Page 170 of Beautiful Storm

“I don’t doubt that either.”

“Do you know what happened to Jake?”

“As you know, the police were called when Amelia was rushed to the hospital, but since it was an accident, they couldn’t do anything. I told them he locked Amelia in the edit suite but they’ll need Amelia to file a report. I was going to try and call her today, but I don’t think she needs that on top of everything else.”

“Thank you. Maybe hold off for a day. Her recovery is the most important thing right now. But I’ll talk to her about it. Do Jim and Tom know?”

“Yes. They fired him. But I’m not sure if they just did that to avoid a mass exodus, because we all would have walked if he wasn’t sent packing.”

“I guess it’s still a good outcome. Whatever their motives. Especially considering Amelia doesn’t work there anymore.”

“True. God, what a mess. Please send her my well wishes.”

“I will. Thanks, Adrian.”

I turn to leave, but Adrian calls out, stopping me in place.

“Oh, and Luke. I hate to have to say this, but I overheard Jake telling Tom about his source. He said it was Amelia’s dad. I’m sorry.”

Jesus. Fucking. Christ.That’s going to kill her. And when I find him, I might have to inflict the same pain.

I thank Adrian for letting me know, and as I walk away, tension weaves its way through my body. I hadn’t thought about Amelia reporting Jake. I knew him knocking her down was an accident, and since I was basically ready to beat the shit out of him, I didn’t think there was anything she could do. But Adrian’s right. She needs to report him. And put that fucker of a father in his place. Then maybe after that, she can move on.

When I round the corner toward the Coach's office, my phone buzzes, making me pause to check it before I go in.

Amelia’s name flashes across my screen and I smile before releasing a slow sigh.

Amelia: I hope it went well with Pierce

God, I miss them already. I’m a completely different person. I type out a quick reply as the man of the hour pops his head out and notices me, a scowl forming as he waves me in.

Luke: Thanks. I’m about to see him. How are my girls?

Amelia sends a selfie of her and Juliet, and my heart bursts as I move to follow Coach inside. My girls.Fuck, I’m lucky.I pause again as a smile lights up my face. No matter what happens today, I have them both waiting for me. I can handle whatever life throws my way.

As long as Coach doesn’t bench me for our first playoff game.Which I guess I’m about to find out.

“Coach.” I nod as I sink down into the chair opposite him, pocketing my phone.

“Bennett.” He nods back before huffing out a long breath. “How’s your family?”

Huh? I was not expecting that. “They’re good. They’re both as healthy as can be expected considering what happened.”

“Good. I knew this production was a bad idea. I tried to stop it.”

“I know. But some good things came out of it. I have a wife and a little girl now.”

“A wife? Did I miss… actually, you know what, never mind. I don’t care. I’m happy they’re okay, but if you ever fuck me over like that again, you’re out.”

“I know. But I make no promises.”

“That’s fair. I’d do the same for my wife and kid. And I hate admitting this, but we needed you out there. We still won but it was a tougher fight.” I bite back a smile and nod until he laughs. “You’re not going to say anything?”

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to acknowledge the compliment.”

“Good point. Moving on. In short, the fine is enough. You can play next week as long as you attend all practice sessions leading up to the game.”

I knew that was a given, but a knot forms in my stomach, already missing Amelia and Juliet. “Deal.”

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