Page 61 of Caught from Behind

And then she’s laughing, loud and bright and beautiful.

And I hold that close too.

Like the gift I know it is.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Ella

I saw the game tonight. Are you okay?

I sit at my kitchen counter, staring at my phone and nibbling on my bottom lip. The Sierra have consistently been at the top of the league for the last few seasons—grinding out wins, making it to the playoffs (and often several rounds into the post-season), excelling as the team every other team hates to play against.

What they’re not known for is getting blown out.

And the loss tonight was a blowout of epic proportions.

Losing eight to one against the Grizzlies—the newest expansion team in the league—is embarrassing.

At least that’s what Knox said when I checked on him after the bench-clearing brawl that ended the game.

And ended with half of the guys bleeding.

Riggs had punched the guy that hit Knox but had taken a cheap shot to the back of the head for his trouble, one that sent him to his knees and the head trainer out onto the ice.

Knox says he’s fine.

But Riggs hasn’t replied to my texts…

And…fuck, is he okay?

Hence, the texting and the nibbling at my bottom lip and the drinking of a honey rosemary mule I had to make myself.

My phone buzzes and I lunge for it.

Then huff out a breath in disappointment when I see it’s Nova texting.

Lake’s in a mood. Word of warning when dealing with a grumpy hockey player—enough hits to the head and they eventually come around.

I grin.

Mostly because Nova is pretty much the nicest person I’ve ever met—only Kit might be nicer—and I know she’s never laid a hand on her hot, grumpy hockey hunk to hurt him.

Not to make him see reason.

Though, maybe the nail marks on his back might count.

Reasoning him right into an orgasm.

Thanks for the advice, kid.

My phone buzzes almost immediately.

Rude. Especially because you’ve been keeping mum about you and Riggs.

This isn’t a lie.

I haven’t meant to, exactly, and it’s not like she didn’t know I was into him. I just…well, I didn’t share how much things have changed.

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