Page 49 of Guarded Love

"I should get going," I say, desperate to escape this situation. "Isla, I'll text you later about those photos. And I’ll shoot Coach Johnson an email." The quicker I leave, the less likely Knox is to throw a punch.

"Thanks for stopping by, Willow. Isla, we have some details to work out, but that’s basically the gist of what I was thinking," Bailey says before glancing at her phone. "Leo and I need to nail down a schedule with some of the players. Knox, I'd love your input."

"I'll pass," Knox says flatly, not taking his eyes off Leo. "I need to talk to Coach about this."

"Come on, Sanchez. Let's keep it professional. This is a great opportunity for the team's exposure," Leo says with a smirk.

"I said I'll pass." Knox’s warning is evident in his tone. "I'm going to talk to Coach about this first."

“Coach was okay with it as long as it didn’t interfere with what you guys were doing on the ice or with your studies. This wouldn’t start until next semester,” Bailey adds.

I can see that she’s trying to ease the tension, but it doesn’t do a thing.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Blaise shifts toward to Knox which means he closer to me now. It’s as if he’s preparing tointervene if needed. His movement is enough to get me to make my feet move. “Good night, everyone.”

I break apart from the group and walk away. I’m several feet away when two people flank me on my left and right. With a quick glance, I confirm it’s Knox and Blaise. Outside of what just happened, I kind of like having what looks like two bodyguards escorting me away from that shitshow.

"I can handle myself," I mutter just loud enough for the two men next to me to hear.

"Never said you couldn't," Knox replies. "But I'm not letting that asshole anywhere near you if I can help it."

"What's the deal with that guy?" Blaise finally asks.

Knox's jaw tightens further. "Ask Willow."

"It's nothing," I say quickly, picking up my pace. "Ancient history."

"Bullshit," Knox says. "That guy's a manipulative piece of?—"

"I don't want to talk about it," I cut him off. "Not now. Not here."

We reach the end of the hallway, and I stop, turning to face them both. "I'm heading back to my dorm. You two can go back to...whatever."

Knox studies my face. "You sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," I lie. "Just tired. It's been a long day."

"I'll walk you to your car," Knox offers, but I shake my head.

"Seriously, I'm good. Go celebrate your win. I'll text you tomorrow."

Knox hesitates, then pulls me into a quick, tight hug. I can’t remember the last time we gave one another a hug. "Fine. But we're talking about this Leo thing later. I don't like him being this close to you or the team."

"Trust me, neither do I," I say against his shoulder before pulling away.

"I'll make sure Coach knows about this," Knox says, his voice taking on that determined edge I recognize all too well. "And Bailey. This collaboration or whatever isn't happening."

"Good luck with that," I say, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. "Bailey seemed pretty set on it and thinks it’s a great idea."

Knox shrugs. "We'll see about that."

"Well," I say, turning so that my back is to the exit and then taking a step backward. "Congrats again on the win. I should go."

"Thanks. Text me when you get home,” Knox responds.

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Dad. I will.” Then I glance at Blaise before shifting my gaze to some random spot in the hallway. "I'll see you in Puerto Rico, I guess."

“Guess so,” Blaise says quickly.