Page 74 of Across the Boards

“You’ll get it,” I promise. And I mean it. Maybe a few hours of physical exertion, of focusing solely on the mechanics of hockey, is exactly what I need to clear my head.

As we gear up in the practically empty locker room, Kelly arrives, his perpetual scowl firmly in place.

“Carter,” he acknowledges curtly, heading to his stall.

“Kelly.” I keep my tone neutral. No point in antagonizing him, especially when we’re about to be on the ice together for the next couple of hours.

“Looked like you had an interesting gala,” he comments, not looking at me as he begins lacing his skates.

I tense. “It was fine.”

“Seems like more than fine. You and Martinez’s ex looked pretty cozy.”

There it is. The jab I’ve been waiting for.

“Her name is Elliot,” I say evenly. “And I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

He shrugs, still not looking up. “Just making conversation. Jay mentioned you two seemed friendly a few years ago. He was surprised, that’s all.”

The casual reference to Jason makes my blood pressure spike. Of course Matthews or Kelly has already reported back to Miami. Probably texted him before the gala even ended.

“I’m sure he was,” I manage, focusing on taping my stick to avoid saying something I’ll regret.

“She always did have a thing for hockey players.” Kelly’s tone is deliberately casual, but the implication is clear: Elliot has a type, and I’m just the next in line.

I set my stick down harder than necessary. “We’re here to practice, man. Not gossip like teenagers.”

“Just thought you should know what you’re getting into. Jay’s got a lot to say about his ex-wife.”

“I bet he does.” I stand, towering over him. “And I’m not interested in a single word of it.”

Kelly finally looks up, a slight smirk playing at his lips. “Just trying to help out a teammate.”

“You want to help?” I step closer, keeping my voice low. “Keep Elliot’s name out of your mouth around me. And definitely don’t bring up Jason’s. We clear?”

Something in my expression must convey my seriousness, because Kelly’s smirk falters slightly. “Crystal,” he mutters, shouldering past me toward the ice.

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself before following. This is exactly what I was worried about—the inevitable intersection of my personal life with the complex politics of hockey. Whether I like it or not, there are guys on my team who are loyal to Jason, who will report back to him, who will view my relationship with Elliot (whatever it is or might be) through that lens.

And in a week, Jason himself will be here. In my arena. Possibly lined up against me on the ice.

“You good?” Jensen asks as I exit the locker room.

“Yeah.” I focus on the simple act of stepping onto the ice, the familiar scrape of blades, the chill rising from the surface. “Let’s play some hockey.”

For the next two hours, I force everything else from my mind—Elliot, Jason, Kelly’s insinuations—and focus solely on the drills Coach runs us through. Stop the puck. Defend the zone. Make the outlet pass. Simple, physical tasks that require my complete attention.

It helps. By the time we finish, sweat-soaked and breathing hard, my mind feels clearer. Not resolved, but calmer. More centered.

“Better,” Coach acknowledges gruffly as we leave the ice. “That’s the focus I need from you against Miami. Whatever else is going on, leave it off my ice. Got it?”

“Yeah, Coach.” I meet his eyes directly. “You’ll get my best.”

As I shower and change, Kelly keeps his distance, apparently having decided that poking the bear isn’t worth the potential mauling. Smart move on his part. With the clarity provided by two hours of intense physical activity, I recognize how close I came to starting something in the locker room—something that would have reflected poorly on me and possibly gotten back to Elliot.

I need to be smarter than that. More controlled. Jason might be an asshole, but he’s a calculating one. He won’t throw the first punch or make an obvious move. He’ll provoke, insinuate, try to get under my skin. I need to be prepared for that.

More importantly, I need to be prepared for how Elliot might feel seeing me play against her ex-husband. Will she even come to the game? Would she want to, or would it be too uncomfortable? Should I invite her, or would that seem presumptuous given our current uncertain status?

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