Page 23 of Lock 'em Down

“Don’t worry about Mom,” I say, wanting to reassure him. And myself.

Jensen laughs again. “I’m not. That’s for you to worry about now. Have a good workout.”

“Talk soon,” I reply, ending the call.

I sigh heavily and stow my phone. The last thing I need is Mom showing up in Knoxville. But right now, I’m at the gym to clear my head.

When I step into the gym, the clanking of weights causes me to pause. I don’t want to deal with anyone right now—even less after Jensen’s phone call. But, when I note it’s our team captain, Damien Barnes, I relax and venture into the space.

“Hey!” He sits up on a bench and drags a towel across his face. “What’s up, Leif?”

I shrug and move toward a rack of dumbbells. “Same old. How are you doing?”

Barnes studies me for a beat. He’s quiet and thoughtful. More introspective and polished instead of the usual rough-around-the-edges, rowdy athlete. He’s also locked down with a serious girlfriend—ahem, fiancée—Harper who is a fun-loving, chill woman I hit it off with immediately.

At least my team captain is cool and the furthest thing from a gossip.

“Not bad. Harper’s in Aspen this week, visiting my sister.” He takes a swig from his water bottle.

“You didn’t want to visit your sister, too?” Given that we now have some off time, I’m surprised Barnes held back.

He snorts. “I know. I’d usually tag along but Fiona, that’s my sister, recently got engaged. Her fiancé took my nephew Garrett on a fishing trip, and Fi and Harper are dress shopping. With my mom. Definitely steering clear of that.”

“Oh. That sounds nice,” I comment.

Barnes snickers. “You don’t know my mom.”

The corner of my mouth tugs up on its own accord. I think about the past year and how meddlesome my mom’s been in setting up my brothers. She would love an opportunity to dress shop for any wedding.

Silver lining—at least I’m technically married and therefore, as soon as Mom hears of this news, I’m no longer a target. I just hope I can tell her before she appears like Jensen insinuated.

I tell Barnes, “Trust me, Mama Bang could probably give her—and any other mom—a run for her money.” I lift an eyebrow. “Six kids—including five boys who play in the NHL. My mom takes no prisoners.”

Barnes chuckles. “Fair. You may actually have me beat with that. So, how was Vegas?”

I hesitate, wondering how much I should share. Barnes is my team captain and, as far as I’ve seen, a strong leader and a discreet teammate. I sigh. “How much time do you have?”

He freezes and looks me over. “How badly do you need a workout?”

I shake my head. “Just blowing off steam.”

“Would a beer suffice?”

I nod. “Corks?”

“Let’s go grab a brew and a bite,” he agrees, standing from the bench.

Even though I still feel restless energy coursing though my limbs, I know sitting down with Damien and talking shit through will be its own kind of therapy. Right now, I could use the sounding board. Maybe even his advice.

We head into the locker room, and I change back into my shorts and a T-shirt while Barnes takes a quick shower. When we’re both dressed, we head to Corks. I park behind him, we enter the popular sports bar, and we snag a table in the back.

Around us, televisions broadcasting the summer Olympic Games show highlights from a recent basketball game and swim competition. We place our orders and make small talk.

But after the first sip of beer, Damien cuts to the chase. “Vegas?”

I shake my head slowly, rolling the cold bottle of beer between my hands.

Damien swears softly. “How much did you lose?”

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