“You know,” Cash starts, dropping his hands to his hips as he paces in front of me, “I thought we had something here. Something more than just Cassie hooking me up with you. For the first time in my life, I let someone in. I letyouin, Piper. Told you things I’ve never told anyone.”
I bite down on my lip to stop it from quivering. If Cash gets a whiff of how I’m feeling, he’ll try to come up with a better plan. But how can he stop Ava from going to the press? She’s a narcissist and gets what she wants.
God, I hate her.
“I guess I’m a really good actress.”
Cash draws to a stop in front of me. “Well, congratulations. I guess you get the award for being the best fake girlfriend out there and making me fall in love with you.”
He storms off in a haze of anger and sadness, notturning around as he pulls open the door to the arena. Cash doesn’t spare a backward glance as he heads inside.
Maybe if he did, I’d collapse into his arms and try to make this right.
The clatter of the door slamming breaks my hold. Every emotion I’ve been holding inside escapes in a rush. Heaving sobs escape me as I try to get everything under control. It’s still early in the day. I have a full day ahead of me that I need to push through.
Except, I didn’t plan on breaking Cash’s heart today. Or destroying my own.
I pull my phone from the pocket of my team-issued uniform pants. I got this internship because of Noah. And now, the last thing I want is to be working for the Black Diamonds.
The thought of seeing Cash every day and not being able to touch him or kiss him is a hell of my own making.
I shoot a quick text to Ava.
Piper
It’s done.
Ava
Then your secret is safe with me
I stuffmy phone back in my pocket. Taking one last deep breath, I steel my spine. It’s going to take everything I have to make it through the day.
Because Cash Williams is no longer mine.
And that is the saddest thing in the world.
Chapter Twenty-Five
PIPER
“Why aren’t you at the game, sweetheart?” Mom asks, handing me a glass of water from over the couch.
“I didn’t feel like going tonight.”
I’m curled up into a tiny ball, a soft gray blanket pulled over me. It’s the first home game after the break, and I couldn’t muster the energy to go to the game.
I wouldn’t be in the WAGs suite, so why bother?
Dad went to the game with all his friends since Nashville is in town. Graham is Knox’s son, so they all have a vested interest in the game. Leaving Mom and me together at home.
“What’s the real reason you aren’t there?” Mom drops down onto the couch next to me.
My eyes track Cash as he skates down the ice. There’s a violence to his game tonight. Like he’s out for blood.
Colorado and Nashville have no love lost between the two of them. As evidenced by the hit Noah lays on Graham.
“I’m fine.” I sip on my drink, not daring to look at my mom.
