Fuck, I need to get it together. It’s not like me to get so distracted, especially when on the job. It’s been a week since that night when Sutton fell asleep in my arms. We’ve hardly seen each other since then. She’s hard at work on her design and preparing for her presentation — a presentation which she’s crazy stressed about giving, as much as she tries to hide it. I’ve been spending more time at the rink for practice, workouts, and general team-bonding as we get further into the season and closer to the Cup. A small part of me wonders if I’m subconsciously avoiding Sutton, but I tell myself that’s not true. Sure, I’ve never woken up holding someone before like that, and it’s throwing me off a little how content I was in that position, but I’m not some kid avoiding my secret crush.
I’m just fucking busy.
No, I’m overthinking things. She’s on my mind because she texted
me earlier today, that’s all.
Sutton: Hey, thanks for the chicken salad sandwich you left for me today. It really hit the spot :)
I was relieved to see that message, because it means she’s eating and not skipping all her meals when she gets caught up in her work. Clenching the sink with both my hands, I stretch my neck from side-to-side.
Come on, man. Pull yourself together. Get out there and put on a good show for the kids. I’ll get through the rest of today, push Sutton out of my head, and deal with our awkward distance once I get home.
My phone suddenly buzzes and I quickly pull it out, hoping for another text from Sutton.
Instead, it’s messages from Ryan.
Fuck, again? He’s been hounding me about my relationship with Sutton, making it clear he doesn’t buy the engagement.
This latest message is more of the same.
Ryan: You really think anyone believes this bullshit? You suddenly want to settle down? With a fucking Holloway? No one really believes you’re capable of landing someone like her.
I roll my eyes and don’t respond, but that doesn’t stop him.
Ryan: This is just proof that I deserve the company more than you. If you’re willing to stoop this low and play dirty, you shouldn’t have anything to do with running and maintaining our family’s legacy. You’re letting down the family.
God, he’s such a little prick.
Shoving my phone back into my pocket, I let out a frustrated huff as I push away from the sink. First Sutton, now Ryan. I can’t afford any more of these distractions!
At least my parents and grandfather have finally given me space since the engagement news broke. There’s some relief in that.
Turning for the door, I make my way back out to join the other guys and an auditorium full of shrieking kids, determined not to think about Sutton or my brother for the rest of the afternoon.
Later, as I’m stepping out of the school into the cold afternoon air, I’m hardly paying attention to what the other guys are saying or doing. I do keep an eye on where I’m walking, though, avoiding slick ice spots on the sidewalk that haven’t melted fully yet in the April sunshine. Winter hasn’t fully let go yet. The sun is out, bright enough to make me squint, but the air still carries that sharp bite that sneaks through my jacket. The parking lot is quiet, since school is still in session, though we can hear thesounds of kids playing on the playground behind the large brick building.
Wilder comes to a sudden stop and stretches his arms above his head. “Damn, everything’s so tiny in those classrooms,” he chuckles. “Felt like I was bending in half the whole time just to fit anywhere.”
“No kidding,” Zander grins. “You know what else was tiny? The lunch portions. I’m starving. You guys want to go grab pizza?”
Jensen snorts. “Pizza? Coach would be so pissed if we eat anything other than boiled chicken.”
“Fuck, I’d kill for pizza,” Carson groans.
“Language,” Owen chides, glancing around. “We’re still in kid territory.”
“Sorry. Shit,” Carson replies, then slaps his mouth shut.
“Come on, man,” Wilder says to Jensen. “Coach doesn’t need to know. Haven’t we earned a tiny little treat? We’ve been working our asses off lately.”
Jensen releases a long breath, his shoulders sagging. “All right, let’s go.”
Excited, the other guys start heading for their cars, but I hesitate. Instead of going with them, maybe I should swing by the club. Get some release with a girl there, then I might not be so focused on Sutton…
My stomach churns at the mere thought of being with another woman, however. The mere idea has no real appeal to me anymore, which is not something I really want to dig deeper into right now.
“Yo, Jayce?” Owen calls, snapping me out of my thoughts. He’s gazing back at me with an arched brow while the other guys continue walking to their cars. “You good?”
