Page 110 of Breaking the Ice

They didn’t move for a long time after that, and that was perfect, too.

Chapter 15

“Ikeepworryingthatthis is a bad idea,” Gavin said under his breath, leaning in as Morgan Reynolds, finished reading the lineup card, was making his rounds through the locker room, acting like he practically owned it.

Zach wasn’t unhappy about it; Gavin could complain about Morgan all he wanted, if he was going to do it this close to Zach.

They’d been trying to keep some distance between them at the rink, and around the guys, but ever since a few nights ago, Zach had felt like he was five seconds away from pinning Gavin to the nearest flat surface and ravaging him.

Because he couldnow. It was not only allowed, it wasencouraged.

“We both talked to Finn about it. He’s solid, he and Morgan are doing so much better. Besides,” Zach added, “he’s still Morgan Reynolds. Maybe he can inspire the guys.”

“I think they know Finn a little too well to let Reynolds go to their heads,” Gavin said. He was probably not wrong.

Zach shrugged. Morgan was finishing up, nudging Elliott, the pair of them laughing together. Malcolm was next to Elliottin his stall, looking like he wanted to forcibly remove Morgan’s hand from Elliott’s arm.

“Score one for me,” Morgan said laughing, and Elliott just cackled. Malcolm relaxed a fraction.

“You got it, boss,” Elliott said.

Morgan made his way over then. “Team’s looking good,” he said to Gavin.

“Thanks,” Gavin said dryly.

“Wheeler,” Morgan said, inclining his head in Zach’s direction, expression more guarded.

He had to know Zach was Hayes’ best friend; it was not exactly a secret they’d played together for the Mavs and that they’d been close.

“Hey,” Zach said, shoving his hands into his pockets so he wouldn’t be tempted to punch Morgan in the face.

“I was surprised to see you retired so young,” Morgan said, because of course he fucking did.

Zach shrugged. “It was time. Got other things to do.”

“Or you worried you wouldn’t be able to produce without Monty,” Morgan said, his smile suddenly lethal.

Gavin reached out and grasped Zach’s arm. Like he too was suddenly afraid that Zach might do something he wouldn’t regret at all.

Honestly Zach didn’t know what pissed him off more—that he’d implied Zach’s success had only been because of Hayes or that he’d called himMonty, like he deserved to have any bit of Hayes in his mouth at all, nevermind a nickname that only his friends called him.

Morgan had never been Hayes’ friend.

“Come on,” Gavin hissed under his breath. “Don’t be an ass, Reynolds.”

Morgan shrugged. “Inever thought it, I was just wondering ifZachthought it.”

“Zach doesn’t,” Zach said flatly.

“Well, there you go.” Morgan grinned like it was one great big joke.

“God, I hate that guy,” Zach said as soon as he was gone.

Gavin looked over at him, surprised. “Really?”

Okay, maybe he’d sounded a little vehement for what had only been a pretty mild chirp. He’d heard hundreds of things way worse when he’d played.

“He’s just an asshole,” Zach muttered.