Page 84 of Bound

Luc just grunts in response to my question, so I follow my boss into his office and brace for whatever might be coming my way. The last twenty-four hours have been a whirlwind—trading big players and promising young players, bringing in new prospects and a big-name goalie. I know the moves are necessary to keep building for the future, especially as the guys age out of the game. And I know that Smitty is on the leeward side of his contract, slowly moving to retirement…

But…

Smitty.

And Aiden, I remind myself. I can’t discount him. Yeah, Smitty is my big brother, for all intents and purposes, but Aiden is a blow too, a nice guy who’s matured into a great man.

Jackson was my rock last night, not pushing me to discuss shit I couldn’t. Not upset that I needed to keep it close to my chest.

Just…holding me, bringing me home after the game, running interference between Gran and I so I didn’t have to answer tough questions, then tucking me into bed.

I start to sink into the chair in front of Luc’s desk, but a flash of movement has my gaze whipping to the right, and I feel tears well up in my eyes when I see Smitty and Aiden standing there.

A squeeze to my shoulder makes me jerk and I stare up into Luc’s eyes.

And I see the sadness.

He knows this shit is part of the job, but he hates it as much as I do.

For a moment, we’re in perfect harmony, easy to slip into because of all our years together. He’s silently telling me that I can do this, that we’ll make it through together, that I’m stronger than I think, and more capable too.

My first champion from the Breakers, I realize.

Just…a quiet one.

And he’s given me this.

“Office is free all day,” he murmurs, and I feel my heart squeeze, but before I can thank him, he’s nodding to the guys and slipping out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.

“Claire bear,” Smitty says, more subdued than I’ve ever seen him.

Shit, my throat is suddenly tight and clogged with tears. I try to clear it, try to come up with something meaningful to say, but all I manage is to sniff while forcing out a croaky, “Sm-Smitty.’

He curses softly then opens his big arms and then I’m rushing into them, being embraced by the big, bearded teddy bear. He gives great hugs—because of course he does—but there’s something different about the one today.

Because he’s hurting too.

Because his life was here and now it’s?—

“I didn’t know,” I say in a rush. “Not until Luc told me last night. I didn’t— I couldn’t have?—”

He tugs at my ponytail. “I know Clairey Girl.” He drops his arms and steps back. “But even if you did, I wouldn’t havebeen mad. We”—he hitches his head in Aiden’s direction—“both understand that it’s the job, that it’s out of your control, that this shit is reality.”

“Kailey—” His wife had roots her, a life here.

“She’s happy, actually,” Smitty says. “Happy to be closer to some online friends finally. And sad for all we’re leaving behind. And—” His voice is gentle. “Okay. Because she knows we’ll both be okay. Plus”—he gives Aiden a noogie—“I get to keep torturing the rookie.”

“I’m not a rookie anymore,” Aiden says on a sigh, making both Smitty and I smile.

Because, in some ways, he’llalwaysbe a rookie.

“And my family’s in California,” Aiden says. “I love the guys, but my parents are getting older. It’ll be good to be home.”

More sharp edges of the pain inside me being filed down, dulled.

Because, of course, Luc would do this as carefully as he could.

Because, of course, we’ll all be okay.

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