Page 109 of Pucking the Team

“Yeah.” Ben shook off Dustin who had his hand on his shoulder as though ready to stop him throwing more punches. “Come on.”

I took a step back, into the shadows, and lifted up my hood. Perhaps I could get out without any more attention. My skin was crawling with shame. I was the center of this fight, a place I’d never wanted to be.

I needed to go and pack, get the heck out of Orlando. It wouldn’t take long to throw my things in my case and call a cab. I’d find a hotel for the night then make long-term plans after I’d done Mae’s shoot. I couldn’t let her down, that would be way too unprofessional.

After collecting my purse, I headed toward the exit. I’d almost reached it when my name was called.

Turning, I spotted Gina hurrying after me.

My stomach clenched. I didn’t know her well, but she was a straight talker. If she’d figured out what was going on, she’d tell me.

“Pippa,” she said. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes, I’m not a fan of violence.”

“Hockey’s a rough sport.” She came to a halt in front of me.

“Even in practice?”

“True, that was unusual; something has clearly riled those four guys.”

My heart was thudding, and I clamped my lips together. Saying nothing was surely the best plan of action here.

“Eduardo, Dylan, Ben, and Theo,” she said, shoving her hands into the pockets of her cute Armani jacket. “They’re usually best buddies. They came to the team around the same time and they stick together.”

I nodded.

“Never seen a cross word between them, even if Dylan can be a grumpy bastard and Eduardo knows how to push everyone’s buttons.”

“I need to go.” I gestured behind myself.

“To Ben and Theo’s?”

“Yes.”

“You enjoying staying with them? The brothers? They are kinda cute.”

My jaw tensed. “What are you asking me, Gina?”

She shrugged. “You sleeping with one of them…both of them?”

“Do I have to answer that?”

“No, of course not.” She paused. “I just can’t tell if it’s one of them or Eduardo or Dylan, they all seem…I dunno…distracted by you.”

“I guess I have that effect on men, they see blue eyes, blonde hair, long legs and all that.”

She shook her head. “Nah, they can have their pick of rink bunnies. Sure, they’re not supermodels like you, but they’re cute as buttons and will laugh at all their jokes, even the dumbass ones. It’s you they like, Pippa, you’re on the same level in terms of celebrity, and that appeals, plus you’re clearly very sharp to have got to where you have. Guys like that, elite athletes, that sort of stuff turns them on. Grit. Determination. Drive. Success.”

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.

“So if you’re with one of them, or all four, I can’t tell. I just couldn’t call it. And usually with stuff like this I’d be able to.”

“I like them all, and it’s clearly a complication.” There, I’d said it. “So I’ll be off, and once I’ve honored my commitment to Mae, I’ll be on my way. Thank you, Gina, for everything, you really were there when I needed you, when I was backed into a corner, and I’ll never forget that.” I reached out and squeezed her hand. “Really, thank you.”

She frowned. “You’re leaving? Orlando?”

“All good things come to an end.” I nodded in the direction of the rink. “And you really don’t need your players fighting amongst themselves, do you?”