“Our marriage is nothing like his.”
I cross my arms and push back in my chair. “How so?”
“Because we married for love, Addie, and we all know why JJ married Tabitha.”
I look away. I can’t think about that day. Can’t think about any of this. “Nothing is going on.”
“Addie.”
I snap straight again. “I swear. Blame your brother for inviting him to move in with us. I’m trying to keep the lines professional, but it’s hard when he’severywhere.”
My uncle tilts his head, those deep green eyes seeing far too much. “Because you have feelings for him.”
“No.” I reel back. “God, why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Because you aren’t rational when it comes to him and you’re the most rational goalie I’ve ever known.”
I huff out a breath. “Stop blowing smoke up my a?—”
“Duck.”
I snort. I can’t help it. My uncle knows precisely how to make me smile.
“We’re at work. I can surely say a?—”
“Duck.”
“Oh my god, Uncle Brooks.” Falling back against my chair, I laugh.
He does too, the tension in the air dissipating.
Then I blow out a breath. “I’m trying. It’s just not easy.”
He hums thoughtfully. “I know that. I had a major issue with my coach back in the day. I didn’t handle it well. It wasn’t good for me, and it wasn’t good for the team. You need to figure this out, Addie girl. Because this job, it’s yours to win, but it’s also yours to lose. And if you can’t get those guys to respect you—” He motions toward the door. “Then we’re going to have a different conversation next time.”
Stomach sinking, I nod. “I get it. And I’m coming up with a plan.”
He smiles as he stands. “That doesn’t surprise me. If anyone can do this, it’s you.”
When the door shuts behind him, I realize I actually do need to come up with a plan. And soon.
THIRTEEN
JJ
Bray: How’s the fist, tough guy?
Finn: Who’s fist? Did someone get in a fight? Dammit, I miss all the fun stuff when I’m traveling.
Theo: Not me. Can’t put this pretty face in jeopardy by fighting.
Bray: Lover boy JJ. He punched another goalie defending Addie’s honor.
Finn: Who are we beating up?
Theo: I suppose I can risk my face for Addie girl.
I groanas the texts roll in. Fucking Bray is a bigger gossip than all the girls in this house combined. It’s always the quiet ones.
