Chapter 74
PARKER
Istand at the back of the press room with butterflies rioting in my stomach. Fletch, Coach and then Linc file into the room and take their places.
I’ve only attended these events a handful of times in the past, and they’ve almost always been for Dad back in the day. I’ve certainly never attended one where I’m almost certain that at least half of the questions about tonight are going to be about me.
I almost didn’t come. The temptation to distract myself by tidying the closet of messy athletic tape and other equipment in the trainers’ storage room was almost too much to deny. That or heading up to the friends and family box, where my parents and Casey are waiting.
My stomach twists again at the thought of my parents. I’m pretty sure they figured out what was going on between us when we met them for dinner the other night. They were at least suspicious enough to warn Rett that he should have called first.
Coach welcomes everyone before opening up the floor for questions.
“Congratulations on your win tonight,” the first reporter says.
“It was an exciting game to watch, and of course, we all loved your celebration at the end, Lincoln. It seems that congratulations are in order all around.” Linc nods as bile rushes up my throat.
I love being a part of this world, but the thought of being at the center of any of it makes me want to run and hide.
The moment I allowed this thing between us to develop, I knew I was opening myself up to this.
“Is this new relationship between you and Parker Donnelly the reason for Rett's rough play tonight and his eventual ejection from the game?”
A ripple of silence goes around the room as everyone waits with bated breath for what comes next.
“Yes, Parker and I are in a relationship. Thank you for your well wishes. I can’t talk for Rett, however.
His game tonight was his own. As for our game, we knew it was going to be a close one, and we pulled together really well as a team, leaned on our strengths, and brought home the W.
” I watch Linc with awe and pride as he so easily swerves the conversation away from both me and Rett.
I know he’s had media training, but even still, watching him up there doing this blows my mind.
“I think the entire country gasped as you hit the ice earlier,” another reporter starts. “How are you feeling after that hit?”
“Well enough to go back out there and secure our win. It took the wind out of my sails for a moment, but it’ll take more than that to stop me.”
“You and Rett have played together for years. Have you always been close with Parker?”
“Parker and I have always been great friends. I’m honored that she’s finally given me a chance to be more. We’re both very happy and ask for privacy as she navigates this new chapter of our lives together.” His eyes find mine through the crowd, and his smile grows until it meets his eyes.
The heat of numerous people’s attention burns into my skin, but as much as I might want to hide from it, I can’t look away from him. He’s lured me in and is refusing to let me go.
“Does anyone have any questions about tonight’s game?” Coach asks.
Laughter rumbles around the room before someone directs a question at Fletch.
Hoping that my involvement in his press conference is over, I nod at Linc, letting him know that I’ll see him soon, and duck out of the room.
I can’t keep the smile off my face as I make my way to the friends and family suite.
Linc just announced our relationship to the world, and while I might be fucking terrified, I’m also incredibly happy. All the things I dreamed about as a teenager are coming true. It’s almost too good to believe.
The excited chat and laughter hit my ears long before I get to the door to the suite. The second I step inside, I hear an excited squeal before a blur of green and white runs at me and wraps me in a hug.
“I’m so fucking excited for you,” Casey cries in my ear.
“Thanks,” I muse, squeezing her back.
When she pulls away and looks at me, she’s got tears filling her eyes.
“I can’t believe it. After all this time, you two have finally figured it out.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, come on, I never believed the ‘we hate each other’ thing. I always knew it was a cover.”
“Hell no. For a while there, I really did hate him.”
Casey shakes her head. “Sure, whatever you say. Come on, everyone is waiting.”
She takes my hand and leads me toward where my parents, Freya, her dad, and Sutton and Kodie’s mom are waiting.
“You really know how to end a game, huh?” Freya teases me before also giving me a hug.
“Can’t say it was planned. I thought we were keeping it under wraps for a while longer.”
“What was the point?” Mom asks, beaming from ear to ear. “As soon as anyone sees the way that man looks at you, they’d know.”
“Mom,” I warn, blushing furiously.
“What?” She laughs. “The second you walked up to the table the other night, we knew. And I won’t lie; we’ve been waiting a long time for it.”
I sigh. “And you couldn’t have stopped Rett from barging in?”
“Baby, you know as well as I do that we can’t stop your brother from doing anything.”
“How is Linc?” Dad asks. “Rett didn’t go easy on him tonight.”
“He says he’s okay, but—”
“He’s lying.” Dad laughs as he fondly remembers old times.
“Yeah. Tomorrow his going to hit him hard.”
“Speaking of tomorrow,” Casey pipes up. “We’re going for mani-pedis after work.”
“Mom too?” I ask when she glances over at her.
“Of course, I’m not missing out on girl time.”
“Me neither,” Kodie’s mom adds with a wink.
Why do I get the feeling that I’m going to get grilled all afternoon?
As we stand there chatting, players begin arriving, and the volume in the room only increases.
The second Kodie appears, Casey takes off, practically running across the room to jump into his arms, Sutton right behind her.
I watch with a smile as he lifts Sutton, propping her on his hip and kissing the top of her head before he turns and does the same to Casey.
“He looks good on her,” Mom muses.
“They both do,” I agree. “I’ve never seen Casey so happy.”
“Or Kodie,” his mom pipes up. “I’m so glad they found each other.”
Sutton is deep into her game analysis when the three of them come over.
“That referee, though, Daddy. What was he thinking?”
Everyone chuckles at the disgust in her tone.
“I know, Peanut. He should have called it,” Kodie agrees before greeting everyone.
The rest of the team, and a few of the Bandits, filter into the room, but we continue to wait for Linc, Coach, and to see if Rett is going to show his face.
I have no doubt he’s about to get reamed by the Bandits’ coach for his performance tonight.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he just slinks off back to their hotel to drown his sorrows.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time he’s bailed.
The moment Linc steps into the room, a few of the guys cheer.
My heart jumps into my throat as I watch him scan the room. The moment his eyes land on mine, everything around me falls away.
A smile curls at his lips, and he surges forward.
My temperature increases with every step he takes, and by the time he gets to me, I’m burning up.
“Missed you, pretty girl,” he muses before wrapping his hand around the back of my neck and pulling me in to kiss me as if we’re the only ones in the room. Hell, we might be. He’s the only one I can see.
“Whoa, tone it down. Child in the room,” Kodie teases as Linc kisses the tip of my nose, his eyes locked on mine.
“Oh, please,” Sutton sasses. “As if you and Casey are any different.”
Everyone laughs as Linc tucks me into his side and finally turns to greet the others.
“Great game, son,” Dad says, shaking his hand. “How are you feeling?”
“We got the win. I’m feeling great.”
Dad eyes him suspiciously but doesn’t question him further.
“How was the press conference?” Kodie asks. “Anyone interested in the game, or just your love life?”
Linc laughs. “A few had hockey-related questions. Most just wanted to know about this one,” he says, dropping a kiss on my head.
“Be prepared for there to be a lot of that. Might be wise to stay off socials for a bit,” Kodie advises.
“We’ve got a meeting with Hailee tomorrow,” Linc informs everyone.
“We do?”
“We do. Probably a day late, but whatever,” Linc says with a shrug.
“Bet she loves us.”
“Nah, this shit is what she lives for.”
“Storm,” Sutton warns the second he swears.
“Sorry, Lil Riv.”
As the conversation around us continues, Linc doesn’t so much as loosen his hold on me. It’s something I could very easily get used to. But despite how relaxed I feel pinned up against his side, I can’t forget about Rett.
My cell burns a hole in my pocket, but I know messaging him would be pointless. If he doesn’t want to talk, then he won’t.
I’m distracted in conversation with Mom, almost thirty minutes later, when Linc’s grip on me tightens and his body tenses.
I don’t need to look up to know who’s just walked in, but I do regardless.
My breath catches when I find Rett standing in the doorway. He looks wrecked.
As he surveys the room, another man steps up behind him.
Coach Watson wraps his hand around Rett’s shoulder and squeezes gently.
Finding us, Rett nods at Coach before stalking over.
Mom instantly pulls him in for a hug. His arms immediately wrap around her as if he needs her embrace more than he needs air.
“Tough game tonight, son,” Dad says softly.
I didn’t think it was possible, but Rett’s shoulders get even tighter. My fingers itch to reach out and give him some relief, but I doubt he’d welcome that right now.
“There’s no need to sugarcoat it; I sucked tonight. I was too up in my own head. I wasn’t a team player. I just…well, I fucked it all up.”
“Everett Donnelly,” Sutton chastises with her hand on her hips and a fierce look on her face.
“Shit. Fuck. I mean…I didn’t—Jesus Christ,” he says, dragging his hand down his face.
“Ignore her, she’s just yanking your chain,” Kodie says reassuringly.
“I’m sorry about tonight,” Rett says as he stares at the floor, not making it clear who he’s talking to. “And about last night, and this morning,” he adds before lifting his head, his eyes locking on Linc’s. “I was out of line. And I apologize.”
Briefly, Rett looks over Linc’s shoulder, and when I glance over, I find Coach Watson looking our way.
Suddenly, Rett reaches out, holding his hand out for Linc.
The air crackles as he waits to see if Linc will accept his peace offering.
It takes a couple of seconds, but Linc’s arm finally moves and his palm slides against Rett’s.
“Really, I should be thanking you.”
“Oh yeah?” Linc asks.
“Yeah. There isn’t any other man out there that I trust with my little sister more than you.” My breath catches at his words, and tears burn the backs of my eyes. “Just…don’t break her heart, okay? I’d really hate to spend the rest of my days in prison because I had to bury your ass.”
Linc swallows almost nervously as he nods at Rett.
“You have my word.”