Page 85 of Rule 3: Never Fake Marry the Coach's Son

Somehow his concern doesn’t make me feel weak. With him, I don’t have to be tough.

“There was an article...”

Oskar nods. “I know. I saw.”

“You did?”

“Sorry. I wanted to tell you, but I know you have practice. Didn’t want to distract you.”

“Oh.”

“So you’re...” I hesitate, unsure what I’m asking.

Oskar seems to understand anyway, and he pulls me into a hug, wrapping his slender arms around me. “I’m fine. We knew this might happen, right?”

“I didn’t want it to happen though.”

“I know,” he murmurs into my shoulder. “But we’ll get through this.”

“And if we don’t?” My voice cracks.

“Then we’ll know we tried.” He looks up at me. “And we’ll still talk. You can reach me on Zoom. I won’t disappear.”

I nod, pretending that’s enough. Having Oskar here, solid and real, beats any pixelated version on a screen. But maybe it’s more than I deserve.

He tilts his head up, and I smooth his hair, staring into his bright blue trusting eyes.

“I like you in person.”

“I do too. And what’s a few negative articles and social media messages?”

“Multiple articles? Already?” My voice shakes.

Oskar glances behind him. “You know, Daniela is supposed to be back any minute. Let’s go somewhere quieter.”

He grabs a key and pulls me after him. I hold his hand tight, telling myself memories will be enough.

At least I was part of the NHL. At least I met great people.

That’s more than I ever could have hoped for, and more than my family ever thought I deserved.

But the thoughts aren’t soothing, and my brain screams at me that I’ve already hurt Oskar so much anyway, and that maybe I should confess and say I coerced him or something so he can rectify his career.

Oskar stops at a door, checks both ways, then unlocks it.

“You took me to the massage room?”

His cheeks pinken. “It’s quiet and smells good.”

“You always smell good.”

His face turns serious. “I don’t want you to go.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Oskar

Dmitri’s face is paler than normal, and his movements lack their customary grace. Even his smile wavers. For a man who regularly kisses me in front of cameras and reporters, he clearly has been shaken.