Page 80 of Hat Trick Holidate

Jolie leaps into my arms, and then I set her beside Cannon.

Brooke’s eyes fall. “He’s heartbroken, you know.”

“Me too.”

“Are you?” She sounds defensive. We’re friends, but she’s known Bryce for ten years. Since I’m the one in the wrong, I’m also the one taking the heat.

I swallow the cotton web in my mouth. “I am. We’ll figure it out.”

Won’t we?

“In his opinion, there’s nothing to figure out. He told you he loves you… the first woman since his college girlfriend.” Brooke straightens her spine and swallows. “He confided in you. Listen, I’m married to a guy with scars, and I know how hard it is for men who have a haunted past to open up. I promise you; you’re going to regret not jumping at the chance for someone who loves you completely. Someone who would bring a hypo-allergenic Christmas tree to your house… for you. Someone who tells his daughter’s mom that he will block any move she makes for full custody. That’s a man. A man willing to protect the people he loves at all costs.”

She squeezes my knee as she continues, “If you can’t be with him, tell him now. Don’t make him wonder for weeks or months. Don’t drag it out. And if you can, then for God sakes, do it, and everyone will be happy. Roman hasn’t started anything with Bryce, so maybe he’s getting used to the idea.”

Roman is playing nice for two reasons.

One. I haven’t seen Bryce again.

Two. He can’t start a fight because of his contract.

Just then, the puck drops, and Bryce is in the game for the first time since Nashville, nine days ago. He hasn’t lost a step. He speeds across the ice and handles the puck like its Roman’s head, dribbling it back and forth.

A Viper comes from nowhere and slams him into the boards. Roman comes up behind and clips the Viper, but ninety percent of his weight lands on Bryce.

What the hell?

Reed breaks both my brother and the Viper away and has words with Roman. Roman nods. Bryce looks into the stands, and our eyes collide, but he looks away just as quickly. Like it hurts him to see me.

The rest of the game is a blur as my stomach churns, knowing I’ll be within feet of him as I give Jolie back to him. She holds my hand as we walk into the tunnel.

I hear Roman yelling, and I drag her faster. He’s finally letting loose on Bryce. I knew I would ruin his career.

But as we close in on the voices, it’s Grant and Penelope in a standoff with my brother. My eyes fill with tears at seeing them—together.

“Did you come here to rub it in my fucking face? Cause you’re both dirt.”

“We came to tell you in person that we’re getting married,” Penelope says quietly.

My brother’s voice rages from the pit of his stomach. “Perfect. Just fucking perfect.”

He lunges toward Grant and the sports reporter’s cameras flash. He can’t get caught in a fight and out of nowhere, Brycegrabs my brother’s shirt and throws him to the side. He doesn’t wait for an explanation from Grant and punches him in the gut one time. Grant crashes against the concrete wall.

“Roman and Emmaline moved across the country to get away from you two cheaters. Don’t ever come into my stadium again. As long as I’m a Jet, you’ll be banned from this barn.” He glances at Penelope and my brother, then says to Grant, “Congratulations on your wedding. I’m sure you’ll be divorced in a year. Cheaters cheat. Remember that.”

He takes a glimpse at Roman over his shoulder, walks up, takes Jolie, and leaves without a word. Like he didn’t just do the most chivalrous gesture in the whole world. He stood up for my brother who is the reason we’re apart.

With my arms crossed over my chest, and my heart splitting, I ask, Grant. “Can we speak alone?”

Grant nods, as he wipes the blood dripping from his nose, but he follows me down deeper into the tunnel. When I turn to face him, I realize I’m not hurt anymore. My heart has been healed by the Georgia Jets center, number nine.

He reaches for my hand and when his fingers clasp around mine, they’re clammy. He’s nervous. “Emmaline, I never meant for this to happen. I…”

I laugh. “Grant I should be thanking you. Because the week after you stole my wedding day, I met the most amazing man. I wanted to let you know that Bryce has done things to me you never even tried. I’ve sat on his face, rode him like a bull and now I not only know I’m beautiful and sexy. I feel it too. I’m enough for anyone and I’m really fucking happy that you didn’t see me for who I am. Because I’m fucking fantastic. Enjoy your life with Penelope.”

Grant stands slack jawed as I turn on my heels.

Damn, that felt good.

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