"I didn't say that." But her smile says exactly that. "I'm just saying, Declan needs someone who can support his career. Not someone who creates obstacles."
"I'm not creating obstacles."
"Aren't you? He broke his hand defending your honor or whatever. That's very romantic, I guess. But also incredibly stupid when he has scouts watching." She leans in conspiratorially. "Between you and me? I think he's starting to realize you're more trouble than you're worth."
The words hit like a slap.
"Stay away from me, Bree."
"Or what? You'll get your boyfriend to punch me, too?" She laughs. "Oh, wait, he can't. His hand's broken."
I walk away before I do something I'll regret.
I need to see him. Need to see for myself that he's okay.
I put aside all thoughts of big, meaty sandwiches and decide to watch the guys practice. It’s a thing I’ve never been fond of. A handful of girls always watch the guys and drool over them.
I guess I’m going to be one of those girls today.
Practice is already underway when I slip into the stands. I find a seat in the upper section, hoping no one will notice me.
Declan is on the ice, running drills with the team.
He's skating normally. Stick handling. Taking shots.
He doesn't look injured at all.
I watch him for twenty minutes, my guilt warring with relief. He seems fine. Better than fine. He's playing at the same level he always does.
Thank God.
Maybe I've been overreacting.
I head down, hoping to leave before he notices me.
Coach blows the whistle for a water break.
The team skates to the bench. That's when Declan looks up and sees me.
His face lights up.
He says something to Ashton, then skates over to the boards and waves me over.
"Hey!" he calls out. "What are you doing here?"
I make my way down to the lower section, where I can actually talk to him without having to shout.
"I wanted to see you," I say. "See that you're okay."
"I'm okay." He holds up his taped hand. "See? Still kicking their asses."
That makes me laugh despite everything. "You're ridiculous."
"But you love me."
"I do." I lean against the boards. "How does it feel?"
"Honestly? Barely notice it. The tape helps." He flexes his fingers slightly. "The doctor was being overly cautious with the two-week thing."
