Page 361 of Hate Mates

The mere idea of leaving hockey behind has me feeling hollow. Even if I can’t play, I have a difficult time not seeing myself in the mix on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it’s a rare thing to have a former player become a coach or even a trainer. Because they have far more qualified coaches and trainers at this level. I would even be the guy running the Zamboni someday if that’s what got me in the door.

Chuckling at the idea, I force myself to sit up. I get my feet beneath me, dreading the idea of having to move but knowing I’ll feel even worse if I let myself stay here until morning. Groaning, I slowly manage to get to my feet, taking a moment to stretch out my limbs and get the grease going in my joints. It’s no wonder I’m in even more pain than usual after the fucking I gave Cassidy. The reminder makes me smile, though the smile is short-lived as the true nature of her visit wipes out the carnal memory.

What a presumptuous, deceitful little bitch.

If I had already played my true last game, the decision wouldn’t be this difficult. She has what I want, and this is the only path for me to get it. But I also know if I take this deal, it’s pretty likely I’ll immediately be released from the team. Which means it’s probably in my best interest to make my exit beforehand. Everyone will assume that I’ve been dating her on the sly. I can’t remember off hand if there’s a no-fraternization clause in my contract, but if I’m a betting man, I’d bet that there’s a pretty solid one. I dig my phone out of the bag I left in the entryway, slowly making my way toward my bedroom as I put in my code and bring up my messages.

Ren: Is there a fraternization clause in my contract?

I stare at the screen, only slightly surprised when I see the bubbles indicating that my lawyer’s answering my message inthe middle of the night. I’m sure he charges double for such correspondence, so I probably shouldn’t be surprised at all.

Shark face: Probably. Why are you asking?

Ren: I need a definitive answer before I respond to that question.

Shark face: Do you need to know right now?

Ren: Ideally, yes.

Shark face: Stand by.

I continue down to the master suite, glancing at the chair in the corner where I first saw Cassidy. I shake my head again. Stripping out of my clothes, I walk into the bathroom, knowing the best thing I can do right now is wash the scent of her off my body.

I toss my dirty clothes in the hamper, stepping under the water before it’s fully hot, cursing my short-sightedness in my haste. I brace myself against the frigid water, breathing through as I accept the punishment I inflicted on myself and then relaxing once the water begins to warm and then turns hot. I make fast work of washing myself, quickly rinsing off and exiting the shower as my phone beeps on the counter. I half-ass dry myself off before picking up my phone, frowning at the unknown number the message came from.

Unknown: You can just reply deal or no deal here when you’ve made your decision.

Fucking Cassidy. Obviously, she must have gotten my number from my employee record, also where she probably got my address. Oh, and let's not forget my fucking medical records.

I hold the phone up closer to my face, gritting my teeth as I stop myself from sending her a derogatory message. Instead, I get extra juvenile by flipping off my phone screen as if she can see it.

I drop the phone back on the counter, drying the rest of my body before hanging up the towel to dry. I grab my phone, exitthe bathroom, and make my way to my closet, where I grab some underwear, dragging them into place as my phone beeps again. This time, it’s my lawyer, who made exceptional time reading over a very long contract. Of course, it’s more likely that he roused his legal secretary because she probably knows that thing from one end to the other.

Shark face: Shockingly, there are no fraternization rules at all.

Ren: Are you serious?

Shark face: I’m always fucking serious.

Ren: Fair.

Shark face: Now, are you going to tell me why you’re asking?

Ren: Nope. You just have to wait and see like everyone else.

Shark face: FML.

I smile at his response but don’t bother replying. He gets paid good money to always think with my best interest in mind, so I’m not too concerned that he would intentionally lead me astray. I walk over to my dresser and open the top drawer where I keep all my hockey keepsakes. The drawer is practically overflowing with awards, trophies, and metals. Some are silly from grade school days, and others are official National League memorabilia.

It’s difficult to fathom leaving behind something that has been such a huge part of your life, especially when that something runs in your blood.

I slide the drawer shut, resting my hands on top of the dresser as I look up, catching my reflection in the mirror on the wall. I sigh deeply, shaking my head at myself, knowing I have very little choice in the matter. “Fuck it.”

I pick up my phone and open the unknown message string without any hesitation.

Ren:Deal.

TBC

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