation and an unspoken set of rules that once it’s done, it’s over—left on the ice.
But any altercation outside of the rink could attract the wrong attention, leaving us with no control over the narrative. I know Wade understands this, but I also know how angry he is.He hasn’t said anything, but I’ve always been able to read this aspect of him, and the fury I see brewing there worries me.
I recognize Chase’s gait before I see his face. Then Amber’s smug expression as she hangs from his arm registers in my rattled brain. I should have known she’d come with him. She wouldn’t want to miss her chance to gloat over her prize goalie. Her face says it all.
“Aubrey Sutton,” Chase speaks my name with a drawl that sounds more like a sneer coming from lips I once thought kissed only me. His focus shifts to Wade. “And her sidekick, I see.”
Wade’s shoulders pull back. The side of his clenched jaw ticks as he says, “Langston.”
Chase’s smirk widens. “Not sure if you heard, but I’m a goalie now.”
“I heard.” Wade’s eyes glint like steel, harder than the ice coating the rink.
“You should congratulate him, then.” Amber’s whiny voice wheedles something in me.
Anger? Yes. But mostly pity. She’s bought into Chase’s twisted press and believes it. One day, she’ll wake up and realize the man she thinks loves her is using her just like he did me. That he would use her body in that picture to ruin my reputation is more than proof of that.
I make a tick mark next to his name. “You’re checked in. Our captain, Luke Jameson, will show you where to stow your gear and give you a quick tour.”
Originally, I’d suggested Ethan have the honors, but Luke insisted on being the one to put a little intimidation into the situation.
Chase shakes his head. “I’d rather have my old friend Wade do the honors. I think you can make that work. Right, Bree?”
The skin on the back of my neck crawls with disgust. The idiot still thinks he can manipulate me. Wade’s hand on myshoulder increases in pressure, reminding me he’s here. My resolve not to let Chase get under my skin returns even stronger, but before I can reply, multiple footsteps come from behind. When I turn in my seat, half of the team stands behind us like an impenetrable wall. Luke steps out in front of them, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
