Page 76 of College Hockey Bully

“Now, son.” He smiles at me. “Do you mind taking Scarlett to the pool house for a moment? I’d love if you and Marianne would hash things out.”

Taking the hint that he wants us to have a conversation without Scarlett being around, I gently nudge her back to move her along. I take her hand as we walk down the brick-paved path to the pool house, with the chirping from crickets the only sound following us. Scarlett sighs deeply as I enter the code for the front door.

“Have you ever thought that maybe, we shouldn’t be doing this?” she mutters.

I usher her inside, ignoring the jab in my stomach from that comment. “No,” I reply. “Areyouhaving second thoughts?”

Scarlett turns in the foyer, an uncertain look on her face. “I don’t know… your mom hates me—which I’m not surprised by. I’m not exactly rolling in money.” She chuckles dryly. “But this isn’t even about me. I don’t want to destroy your relationship with her. Being with me just might do that.”

“Whatever’s happening between Mom and I has nothing to do with you, trust me.” Even if Scarlett came from a wealthyfamily, Mom would still object. She wants me with Casey; no one else.

She nods hesitantly. I see the question in her eyes, but she won’t ask. And I can’t tell. Scarlett knowing about Mom’s agenda won’t go over well. Not with her, not for us.

“Look, why don’t you get comfortable? There’s food in the fridge and pantry and you can watch TV. I’ll be back before you know it.”

Her chest bounces on a deep sigh. I pull her close, kissing her forehead. “You’re going to be okay. We’re going to be okay. Just trust me.”

“Okay,” she whispers as I pull back, but there’s still a tentative look on her face as she curls up on the couch.

One thing at a time. I’ll handle this conversation with my parents, then come back to reassure her. No matter what happens, I’m not letting her go.

I find Mom restlessly pacing the length of the living room, while Dad sits in his favorite armchair, nursing a drink. He rests it on the side table as I approach. From his expression, I can’t tell what he’s thinking. That nice behavior with Scarlett could’ve been a façade for all I know.

“Your mother just filled me in about the curveball in her little plan,” he begins and she stops her pacing. “I would’ve loved to see it come to fruition, but what the heck.” He shrugs. “You can’t change who you love.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I wait for the other shoe to drop. Being understanding isn’t my dad’s best trait.

“You do love her, don’t you?” he asks.

“I care a lot for her,” I reply. What I feel deep inside is no one’s business. I turn to Mom. “I know it’s hard to accept thatthis has ruined your plans, but it gives you no right to go after her.”

Mom frowns. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I outline what happened to Scarlett over the last twenty-four hours. “It’s quite ironic that she got attacked twice since you saw us in that pool house. You’re trying to scare her away from me,” I accuse.

“This is ridiculous,” Mom laughs disbelievingly. “Why would I go to such drastic lengths?”

I raise my brows at her. I’m not sure if she wants to reveal her true motive behind me dating Casey. A knowing look fills her face as she catches on. She gasps. “I’m notthatdesperate. I might not like it, but I would never harm anyone and quite frankly, I’m offended that you think I’d stoop so low.”

She seems genuinely alarmed, which resurrects my earlier suspicion. There’s someone out there, someone hell bent on trying to destroy me. They wrecked my chances of going to nationals last season and they’re trying to do it again. This time, they’re using Scarlett to get to me.

The only thing is, I can’t imagine anyone with a grudge against me. Sure, I’m not perfect, but I’ve never hurt anyone—

Well…

Dad pours himself another drink as I think of all the one-night stands I’ve had since Casey and I broke up. Is this a scorned woman out for revenge? Did I break someone’s heart without knowing it?

“It’s such a pity, though,” Dad murmurs, the tumbler slowly rolling between his palms. “An alliance with Casey’s dad would do wonders for Hunter Energy. You can’t help who you fall for and I get that.”

“Thanks for understanding—”

“However, I’m concerned about the company I’ll be handing over to you someday, Aiden. Once the shareholders lose confidence in me, there’s no telling what the consequences might be.”

Oh, boy. “There’s something I need to tell you,” I begin and Mom groans.

“I seriously can’t handle any more unfavorable news, Aiden—”

“Dad, I won’t be joining you at Hunter Energy next year. I’m going pro.”

---