Page 87 of Goalie Interference

The words settled in my chest, relaxing me. “You’re not a convenience either.”

He nodded. “But I’m the third goalie on the Aces. The team could decide to cut me or trade me anytime. And your ex-husband has a lot of influence on that decision.”

I swallowed. I knew about trades, theoretically, but Ollie had been finished playing when we got together, and before that he’d been with one team his entire career. I’d never had to face the upset that a trade or the end of a contract could throw into someone’s life and their relationships.

This might be Remy’s last season ever. Ollie could tell the team they should get rid of him. And if he was traded, he had to go. Meanwhile, my shop was here. String Theory, which might be my future, and my family were here. I’d need something solid to consider relocating.

I wanted to ask what he’d do if this was it. If there was no more hockey for him. Would he keep chasing that dream? Play somewhere—Europe, maybe? Until there were no more hockey options? But I remembered how he’d reacted previously and I didn’t. I didn’t need someone else to tell me I wasn’t a priority.Remy wasn’t making promises, and I’d rather he didn’t. “This is just for now, then.”

“How can it be anything else? Unless for some reason the Aces keep me around another season.”

I held up a hand. “No, let’s keep this simple.”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t seem like much of a deal for you.”

I put a hand on his. “Listen. Having you, having this, between us, is doing a lot for me. Ollie’s moving on, and I’m glad he is, but you make me feel like I’m not done. Like there’s still a chance for me.”

He stared at me. “Of course there’s a chance for you. I’m lucky you’re willing to settle for this, me.”

I checked that no one was close to the table. “The sex is amazing. But I should deal with some things, like I did with Cash, before I try something serious again.” If Remy had offered to date, would I have paused before agreeing, even so?

Expressions crossed his face and I tried to make sense of them. Disappointment, relief, resolution—I wasn’t sure what he was thinking.

“You’re good for me too. Gives me some happiness to think about instead of just obsessing about hockey.”

I smiled. “Happiness?”

He squeezed my hand. “Happiness.”

I wasn’t sure how much happiness he had, most of the time. And me? Yeah, the time with Remy made me feel good. Lighter. Happy.

Our server came with our first course, and we took our hands back. But the happiness was still there, making the meal taste better.

Chapter 32

No one has ever

Remy

My feelings were mixed after Sophie and I talked. I was glad that at least she was willing to continue what we had, because I didn’t want to give it up. But I was disappointed she was okay with keeping it casual, since my feelings were not casual anymore. And there was the whole issue of her ex, which made doing anything complicated. Casual meant he wouldn’t find out. Not needing to worry about Otts and his potential reaction eased a lot of tension. But I still wanted more.

Then came the break in February. I had most of two weeks off. Some of the guys from the team were playing in the tournament and the rest of us were keeping up our conditioning, but we didn’t have regular practices. I was committed to the damned photo shoot for the shelter over this break, but I was free the rest of the time.

I’d hoped that the photo shoot happening while we didn’t have games on meant that the rest of the team wouldn’t be around. I was wrong. On the day, after we worked out and did some light drills with the assistant coach, everyone cleared theice to let the photography people get set up. I showered, put on the shelter T-shirt I’d been given for the occasion, and found everyone else hanging around the locker room waiting.

“What’s wrong?” There had to be some reason they were grinning at me.

“We’re here to see your close-up.” Chet smirked.

“Fuck no.” I didn’t need an audience.

“It’s a free country.”

Being a free country had nothing to do with these clowns hanging around while someone took pictures of me holding rescue animals. Thank goodness Bob had already been adopted, or I’d be covered in drool.

The guys followed me out to the ice, because I had no way short of physical force to stop them, and I was outnumbered. While I’d been cleaning up, the photo people had things ready and Delores was waiting there with a number of crates. I heard the growling and hissing as soon as I came out of the tunnel.

Delores had a big smile on her face. “This is so amazing! The shelter has already been getting more donations since your team started promoting this.”

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