Page 143 of Heartbreak Hockey

I don’t know what that means. My brain is incapable of processing that kind of information right now. “Like, as in, you want me to play for the Eagles?”

“You got it. I know this is unconventional, but a little bird told me about the problem you were having.”

He did? Of course, he did. There’s a flutter in my chest. I … fuck.Thisis what I wanted. I wanted him to swoop in and do it anyway. It’s a risky thing that probably won’t make things easy going forward, but it’ll make them interesting.

“For real?”

He laughs. “It’s a real offer. We’ll do this properly, through your agent, but I wanted to come here personally to make sure it happens. I can’t be bought out by Elkingtons and I have more than a little pull.”

My eyes flicker to the ground. The thought of Elkington senior trying to stop my hockey career from progressing further results in nausea. Fuck, will this be enough? Maybe Rhett’s plan to get a fake boyfriend isn’t such a bad idea.

“Look, I dunno if this’ll help or make things worse for you, but the league is wrought with shady happenings. It’s what happens when massive money is involved. It’s not all bad. There are some very good people too and guys who just want to play hockey. On that note, I’m not going to do anything about Rhett’s dad because it will affect Rhett and he doesn’t deserve it. I know he can be an arrogant fucker, but he earned that spot with us and so did you, Jack. I’m not doing this out of the kindness of my heart, I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”

“I’m one of those guys—the just wants to play hockey guys.” Fuck. I’m so happy.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that and let your agent bargain for the best price for you, but I’ll oversee everything and see you in New York in September for training camp.”

Am I … am I dreaming?

Merc saunters into the dressing room with a sheepish rub to the back of his neck. He’s been listening. I want to be mad at him, but I’m too far over the moon.

“Yeah, I fucking called him, all right? Sue me.”

“You’re a domineering jackass,” I tell him honestly, but I’m smiling. I love domineering jackasses. They’re my favorite kind of candy.

“Hey, brother,” Edward says unfazed by us.

“Hey, Raz.” Mercy breaks out into jaw-cracking smile as they embrace. The “brother” is genuine. They consider each other family. “Thanks for coming.”

“Thank you for inviting me. That was one of the best games I’ve watched in a long time. Loved seeing you in your element, Merc. Aren’t you glad you listened to me?”

Mercy’s eyes lock onto mine. “I’m glad I listened.”

“Let’s have a beer at the after party. I’m not missing it.” He pats Merc’s shoulder. “See you there, bud. See you too, Jack.”

I’m floating. When he leaves, I’m sure he was a figment of my imagination. Now Mercy and I are alone. He takes in the sight of my battered body. “Here, let me help you with that.”

I’m too beaten to argue. I lay back against the wall while he crouches to undo my skates and then sets about tearing the tape from my socks.

“Are we broken up, Merc?”

He pauses what he’s doing briefly and then resumes. “Don’t think about that tonight.”

“I haven’t been, or I wouldn’t be able to play and win a Calder Cup, but now that it’s over that’s all I can think about.”

With my feet bare, he stands and pulls me up from what I was sure would be my final resting place. He unlaces my hockey pants and that should get my dick hard, but I’m just that tired. It doesn’t even twitch. It’s the first time he’s touched me in a week and I’m more enthralled with the way his fingers trace over the massive bruising peppering over my ribcage.

“I think you should think some more, Jack. I think I got too excited and ran too wild.” He pushes the pants off and I step out of them. I’m only in my gross long johns now.

“What if I don’t want to?”

“I need you to.”

“This is so messed up.”

“It is what it is. Get in the shower. I’ll wait for you.”

I shake my head. “Naw. If we’re not, y’know, us right now then I’ll go with the guys.” I’m going with plan get obliterated so I can think about this to-fucking-morrow.