Page 15 of No Rhyme or Roughing (The Golden Guardians Hockey Hearts #1)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

SYDNEY

A reporter was trying to talk to Ryder, who stood in the open doorway staring at us, panic flashing in his hazel eyes. For a captain, he sure didn’t look eager to speak to the press. I guessed they didn’t have much experience with that on the Guardians—until now.

“I still can’t believe that was him,” Sam said, standing next to me. She’d hurried me down here, under the misguided notion that Ryder needed my congratulations.

There was a warmth to her that made it easy to see why Ryder had fallen in love with her—and Sullivan too.

She had dark eyes, long, elegant brown hair, and flawless golden-brown skin.

I’d already learned too much about her. She’d met Ryder a month after starting college in the States.

He’d been her only friend at first, then her best friend.

She’d loved that he worked hard, that he took everything seriously, even college parties.

She’d chosen the fun-loving, always-smiling Sullivan. Well, always smiling when he wasn’t around Ryder and letting guilt eat him alive. Her words, not mine.

Sam. Wouldn’t. Shut. Up.

Meanwhile, Ryder peered out the door, looking away from the reporter every few moments.

It was about to swing shut when a large hand stopped it—one that looked like it belonged to Ryder Cassidy. But I knew better. The person now blocking Ryder was similar in appearance, but that’s where it ended.

Where Ryder’s smiles were slow and hard-won, Sullivan’s came easily. “Is that little Sydney Valentine?” The laugh that echoed out of him brought so many memories. “The destroyer of worlds?”

Teddy’s nickname. And Sullivan’s. Ryder had never called me that.

Heat crept up my neck. “Sullivan Cassidy. Always knew you’d grow up to be…” I looked him up and down, from his thrifted shoes to the inexpensive yet perfectly fitted suit, and all the charm that went with it. “...you.”

A bark of laughter escaped him, and without warning, he swept me up into his arms, lifting me off the ground like I was still that little girl trailing after the boys.

“It’s good to see you, kid.” He gave me one last squeeze before setting my feet on the cool concrete and letting go.

His now-free arm slid around Sam’s waist, and he pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

“I can’t believe we’re all here.” My words were honest, though I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, or how long I’d stay. Eventually, I’d need a new gig. The job offers burning up my inbox wouldn’t wait forever.

“Really?” Sullivan ran a hand through his deep-brown hair, cut shorter than his brother’s. “I kind of always assumed we’d find our way back. You, Teddy, me and Ry, your sisters.”

My sisters, the ones who hadn’t spoken to me in years. Our family was broken, but Sullivan didn’t need to know how badly. “This city does have a gravitational pull, doesn’t it?”

Before I could say more, the locker room door opened again, and there was Ryder—sans reporter.

I noticed for the first time that he wasn’t wearing a shirt.

How the hell had I missed that moments before?

His chest shimmered with sweat from the game, and I wanted to lick— Shit .

I let out a breath, taking in the way his eyes bounced between Sullivan and Sam.

Sam had mentioned not coming to games for exactly this reason.

Was it to spare Ryder’s feelings or her own?

There was aggravating pity in her gaze, almost fear. She couldn’t look away from Ryder.

Sullivan released her and stepped forward to say something to his brother. What, we’d never know, because at that exact moment, I decided to be dumb and make what was sure to be a mistake.

Turning to Ryder, I closed the distance and rose onto my toes, pressing my mouth against his. He stilled, his arms hanging tensely at his sides.

“Don’t let them pity you,” I whispered against his lips. “Just go with it.”

A growl rumbled from his throat, sending vibrations through me as his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. Then, his lips claimed mine. Not just claimed—he bit my bottom lip before licking the sting away and forcing my mouth open for more.

I gloriously, gladly accepted the challenge.

My shirt stuck to his chest, my breasts crushed between us. I wanted to feel more of him. As his hands skimmed down my sides, I sighed into another kiss, twisting my arms around his neck. Closer. And closer.

Spinning us toward the wall beside the door, Ryder pressed me up against the chilly cinderblocks. They heated against my back. The sounds of the arena’s underbelly vanished until all I heard was the rasp of our mingled breathing, scraping teeth, colliding lips.

It was both the best and worst kiss of my life. What I wanted most and knew I couldn’t have.

Ryder’s hand slid across my lower back, dipping under my shirt. I wanted him lower, more, alone.

A throat clearing made him yank away, his eyes wide. “Shit, Sydy, I’m sorry.”

Sydy . I couldn’t form a protest or a single word. His eyes searched my face—for what, I wasn’t sure.

Another throat cleared. Finally, Ryder turned to his brother. A grin split Sam’s lips, while her husband looked more shocked than anything.

“You… and Sydy…” Sullivan shook his head. “Does Teddy know?”

Ryder opened his mouth to respond, but a familiar voice broke in. “Of course I know.” Teddy approached, wearing too little clothing for my comfort.

“Dammit, Theodore Valentine!” I covered my eyes. “Are you seriously in your underwear? Sister here. Gross. ”

Teddy ignored me. “Hey, Sull, Sam. I’m surprised Ryder finally admitted it, but he and Syd have been dating. That whole dance thing must’ve been for her benefit.”

Sullivan still looked disapproving, as if I were his little sister and he wasn’t okay with it. Under normal circumstances, I’d say something to make it worse, but a glare from Teddy kept me quiet.

“Come on, babe.” Sam tugged on Sullivan’s arm. “I’m starving. Let’s go get some food.”

Once they were gone, Teddy turned to us.

I still couldn’t look below his eyes, so I stayed focused there.

His good-natured humor was gone. “You both have one minute to tell me the truth. That kiss…” His face scrunched in disgust. “For their benefit, right?” He needed this lie, needed us to believe it too.

I nodded.

Ryder clapped him on the shoulder. “Of course, bro. Sydney is your sister. She’s practically mine too.”

Ouch.

I stepped away. “You guys go shower. I’m heading home.” Turning toward the corridor that led outside, I couldn’t stop the tears stinging my eyes.