Page 26 of Clear Shot

“The other wives and girlfriends—the ones you don’t know.”

“Oh.” I think about that for a moment. “I’m not overly worried about it. Plus you’ll be there to protect me.”

She laughs. “You know me—I’m not that social, but I’ll do my best.”

“As long as we stick to the story, no one’s going to say anything,” I say firmly. “Besides, it’s none of anyone else’s business.”

“The wives and girlfriends can be all up in everyone’s business,” she says softly. “It took me a while to find my footing since I didn’t know any of the others when Anders and I got married. Other than Johan and Sloane, of course. At least you already have some friends.”

“I do.” That part is nice, though it makes me feel bad about lying to everyone.

I have to protect myself, though. Both emotionally and professionally.

“Don’t worry,” Claudia says. “It’s going to be fine.”

If only she knew that for sure.

Chapter 10

Aiden

We beatNashville 2-1 and it feels good to be back on familiar ground. Hockey is something I do without much thought. Unlike being married. So I’m not prepared when a member of the press corps approaches me with questions about my new wife.

“Aiden, I hear congratulations are in order?” the older man says to me.

“Yeah. Thanks.” I hope I look more relaxed than I feel. I wasn’t planning to answer questions about Hana and me on the record.

“Is it true your new wife is Johan Hasek’s sister?”

Christ, who the hell has been running their mouth?

“It is,” I say, nodding.

“How does he feel about that?” the guy asks.

“You’ll have to ask him,” I say, forcing a tight smile.

“It’s tough getting married during the season,” he continues. “But you looked good out there tonight.”

“Thanks.”

What the hell else am I supposed to say?

Luckily, he asks a few more game-related questions and then goes off in search of Coach Petrov.

Thank fuck.

I make a beeline for the showers so I can get dressed and go find Hana.

This is her first time hanging with the WAGs in an official capacity and I know how nosy some of the women can be, especially the ones who aren’t yet married. According to some of my friends’ wives, the unmarried ladies can be jealous sometimes, and there are a couple who seem to want to make trouble, even when there isn’t any reason to.

“She’s fine,” Johan says to me as I yank on my clothes. “Sloane and Claudia are with her, and Coach’s wife always takes the new girls under her wing.”

Coach Petrov’s wife, Tessa, is known for making sure any new additions feel welcome, but sometimes she’s not aware of what’s happening in the gossip mill.

“I’d be less worried if we weren’t hiding something,” I mutter.

“Only a handful of us know that.”