Page 125 of Never Your Girl

Laughter ripples through the group, and I roll my eyes, though I can’t stop the grin that tugs at my lips. It’s strange, this feeling of being accepted without hesitation or judgment. I spent so long assuming I had to keep parts of myself hidden, that friendships like this weren’t meant for someone like me. But here they are, lifting me up instead of tearing me down.

“You want a lesson? Pole 101?”

Viola perks up, raising her hand like she’s in class. “Sign me up. I’ve always wanted to learn how to spin without falling on my ass.”

“You’d kill it,” I say with a laugh. “Just don’t come crying to me when you pull a hammy. Happens to me more than I’d like to admit.”

“Deal,” she says, her laughter joining the chorus around us. The group dissolves into playful chatter, and for a moment, the conversation shifts away from Bridger.

The lights in the arena dim slightly, and the hum of the crowd rises. The announcer’s voice booms through the speakers, calling out the players’ names as they skate onto the ice. My heart kicks into overdrive when Bridger’s name is announced. He glides out with an easy confidence, his movements fluid and precise.

And then, as if he knows I’m here, he glances up into the stands. He can’t possibly see me amidst the crowd, but for a fleeting second, it feels like his gaze locks on mine. A warmth envelops me, and a smile tugs at my lips.

The puck drops, and the game begins.

The arena comes alive, the roar of the crowd like a living, breathing thing that surges and swells with every play. I cheer louder than I ever have before, my voice mingling with the cheers and shouts around me. My eyes stay glued to Bridger as he commands the ice, blocking shots, making passes, and keeping the team in control. Every time the announcer calls his name, an undeniable sense of pride fills me.

He’s incredible.

Strong, determined, relentless.

And mine.

As the game unfolds, it’s no longer just about the Wildcats.

I’m not just cheering for the team.

I’m cheering for him.

The guy who’s always held a piece of my heart.

40

Bridger

Slap Shotz is packed to the brim when we walk through the door. The air is thick with the buzz of celebration and the tang of beer. We’re heading to the Frozen Four, and judging by the charged atmosphere in the bar, the whole town is riding high from the excitement.

I’ve got Holland tucked under my arm, and despite the chaos surrounding us, my attention keeps drifting to her. She laughs with Willow and the rest of the girls. Her eyes are bright and there’s a smirk curving her lips.

It’s a sight I’ll never get tired of.

“Bridger,” a voice interrupts, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I glance up to see Garret approaching. His hands are jammed into his pockets and his shoulders are hunched. Uncertainty is etched across his face as his gaze darts between us.

“Holland,” he says, his voice quieter than usual, almost hesitant. “Do you have a moment to talk?”

She stiffens slightly as she nods.

“I just…” He exhales heavily, glancing at the floor before meeting her gaze. “I want to apologize for putting you in the position I did. Lying to Bridger, making you cover for me, dragging you into the messages. All of it. You didn’t deserve that, and I’m sorry.”

Holland studies him for a long moment as his apology lingers in the air. Just when I think she’ll tell him to go fuck himself, she surprises me by reaching out and touching his arm.

“Thank you,” she says softly, her tone steady. “I appreciate it. And I get it—you were hurting. But next time, maybe don’t burn everything down around you to deal with it, okay?”

A quiet, self-deprecating laugh escapes him as he rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah. Lesson learned.”

“Good.” Her tone is resolute but not unkind. When her gaze meets mine, there’s something in it that makes my breath catch.

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