Page 16 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“Bro, you listening to this?” Linc says, backhanding Rett in the stomach so hard he coughs out a breath.

Garrett looks at me, stars glittering in his eyes that Linc is so invested in what he’s saying that he’s dragging someone else into the conversation.

“He seems to be having a good time,” Bea says, stepping to my side.

“He’s living his dream right now. Thank you for getting us tickets.”

“Girl, you know you don’t have to thank me. Rett is the one with the access to tickets,” she adds with a wink.

“Well, considering you’re the one fucking him, you get the credit.” She smiles at me. “How are you doing, Momma?”

“Tired. My feet are massive. I can’t wait for the day when I can’t actually see them. Out of sight, out of mind and all that.”

I grimace. “I feel bad making you work so much to cover me. I told you we could have gotten someone else in.”

“It’s fine, Si. I’m pregnant, not dying.”

“I know,” I concede. “I just don’t want to be the reason you’re overdoing it.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “I’m fine. I promise.”

Movement over her shoulder distracts us, and we both watch as Killer, Handsy, and Hayden come stalking over. Hayden is beaming from ear to ear. He’s either still riding high from his performance tonight, or he’s stolen a few minutes of Hailee’s time. Honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s the latter. That guy is so gone for his girl. It’s cute as hell.

“Hey, I’m Hayden Monroe,” he says, holding his hand out to Garrett long before anyone has a chance to introduce him.

“Uh, hey. I’m Garrett. Sienna’s brother.”

“Ah, sweet. You enjoy the game?”

“Hell, yeah. It was incredible. You’re killing it out there. Coach made a great decision putting you in the starting lineup. Watching you, you wouldn’t know you’re new to it.”

Hayden beams at the praise, but I don’t miss the way Killer grimaces beside him. It doesn’t escape my notice that he isn’t as forthcoming as Hayden in introducing himself to the new member of the group. The guy I met that first night in the club would have. It makes me wonder just how badly this injury is affecting him.

“Killer,” I say, dragging his attention to me. “This is Garrett. He’s a huge fan.”

“Hey,” Killer grunts.

“Gutted not to see you play tonight,” Garrett says. “Can’t wait to see you back on the ice.”

“Yeah, same,” Killer says with limited enthusiasm.

Garrett glances at me. He’s been obsessed enough with Killer over the years to know that this demeanor isn’t normal for him.

There’s a beat of silence as everyone else glances at Killer, but Rett eventually helps his defensive partner out and says, “You guys coming out for a drink with us?”

I’m pretty sure Garrett swallows his own tongue.

“Yeah, we’d love to. Isn’t that right, G?” I ask, elbowing him in the ribs.

“Y-yeah. Would love to.”

“Okay then,” Rett says before looking around to see who’s appeared since we’ve all been chatting. “We’re meeting Parker and Hailee there,” Linc says.

“Let’s head out then.” Rett throws his arm around Bea and gently directs her toward the door, all the while whispering what I can only assume are dirty things in her ear.

I don’t realize I make a noise until Garrett turns me to and asks, “What was that?”

“Nothing. I didn’t say anything.”