Page 12 of Pucking Forbidden

I frown. “Yeah?”

He nods. “I can put you in touch with my son.”

I blink, caught off-guard for half a second. Hadley’s dad?

“He’s a top-tier agent and attorney,” Coach adds. “He’s in Colorado Springs. Mostly works with Olympians, but he’s helped Night Hawks guys a few times before and didn’t take a big cut. He knows how to navigate this stuff. Contracts, long-term planning, all of it. He’ll be able to negotiate the best deal possible for you.”

The offer surprises me, and before I can come up with anything to say, Coach opens a drawer in his desk and pulls out a business card, passing it to me.

“I’m not saying you have to do anything,” he continues. “Just talk to him and get information. Make the best decision you can with what you’ve got.”

I slowly take the card.

“Thanks,” I murmur. “I appreciate that, Coach.”

“Whatever you decide,” he says, “make sure it’s the right call for you.”

My laptop is open on the coffee table, the glow from the screen the only light in the room. I’ve pulled up Chicago’s roster and have been going over it for the past half-hour since I got home from practice. I know the names of most of the guys and am familiar with the team’s way of playing from all the times we’ve been on the ice against them. It’s a system I could probably slot into without too much adjustment.

There is a part of me that’s hesitant, given some of the reputations of the guys on the team. Some are notoriously heavy hitters. Others are assholes on and off the ice. Not ideal, but they have talent…and I just can’t ignore the potential money.

I click over to their schedule next. Travel, home stretches, and back-to-backs. I catch myself mapping it out, envisioning what the season would look like, and what life would look like around the games. Unless I’m traveling, I’d be able to check in on Mrs. Clay pretty much every day since I know she’ll never agree to move somewhere else. Honestly, if I look at things from a purely logical point of view, the decision should be easy, but it feels like a weight is crushing down on my chest.

I lean back against the couch cushions, dragging a hand over my face.

Fuck. Leaving would hurt like a son of a bitch, but what do I really have holding me here? My friends, sure, but I don’t have family here. No future prospects.

There’s no real reason Denver has to be forever for me.

My phone suddenly buzzes on the couch next to me, pulling me out of my head. I glance down and see Hadley’s name flash across the screen as a new text comes in. Grinning, I snatch up the phone and open the message immediately. She’s sent me a picture of a cup of coffee with a fancy leaf design in the foam.

Hadley: I actually left my dorm today and made it to a nearby cafe for a break. Be proud!

I chuckle. Good. I’m glad she’s not staying locked up in her room. I know she tends to keep to herself and pretty much focused on studying, even though she’s recently admitted that she doesn’t actually like what she’s learning. I’ve come to really admire her determination and work ethic, even while I hate the fact that she’s not pursuing something she loves.

Julian: So proud. The hermit has emerged from her cave!

Her reply is quick.

Hadley: I’m not a hermit! It’s just…selective isolation.

I huff out a quiet breath, leaning forward and putting my elbows on my knees. I hate thinking of her over there, all alone, stuck going to school for something she doesn’t enjoy. I can’t help but worry about her. Her confession weighs heavy on my mind.

Julian: Are you doing okay?

There’s a bit of a pause this time before her response comes in.

Hadley: I’m fine…just overthinking stuff.

I glance at the laptop screen, Chicago’s roster still staring back at me.

Julian: Yeah, I get that.

Hadley: How was your birthday? Did you end up going to Chicago like you wanted?.

I chuckle and shake my head.

Julian: Birthday was good, and yeah, I made it to Chicago. Got your present before I left Denver. So fucking cool.