“You’re sure?”
"I'm fine, Sutton. Really." His expression softens. "Stop worrying."
"I can't help it. Everyone is convinced I cut off your right hand and your left foot."
He chuckles. "I don't care what everyone's saying. Do you know how many guys on this team have played with broken bones?" He gestures to the bench. "Ashton played half of lastseason with a fractured rib. Pierce has a pin in his ankle. Crew broke his nose three separate times and kept playing."
I sigh. “I know. I just hate it.”
“Baby, I'm not going to regret defending you. I'm not going to wish I'd done something different." He squeezes my hand. “I don’t get to play white knight very often. I liked it. I might punch somebody else. Who’s bugging you? Point me in their direction, and I’ll handle it.”
“That’s not funny.”
He winks at me. “It’s a little funny.”
Coach's whistle blows.
"Hayes! Get back on the ice!"
"One second, Coach!" Declan looks back at me. "I'll see you at home?"
"Yeah. I'll be there."
He leans in and kisses me quickly. "Stop worrying. I'm fine. We're fine. Everything's fine."
"You're very optimistic for someone with a broken bone."
"That's because I've got you." He grins. "And honestly? Worth it."
"You keep saying that."
"Because I keep meaning it." Another whistle from Coach. "Okay, I really have to go before he makes us run suicides."
"Go. I'll see you later."
I watch him skate back to the team. Ashton says something that makes him laugh. Pierce shoves his shoulder playfully.
I go home, make myself that sandwich, and tell myself everything is fine. I’ll do a better job of watching out for him.
No more fistfights on my behalf.
Chapter Nine
DECLAN
We're down by three with five minutes left in the third period.
I'm skating hard, trying to set up plays, but nothing's connecting. My passes are off. My timing is shit. The whole team feels disjointed, like we're all playing different games.
Coach calls a timeout.
"What the hell is going on out there?" He's not yelling. That's worse. "Hayes, you're supposed to be setting the pace. Ashton, where's your defense? Pierce, I've seen better positioning from a freshman!"
We huddle together, breathing hard.
"We need to tighten up," Ashton says. "Stop playing like individuals."
"Easy to say," Crew mutters.
