Fuck, I hated how perceptive these guys were, and each one of them was right. The thought of Bianca in my space, my apartment, sleeping only a couple of doors away from me, was almost too much for me to comprehend.
“So, care to enlighten us on how this is going to work?” Carter asked. “You two living together when there’s…. whatever this is going on between you.”
I shook my head. “I told you, there’s nothing.”
“Evan, please. It’s us…”
I looked at my three teammates. These were the only people in my life who saw past my performance, whom I’d actually allowed into my life. These guys were my best friends, and there was very little, if anything, we kept from one another.
I leaned forward and let out a breath.
“I’m attracted to her. I won’t lie. I have been ever since I saw her, but it’s complicated,” I said.
“Complicated because of Coach,” Logan said.
“Because of all of it. She is really smart, great at her job, and I respect the hell out of her.”
“Well, maybe you should try showing her that,” Carter said, taking a drink.
“Perhaps, but we all know getting involved with a teammate or coworker is a disaster waiting to happen, especially when her father is who he is.”
“And…” Carter prompted, because he always knew there was more.
I sat back, looking at my friends. They already knew that while my answers might have been true, they weren’t the real reason, and they all sat there looking at me, waiting for me to give them the answer.
“The three of you already know I don’t do relationships. I don’t do vulnerable, and a girl like Bianca deserves way better than what I can offer.”
“That isn’t you talking,” Logan said.
I looked at Logan, then at Carter.
“He’s right,” Carter said. “That’s your father.”
“Maybe, but it doesn’t change the reality.”
The guys sat forward, each of them looking at me with sympathy.
“The reality is you are not your father. You’re allowed to want things and want people,” Carter said firmly. “It’s time you opened up, especially if you really do like this chick. She could be the one.”
“Yep, I agree! Even if Alan will castrate you for it.” Logan chuckled. “Which he absolutely would, but at least you’d get to use it on her at least once so you could remember how it feels.”
I couldn’t help but smile. This is why I loved these guys.
“Thanks for the support.”
“This is what we are here for. However, all joking aside, are you doing okay with her in your space? It’s a lot for someone who guards their privacy like the Stanley Cup.”
“I’ll survive. After all, it’s temporary,” I said, trying to keep it light.
“What’s temporary?” Carter questioned.
I closed my eyes, hoping that it wouldn’t have come up.
“Nine…”
“Nine weeks? Oh god, you’re laughing, that’s nothing.” Logan said, sitting back.
“Months…nine months,” I said.
