Page 110 of Heartbreak Hockey

I nod even though he can’t see me. The only place I want to be right now is with him. “Yeah.”

“Okay, get to me. I’m gonna make some calls.”

The weight of devastation is all-consuming, but there’s just the smallest niggle of light. Knowing I’m on my way to Mercy cushions the blow. Like, it fucking sucks, but my life is still good. I put everything else outta my head and focus on getting to my man.

* * *

Iwasn’t looking forward to telling my parents. They were up in the box suite ready to watch me play. Merc had already called them for me. He’d also taken care of booking me a plane ticket. He’d basically taken care of all the hard parts so I wouldn’t have to, and man was I relieved.

“It’s their loss, son,” the captain said when he hugged me goodbye. “You made us both so proud.”

At least I get to keep the jersey I played in. Or well, not sure if I was supposed to keep it or not, but I am. Fuck ‘em. I gave it to the captain.

I take a red-eye to Boston and collapse into Merc’s arms at six o’clock in the morning. His kiss is everything. He gathers me into his arms and all the loneliness I felt in that dressing room dissipates. For the first time ever, we’re in his bed together not having sex.

He runs fingers through my hair and kisses my forehead from time to time. “I’ve called everyone from here to the other side of the league. No answers yet. It’s annoying as hell.”

“It’s okay, Merc. This stuff happens. I wasn’t good enough I guess.”

“You know that’s bullshit.” He blows out a hard breath. “My intuition’s flaring, Jack. I can’t help but think, well, this is wild and horrible, and I don’t even want to utter it but …”

“Just say it, Merc.”

“How far would Rhett go to have you playing for his team?”

Pretty damn far. Too far. “I can’t deny he’d do something like get me cut from the team, but only if it meant he thought there was a better opportunity. I know he can be a prick to everyone else, but he’d never hurt me on purpose, and he’d know this would.”

“Forgive me if I don’t have that kinda confidence in him.”

“That’s because you’re a jealous caveman—not complaining, but it taints your view of him.”

He kisses me again. “Y’know? If I’d had even one call from anyone in New York I’d be less murder-y, but there’s been nothing, Jack, and that’s suspicious in and of itself. You said if he had his way, he wouldn’t want you playing at all. Maybe that’s what’s going on here?”

I can’t put it past Rhett, he’s known for going too far, but if he has been sabotaging my NHL prospects that might kill me. I’d be far more upset about that than getting sent home early from Vancouver.

Huh. Sent home is apparently here with Merc. I nuzzle into him.

“Why aren’t you livid? We should call him up and confront him. Make him answer this or hell, at least tell us about this scout he has coming for you, which I now believe is just a cover while he takes out your other options.”

I giggle. He’s fucking adorable when he’s all protective of me. “Meh. Fuck ‘em all. It’s hard to be mad when I’m in my favorite place with my favorite person.”

“Shouldn’t your favorite place be the ice?”

“It was. Now it’s anywhere you are. That’s so cliché, but I get why now.”

“You’re my new favorite place too and I’m glad the result is not having to pine after you while I miss you so damn much, but I’m still burning down the league for you.”

“Yeah? How you plan on doing that?” I run my fingertips up and down his bare arm.

“With gasoline. They’ve forced my hand.”

“I’d like to see you try to set ice on fire.”

“I’d try for you, baby.”

I cried for a while when I got here. My eyes hurt from it. I just don’t wanna cry no more. “Since I’m here, can I play in tonight’s game?”

“If you go to sleep. You must be exhausted, Leslie.” He rubs over the dried tear tracks under my eyes.