I rubbed the back of my neck but didn’t apologize. Because I had absolutely no remorse or regret for what I’d done. “Ordinarily, I’d say no. But Wilson’s comments were completely unacceptable.”
“Could you shed some light on what those comments were?”
They weren’t going to let this go, were they?
Daniel answered that one. “No. They do not bear repeating.” His tone was curt, his impatience clear.
Just thinking about it had me clenching my fists, wishing I could hit the bastard again. Harder.Fucking hat trick.
“Frasier, were you and Wilson fighting over Bryn Morgan? Your current partner, who was previously married to your teammate.”
I took a slow, deep breath, but it did nothing to calm me. I was beginning to think it was a bad idea for me to be here. But I leaned forward and spoke into my mic. “No comment.”
“Coach,” someone in the audience said. “What are your thoughts after the game?”
Declan leaned forward. “I’m proud of my team. Do I condone fighting? No. But I stand behind my men’s decision. They might have done the ‘wrong’ thing, but they did it for the right reasons.”
I’d always respected Declan Cross, but I’d never been more grateful to have him as the leader of our team than in thatmoment. He’d been a legend on the ice himself, a player for the Hawks years ago, before his career had been cut short by an injury. And while his stats were impressive, it was his courage to be himself that had always made me admire him on a personal level.
He’d been the first NHL player to come out publicly. At the time, it had been huge. I could only imagine the strength it had taken him to do so. He was committed to his family. He’d proposed to his husband, James Thorne, on the ice. And he’d coached one of his twin daughters, helping her win an Olympic gold medal. I was touched by his comment, grateful that he had my back.
I didn’t know what the culture of the Hawks had been like before I’d been traded. Declan had come on as head coach around the same time that I’d joined the team, and it seemed like he was part of a much bigger culture shift for the Hawks. I’d played on other teams, and I’d been close to my teammates. But I’d never been as proud to play for an organization as I was in this moment.
After a few more questions, we exited the room.
“Good job tonight, boys,” Daniel said, clapping me on the back. “I believe there’s someone waiting for you.”
I glanced down the end of the hall where Bryn was standing with Georgia and Kylie. Daniel motioned for security to let them through. I sprinted toward Bryn, wrapping her in my arms.
When I released her, she searched me over as if inspecting for any injuries. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said. “The trainer checked me out, and I’m good.”
“Are you sure? Do you have a headache? Any dizziness?” She grabbed a penlight from her pocket and shone it in my eye like she would one of her patients.
“Bryn.” I grasped her wrist, gently lowering her hand. “I’m okay. I promise.”
I placed our clasped hands over her heart. Over the number six patch that represented Derek. I tapped twice.I’m okay.
Her shoulders relaxed, but only a little. She continued to keep a watchful eye on me, as if unwilling to believe it was true.
I leaned in, keeping my voice low though my tone was rife with innuendo. “If you’re concerned, you can do athoroughexamination later.”
She smiled, even as she gripped my shirt, holding me close. “Trust me. I will.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Ifollowed Kylie and Georgia down the hall to the restroom. “That meal was so, so good.”
After the game, we’d gone to dinner with some of the guys from the team at Alchemy. The atmosphere of the restaurant was moody and dark, sultry even. And the food was phenomenal. It had been a while since I’d hung out with so many of the guys from the team at once.
I’d gotten to know Carson better, and it was always fun to see Boone and Gabe. Holden had tagged along, but he’d seemed more reserved than I’d expected. Frasier had rested his hand on my thigh or the back of my chair throughout the entire meal, occasionally leaning in to whisper something in my ear.
Despite the win, everyone seemed more solemn tonight. I had a feeling that had to do with the fight. I’d never seen Frasier react like that, so whatever Wilson had said must have really gotten to him.
I was just glad Frasier was okay. And fortunately, it didn’t seem like he was in trouble with the management or the league. I figured they might be more willing to let it slide since it was so out of character. But also, the team had won.
Georgia pushed open the door to the restroom. I glanced around, taking in the swanky lounge area. The velvet-covered chairs and side tables looked as if they’d be at home in a luxury penthouse, not the bathroom. Though I guessed, we weren’t in the bathroom just yet since the stalls and the sinks were in another area beyond this.
