Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
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Since there weren’t any away games before the Fire & Ice event, Wade has camped out in my office every day after practice while Harper and I finalize plans.
After the second day, I gave up trying to reassure him that I’m fine.
That he doesn’t have to babysit me. I’m not as fragile as he seems to think I am.
But secretly, I love that he’s here. He makes me feel safe, protected. Like he always has, but it feels different this time. I can’t quite figure out why yet—I just know I’m grateful that he’s here.
Sometimes he tells me about the latest prank Zayne pulled during practice or pulls up silly cat videos that make me laugh.
Other times, he simply sits in the chair near my desk, quietly scrolling on his phone.
His presence has both comforted and strengthened me, but it’s also caused a rush of new yet familiar feelings for him.
During the year I dated—and I use that term loosely now—Chase, I missed Wade. A lot. I assumed I missed the stability and grounding he always brought into my life. But now I’m wondering if it could have been more, like a longing for him in a deeper sense.
Yet no matter how much I try to tell myself these feelings aren’t real or that they’re just a product of circumstances, they won’t go away. If anything, they’re clarifying, making me realize that I do care about Wade—much more than I realized.
Nervous energy spikes through me at the thought, leading me to glance at him standing nearby like my own personal bodyguard.
We’re set up in the lobby of Sunfire Arena, checking in the goalies as they arrive, and showing them where to stow their gear in the locker room and the conference room, which we converted into another pseudo dressing area for the players.
As if he can read my mind, Wade moves close enough for me to feel his body heat before he rests his hand on my shoulder.
His warm presence wraps around me like an embrace, making my eyes flutter shut.
Without even thinking about it, I press my cheek against his fingers.
When I realize what I’m doing, I snap my head up to look at him.
He draws his brows together, his gaze carrying a mix of curiosity and caring. “We’ve got you covered.”
My stomach flutters at the protective tone in his voice, and the temptation to kiss him without a care for who might see almost overwhelms me. Perhaps a reaction to how moved I am by how everyone has rallied around me? Or maybe not…
Lily created an elaborate plan, using available security staff and players, to act as my protection detail—her words.
Sophie’s been my eyes and ears, keeping me up to date on any developments since the link to her article went live, and making coffee and latte runs.
And Mia’s standing guard at the entrance with a picture of Chase on her phone so she can text us when he arrives.
I’d rather know when he’s on his way than be surprised.
The whole thing feels like a sting operation designed to not only protect me from ever being alone in Chase’s presence but also to make sure he doesn’t try to pull any stunts during the weekend, especially after he’s exposed for what he’s done. That’s the fallout I’m dreading.
But it’s Wade’s presence that keeps me from hightailing it out of here. My best friend, my rock. That man has stood by me through every crisis in my life, and what did I do to repay him? I dated his rival and ghosted him for a year.
Yet he still stands by me, no matter what. Never wavering, still caring. Every time he looks at me, I see it in his eyes, in his face.
How did I miss seeing that before?
After a while, I fall into a comfortable rhythm, registering the goaltenders as they arrive, assigning one of the Sun Kings players to show them where to stow their gear, and give them a brief tour of the facilities.
Harper hands them the information packets we prepared and provides a quick rundown of the schedule for the weekend.
My phone pings at the same time as Harper’s and Wade’s. We glance at each other, knowing it’s Mia sounding the alert. Wade shifts from his spot behind me to stand next to me. The back of his hand brushes my arm, letting me know he’s here, ready to leap into action if needed.
A wave of goose bumps erupts down my arm. When I glance up, his grin tilts, drawing my attention to his mouth, reminding me of how his lips felt on mine. A small shiver runs through me, contrasting the heat I feel in my cheeks.
The last thing I want, though, is for him to act rashly and endanger his career. When the guys fight on the ice. There’s an expectation and an unspoken set of rules that once it’s done, it’s over—left on the ice.
But any altercation outside of the rink could attract the wrong attention, leaving us with no control over the narrative.
I know Wade understands this, but I also know how angry he is.
He hasn’t said anything, but I’ve always been able to read this aspect of him, and the fury I see brewing there worries me.
I recognize Chase’s gait before I see his face. Then Amber’s smug expression as she hangs from his arm registers in my rattled brain. I should have known she’d come with him. She wouldn’t want to miss her chance to gloat over her prize goalie. Her face says it all.
“Aubrey Sutton,” Chase speaks my name with a drawl that sounds more like a sneer coming from lips I once thought kissed only me. His focus shifts to Wade. “And her sidekick, I see.”
Wade’s shoulders pull back. The side of his clenched jaw ticks as he says, “Langston.”
Chase’s smirk widens. “Not sure if you heard, but I’m a goalie now.”
“I heard.” Wade’s eyes glint like steel, harder than the ice coating the rink.
“You should congratulate him, then.” Amber’s whiny voice wheedles something in me.
Anger? Yes. But mostly pity. She’s bought into Chase’s twisted press and believes it. One day, she’ll wake up and realize the man she thinks loves her is using her just like he did me. That he would use her body in that picture to ruin my reputation is more than proof of that.
I make a tick mark next to his name. “You’re checked in. Our captain, Luke Jameson, will show you where to stow your gear and give you a quick tour.”
Originally, I’d suggested Ethan have the honors, but Luke insisted on being the one to put a little intimidation into the situation.
Chase shakes his head. “I’d rather have my old friend Wade do the honors. I think you can make that work. Right, Bree?”
The skin on the back of my neck crawls with disgust. The idiot still thinks he can manipulate me.
Wade’s hand on my shoulder increases in pressure, reminding me he’s here.
My resolve not to let Chase get under my skin returns even stronger, but before I can reply, multiple footsteps come from behind.
When I turn in my seat, half of the team stands behind us like an impenetrable wall.
Luke steps out in front of them, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
When I turn back around, I note the doubt flashing in Chase’s eyes, and smile for the first time today. Let him have a taste of the intimidation he loves to wield himself.
Wade takes a step forward and grinds out, “You remember Jammer, Chase? He and the rest of the team will show you where to go.”
His words finish with an unspoken threat that implies the locker room isn’t where he really wants Chase, and sends a shiver of guilty pleasure through me at seeing Chase get a taste of his own medicine.
“The rest of the team?” Amber squeaks out, her eyes skipping to each of the hulking players waiting to move into action.
Chase’s jaw twitches this time. He doesn’t say a word, though.
Harper practically tosses the info packet at him, which he catches with a grunt. Until finally, he walks away, tugging Amber down the concourse.
I hold my breath until I lose sight of them, led by Luke and flanked by Zayne, Mason, Ethan, Elias, and Mathéo. The Big Guns, as Wade calls them.
Tears of relief flood my eyes. Uncaring who might see, I stand up and throw my arms around Wade’s neck, pulling him down. “Thank you for being here.”
He presses me tighter against him as he kisses my temple. “I wouldn’t be any place else.”
Shivers run over my shoulders and follow his hand rubbing down my back. The clean, spicy scent of his jersey fills my nose. When I look up at him, his hands cup my face, and his thumbs sweep away the residual tears on my cheeks.
And now I see it—Wade cares for me more than I ever realized.
A wave of shame hits me so hard I can’t look at him. I don’t deserve the compassion and love I see there.
I don’t deserve him.
Tonight’s the cocktail party, kicking off the Fire & Ice event. I thought about wearing the dress I bought, since I decided to keep it, but now I’m thinking I want to use it for its original purpose.
If Wade cares for me as much as I suspect, maybe he’ll give me another chance. I have to try, or else this elephant-sized question mark will come between us and our friendship. At the very least, I need to know he’ll still be my best friend even if he doesn’t want anything more from me.
After a sweep of the arena lobby, I locate Mia and Sophie standing together and sharing a soft pretzel. Rebecca and Zach hired the vendors to stay open to keep the whole game day atmosphere throughout the weekend.
With Harper in tow, I stop in front of them. “Where’s Lily?”
“Right here.”
With a startled jump, I whirl around to find her standing behind me. How did she sneak up on me like that? “Good, you’re all here.”
They all stare at me expectantly. Except for Harper, who I think already suspects what I’m going to say.
I take a deep breath and spew my thoughts before I lose my courage. “I know I said I didn’t want to go through with the auction idea, but I changed my mind.”
Mia pumps her fist. “Yes!”
Sophie grins. On my left, Harper giggles, and Lily does her usual perimeter sweep with her eyes, but she’s smiling as she does it.
“So, can we pull this off? Can you see if your friend Char is still willing to help?”
With a coy shrug, Sophie blinks at me. “I never canceled our plans.”
The others study me, clearly waiting to see my reaction.
My gaze skims over each of them. “You all knew?”
They all nod in unison, like a secret mastermind organism working behind the scenes to orchestrate my love life. And I love them for it.
Sophie’s expression turns serious. “I am curious, though. What changed your mind?”
I glance toward Wade, surrounded by the usual guys who tend to follow him around. I wonder if he knows how people are naturally drawn to him, to his quiet strength and presence.
That’s when I notice Harper is studying the group, too, more like one of them in particular. Mason looks our way, smiles at Harper, but then turns away, as if to hide his expression. Harper’s shoulders seem to wilt. As I continue to observe Wade, I make a mental note to ask her about it later.
He must sense I’m watching him because he swivels his head and glances my way. Our eyes lock and, again, I see what I’ve missed for far too long.
It’s almost torture to look away. “I see it now.”
“And?” Mia practically bounces on her toes, much like the second graders she teaches.
“I need—” I stop myself, because I don’t want to explore these growing feelings I have for Wade as if it’s required. “I want to find out if there’s something between us.”
“Oh, there is, girl. Big time. Now that you see it in him, you just need to let yourself feel it.” Mia’s knowing gaze offers unexpected reassurance. The last thing I want to do is hurt him. I’ve done enough of that already.
Lily clears her throat. “All right, then. Operation Date Wade is officially on.”
Sophie shakes her head at her. “I think you miss being a bodyguard more than you let on.”
A blush spreads over her cheeks as if she came from the cold air in an ice rink. She rests a hand on her abdomen. “Even if I’d stayed in that field, I would have had to retire.”
We all gasp and squeal as we encircle her in hugs. And surprisingly, she lets us.
I lean back. “Payton knows, right?”
With the biggest smile I’ve seen on her yet, she nods. “We’re telling his family at Christmas, but I wanted you guys to know now.”
“Awww!” Sophie cries as we all go in for another hug.
Lily laughs before playfully shaking us off. “Enough already.”
“I hear wedding bells.” Harper chimes in.
Biting her lip, Lily digs into her pocket, then pushes a ring onto her finger. “We eloped last weekend.”
We all gasp again.
Her smile turns cringy. “After the way the paparazzi hounded the family when his cousin disappeared, we didn’t want to give them fodder to create some nonexistent scandal.”
Mia crosses her arms and stomps her foot. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
Lily’s eyes widen. “I just did! Payton wanted me to wait until after the holidays, but I told him I couldn’t keep this from my best friends.”
We all go silent at her words. Mia and Sophie have known Lily much longer than I have. So has Harper, but even I know how reserved she is when it comes to expressing emotions. So, for her to call us her besties is kind of a big deal.
Mia’s outrage crumbles into a teary smile. “Congratulations!” Her face morphs into delight as she claps her hands in front of her. “I know! We can put together a reception for you and Payton.”
“After Christmas.” Lily tilts her head toward me. “First, let’s get these two figured out.”
As much as I appreciate her dedication to my cause, I’m still clinging a little to what she said about us being her best friends.
These women have become that for me, too.
I study each of their faces, filled with gratitude again.
Even in the midst of whatever trouble Chase may bring this weekend, I know I’m safe, secure, and supported.
“Okay. Operation Date Wade is on.” I don a cheerful tone, belying the rush of anxiety hitting me at the thought of dating my best friend. Tingles spread through me only to be squashed by a sudden wave of crippling doubt.
What if, after the dust settles and clarity rushes in, Wade decides I’m damaged goods and not what he wants after all?