“Are you at all concerned? She’s a legacy. That’s got to be intimidating. What are the chances that the Bolts organization gets rid of one of their own?”
I roll my eyes. The idea that anyone, even my uncles, would consider signing me over JJ is ludicrous.
JJ’s body goes taut and his jaw goes hard. Fuck. They hit a nerve.
Before I can step in and temper the situation, he smiles.
“I’ve been competing against Adeline my entire life,” he says, his tone firm though his anger less obvious. “If management signs her next year, it will be because she’s the best damn goalie we’ve seen since Brooks Langfield played. And it will havenothingto do with her last name.”
I miss the rest of the interaction. My heart is thundering too loudly in my ears, and my head spins. Because I know JJ better than I know anyone in the world, and he believes every word of what he just said. No one has ever believed in me more, and that’s saying a lot, considering the Langfield men all have my back.
But fuck, how didn’t I realize that JJ’s contract is up next year? And what does that mean for us? When Sidney comes back, my spot disappears. Which means I’m back to being the coach…and no longer living in this dream world where I have the perfect man and get paid a lot of money to play my favorite game.
A cheer goes up at the table, pulling me out of my thoughts. When I blink to clear my vision, I realize the camera is gone so I head over. “Everything okay?” I ask as I join the group.
Bobby waves a bartender over.
Shit. I know exactly what comes next.
“We’re doing shots to celebrate six straight wins.”
Bray shakes his head. “You’re going to regret that when coach is knocking on your door tomorrow morning.”
We’re playing in California in two days, so we’re traveling tomorrow, meaning we have the odd night off. It’s nice not to have to get right on a plane or on a bus after a game and to let loose for a night. So I shrug. “I’ll do a shot.”
JJ eyes me, his look sayingI was hoping to go back to the hotel to celebrate. Why are you engaging with them?
But I only have a year with this team. A year in the NHL. And I want to enjoy every minute of it before I go back to coaching.
“Ya know,” Bobby says, the glint in his eye making me nervous. “If you really want to celebrate, Langfield, I’ve got an idea.”
Interest piqued, I lean in. “And what is that?”
He eyes JJ. “Don’t ya think we should make her an official Bolt?”
JJ groans. “No.”
I smack him in the chest. “What, can’t handle a little competition, Hanson?”
Sighing, he shakes his head. “It’s not that kind of competition.”
“Yeah, but every player on the first line has done it. What do you think, Cap?” Bobby practically shouts. “You think she has it in her?”
For the first time in a long time, Brayden actually smiles. It’s not a smirk. It’s a goddamn jubilant grin, and it’s glorious. “Yeah, man. Angles has been playing just as much as Hanson has. Why shouldn’t she do it?”
“Yeah, why shouldn’t I do it?” I echo, focus fixed on JJ.
He slams his eyes shut. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
And suddenly I’m a little nervous. What the hell did I just agree to do?
“A tattoo shop?”
Bray, JJ, Jarred, Bobby, Royal, and Maxim all came along with me to partake in this madness. The rest of the guys were more interested in the women circling our table than in witnessing whatever Bobby was challenging me to do.
“Okay, Adeline isn’t comfortable. I’m going to walk her back to the hotel,” JJ grouses.
Head tilted, Bray eyes me. “You uncomfortable, Angles?”
