Page 14 of Broken Promises

“Stop hitting on people’s wives, Cameron.” I turn to see Gideon Banks, Captain of the Bruisers, center, and my line mate, assuming I make first line. “I apologize. Martinez likes to test out the new guys.”

“I like your aggression. We can be friends,” the guy I’m still holding against the wall says. I let him go and back up. Cameron Martinez is smiling at me a little psychotically. He’s on the defensive line and one of the best there ever was. And I just had him pinned to the wall like an asshole. Great first day so far.

“I didn’t ask to be friends,” I say, questioning his sanity.

“It’s decided,” he says and then just walks away.

“It’s easier just to accept it,” Banks says, coming to stand next to me. “You’re married to the drummer from Shattered Halo?”

I tense and look at him. He’s about my height, but with a slimmer build. He has blond hair and brown eyes that seem kind enough. But I should have asked Willa to wear her wig to the meeting. I didn’t realize how many people would see her, and she wanted to keep this out of the press until they figure out for certain who tried to kidnap Harlow.

“I really need that to stay a secret. She’s not exactly safe right now,” I admit, hoping a guy that’s good enough of a person to be chosen as captain can understand.

He nods. “I heard about Callahan’s wife.”

“You’re a fan too?” I ask. I mean, I knew they were famous, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be to be married to someone so recognizable and keep it quiet. It’s been one day, and I’m already failing miserably.

“Sure. I’m from Bangor, which makes Shattered Halo basically hometown royalty. People still talk about what happened to Ezra Irons. I don’t blame you for wanting to keep her close.”

I nod, my eyes still on the spot where I last saw Willa even though she’s probably halfway to her meeting by now.

“Did Martinez recognize her?”

“He may have. I’ll have a chat with him.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Come on. Let’s get you introduced to the rest of the team, and then you can show us what you’ve got.” I smile and follow him to the locker rooms.

“You’re one fast motherfucker,” Banks jokes, taking the spot next to me on the locker room bench. Practice went great. I gelled really well with Banks and Anatoly Ivanov, who make up the offensive first line. Boston’s right winger retired last season, so the spot is wide open for me to grab. There are a few guys on the second line and farm team that are less than happy with how quickly I claimed that spot. Unfortunately for them, I’m really fucking good at hockey. Coach hasn’t made it official, but after that practice, I’m not worried.

“It’s why they pay me so much,” I joke back.

“You’re getting us the cup this year, new friend,” Martinez says in a way that makes it sound like a threat.

“I’ll do my best,” I say and laugh.

“You will get us the cup,” Martinez repeats as he unlaces his skates.

“Uh. Sure thing,” I say. He nods, seeming satisfied.

I quickly get undressed and showered so I can get back to my apartment. Banks laughs while watching me struggle to get my wet legs into jeans.

“I remember the honeymoon phase.”

“You’re married?” I ask. Willa and I might not be in the honeymoon phase, but she’s still my best friend. I missed her like crazy, and I’m about to miss her again when official games start. So I want to get in as much time as I can.

“I am. Have been for six years now,” he says proudly. “Is Willa going to be able to come to any of our games?”

“I’m not sure. We were going over schedules last night. It would’ve been easier for her if,” I stop and look around at the other guys in the room with us. One of them is married to an actress and another to a model. It’s not like they don’t get the need for privacy, but I also won’t risk letting them know about Willa yet. “If thatthingdidn’t happen to reschedule everything.”

Banks nods. “If she decides to and she wants to hide with the fans, that’s where my wife usually sits. She likes being close to the action instead of with the other WAGs.”

“That’s probably where she’d want to be, so I’ll take you up on that once I figure out everything. She used to tell me to get my ass in gear when I was still on the second line. Once she called me after a playoff game loss and laid into me about hogging the puck.”

Banks laughs. “You’ve got a keeper.”

I smile. “That I do.”

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