“That is seriously fucked up,” Leo says, leaning on his hockey stick. He and Jack met me at the rink to burn off some rage. It’s mostly turned into a bitch session while I fire pucks at the net, pretending it’s Gabe’s face.
“What are we going to do?” Jack asks. He looks like the wheels are already turning.
It doesn’t escape me that he’s ready to go to war with me. I love him for that. “Nothing.”
“Nothing?” Jack lifts a dark brow.
“Bridget doesn’t want me to say or do anything. She was cool with me telling you guys because I swore you also wouldn’t say or do anything,” I say pointedly.
“Fuck you,” Jack says. “You can’t tell me something like that and expect me to sit on it.”
“I think he’s right, man,” Leo says, skating around me. “At least consider telling Coach.”
“We’ll back you up on this. Everyone will.”
“I appreciate it. Truly. But this isn’t something I can dictate. I need to let her decide when and how to tell people.”
“And you just have to keep your mouth shut and pretend like you don’t know the guy abuses women?” Jack breaks his stick over his knee.
My chest tightens. Doing and saying nothing is the last thing I want to do, but I don’t want to fail her. She trusted me with something she’s only trusted one other person with.
“He’ll get what he has coming to him eventually.” We leave today for a three-day road trip and Jack assured me that none of the GMs are coming with us this time. Me and Gabe trapped together at ten thousand feet is a very bad idea.
“What if Jack and I go talk to Jim without you? We won’t name names, just give him a vague idea of what’s going on.” Leo’s offer is tempting.
I consider it briefly. Could it be that easy?
“Nah. You know they’ll want more information before they do anything. They’ll ask questions and that’ll probably just piss off Gabe more. And then, what if he tries to go after her again? No. No way.”
“Fine. I’m just gonna punch him and say it’s because I don’t like him, then.” Leo’s jaw is set hard.
I can’t help but laugh at him. “You’ve got a wife and kid to think about. Don’t do anything stupid. I can handle it. As soon as we get back from our road trip, I’ll go to Jim and tell him I’m struggling to work with the guy.” I have no idea what I’ll say if he presses me for more details, but I’ve got a few days to figure it out.
We leave the ice with enough time to shower and head to the team jet. It leaves in thirty minutes. First stop is Dallas.
Bridget has classes today, including a test in one, so I can’t call to check in and let her know I’m thinking about her. How I feel about her is so simple and yet I can’t find the path forward for us that doesn’t compromise her safety and sanity or my career.
Nick is in the locker room.
“Hey,” he says when he sees the three of us walk in.
“What are you doing here?” Jack asks him, walking over to give him a fist bump.
“Working with Shane before we head out.”
Jack nods.
I give the new guy a head nod. He’s been good for the team, but I’ve kept my distance. Anyone that’s tight with Gabe isn’t someone I want to spend any more time with than I have to.
He shoulders his bag. “See you guys in a bit.”
“Later,” Leo says.
As soon as he’s gone, I breathe a little easier.
I shower and change, then sit down with my phone and fire off a text to my girl. Hopefully she’ll see it between classes. I can’t go all day without knowing how she’s doing.
ME
Hey, gorgeous. Hope you’re having a good day.
NURSE BRIDGET
Hey! Just finished with my first class. Are you in Dallas already?
ME
Heading to the jet now. Seventy-six hours and counting.
NURSE BRIDGET
Can’t wait!
Jack and Leo get called into Coach’s office and I kick back, texting Bridge while she walks to her next class. The tension I’ve been carrying since last night loosens.
Which is why when someone comes through the door, and I glance up to find Gabe, the anger I’d felt earlier pushes to the surface with renewed fury.
“Ash Kelly,” he says coolly.
I don’t trust myself to say anything. I slide my phone into my pocket and grab my bag. I need to get the fuck out of here before I do something I regret.
He heads to the equipment manager’s office across the locker room. They already left to load up everything on the plane so we’re alone.
Before I can escape, he calls out to me, “Did Bridget tell you I ran into her the other day?”
I stop and ball my hands into fists. Turning to look at him is a mistake. He stands there all smug.
“No?” he asks like he’s surprised. “Well, I shouldn’t be surprised that she wanted to keep it a secret.” He stalks toward me slowly. “I forgot how gorgeous she looks when she comes.”
“Fuck you. I know she didn’t sleep with you. She can’t stand you.”
Surprise flashes in his eyes momentarily before he smooths it back into that smug smile. He leans in and lowers his voice. “Are you sure about that? You might be fucking her, but how well do you really know her?”
“I know her better than you ever will.”
He snorts a laugh. “Don’t flatter yourself, Kelly. Bridget and I have real history. You’re just some guy she’s screwing to pass the time. I wonder what she’s doing this weekend?”
The thought of him touching her makes my blood boil.
“Stay the fuck away from her.”
“Or what?” He laughs. “You’re not going to do anything to risk being traded and we both know it. I’ve got you by the balls.”
“If you ever put your hands on her again, I will end you. You don’t know shit about what I’m willing to risk.” I try to walk away, but he takes another step closer to me, blocking my path.
“Don’t worry, I’m not interested in keeping her now that she’s fucked her way around the city, but one last time oughta scratch the itch. She might be a slut, but she sucks cock like a champ.” He laughs as he says the final words and drops a hand to my shoulder.
I snap and shove him off me. He stumbles back and trips over a chair onto the floor. The anger on his face is quickly replaced by obvious glee at pushing me over the edge.
“What the hell is going on in here?” Coach asks. I look up to see him, Jack and Leo standing in the doorway. Coach’s face reddens when he looks from me to Gabe sprawled out on the floor. No one says anything for several long seconds.
Coach’s voice breaks the icy barrier first. “Kelly. Get to the plane.”
Gabe sneers up at me, a pleased smile on his face. Fuck. What have I done? My feet don’t move.
“NOW!” Coach bellows.
