Page 74 of Puck Princess

Now isn’t a good time for a shitty hockey metaphor, but I want us to work as a team. My experience with relationships is thin, but I know how to support my teammates. Sometimes you score, sometimes you assist, sometimes you create a gap and get smashed into the wall—so long as we’re all working towards the same goal, nothing else matters.

Whatever Callie needs from me, I want to be that for her.

Callie’s eyes shift. She’s debating it. Her mouth opens like she’s going to give in. But just as quickly, fear fills her eyes and drags her back from me, deeper into her own head.

She snaps her mouth shut just as the door to the courtyard opens. “Callie? Ms. Richards will see you now.”

There’s only a beat of hesitation before Callie stands and smooths her pencil skirt. I almost smile at how obvious it is that she’s pregnant. Soon, everyone will know, and I can’t wait.

I grab her hand out of the air, turning her to face me. “Are you sure?”

“I’ll be okay, O.” She gives me a tight smile. “You go back to practice. I don’t need the coach riding your ass because of me.”

I make the decision all at once.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

She may not be able to ask for what she needs, but I can still give it to her.

“But Owen?—”

“I’m staying with you. Both of you. Coach already knows what’s up and no one else matters.”

Least of all Spencer fucking Santos.

She doesn’t argue, which is how I know this is what she wants. That and the fact that she’s plastered to my side as we’re led to a private room. Callie’s nerves are contagious. Even though Kaylen’s smile is familiar and reassuring, I’m still on the edge of my seat.

I reach for her hand under the table, and Callie squeezes back, crushing my knuckles.

“This is how we put it to rest,” I remind her.

Callie nods.

And when Kaylen starts recording and asks Callie to give her version of events, she takes a deep breath… and doesn’t leave a single thing out.

She sounds strong and steady, and I’m so proud of her I can hardly stand it.

I’m also losing my fucking mind.

I hold her hand as she talks. Meanwhile, I grip the underside of the chair with my free hand just to keep myself from standing up and tracking down Miles myself. I already had an idea what happened, but listening to Callie talk about what my teammate and supposed friend did to her… It’s worse than I ever imagined.

But I guess that’s why we are here. Summer and Callie are fighting Miles in the best way we can.

Without going to jail, anyway.

25

CALLIE

“You did really great today.” Owen wraps his arms around me, cradling my face to his chest.

We’re back at work, done with the lawyer testimonials after what felt like days, and I’m so ready to forget about it. I feel a little silly for Owen rushing to my side, but I’m so very glad he was there.

“I don’t know if I could have done it without you.”

“You could have,” he says without a hint of doubt. “But you don’t have to. I’ll always be there for you when you need it, Callie. I never want you to question that. Whatever you and our kid need, I got you.”

My heart swells with gratitude, but I’ve cried more than enough for one day, so I skip expressing that to him and change the subject. “Have you thought about baby names yet? Because I have.”

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