Page 35 of Second Goal

Chapter Nine

Blake

“And the firstMVP for tonight’s game, Blake Starowics.” The crowd cheers as I skate to center ice and raise my stick in the air, glancing up to the box where I know Kiley is.

I can’t see her face, but just knowing she’s here makes my chest swell. I had one of the best games I’ve had in a long time. But the only thing I can think about is getting her home and back in my bed.

“Good game,” Kane says when we’re done with the post-game interviews and back in the change room.

“Maybe Coach won’t have to trade you after all,” Tyler says from across the room.

The kid is just talking out of his ass, but Kane is already on him before I get a chance to respond. “Pretty sure it’s your ass that’ll be on the chopping block if you keep getting called for stupid penalties.”

Tyler opens his mouth, then shuts it when Kane glares at him. I just chuckle, because nothing, not even Tyler Slade can put me in a bad mood tonight.

“Anything you want to tell me?” Kane asks when it’s just the two of us.

“Like what?” I know exactly what he’s fishing for, and I have no doubt it’s Brynne who put the idea in his head.

“You seem...” He tilts his head, lips twisting as he studies me. “I don’t know. I guess you seem obnoxiously happy.”

A deep laugh rumbles in my chest. “I am.” I wink. “Obnoxiously happy.”

“Yeah?” His eyes narrow. “Does this have anything to do with Kiley being here tonight?”

“It has everything to do with her being here.”

“And?”

“And I’m still trying to figure out theandpart.” I rub the back of my neck and glance around making sure no one is listening. “I’m falling for her.”

Kane takes a steadying breath. “Okay.”

“That’s it?”

“Like I said before, you’re both adults.” I hear thebutin his voice and see his lips turn down.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Just say what you want to say.”

He leans forward, forearms on his thighs, mouth pursed and a knot forms in my gut when he doesn’t answer right away. “Look, it’s probably nothing, but... Kiley’s bank account is connected to mine, that’s why I noticed. I wasn’t prying—”

“Noticed what?”

He scrubs a hand over his jaw. “Her bank account is empty.”

“Then put more money in it. Or I will.”

“It’s not about the money. You know I’ve made sure she’s comfortable. But...” He shakes his head. “Are you sure she’s not using?”

“I’m getting really sick of you accusing her.” I stand up, tension forming in my shoulders, my fingers balling into fists ready to defend her, even from her brother if I have to. “She’s clean. Always has been. She’s not your mother—”

“She’s taken out several thousand dollars in lump sums over the past year. This afternoon she emptied it again. What the hell am I supposed to think?”

Fuck. What the hell are you still hiding, Kiley? “It’s not what you think,” I mutter. Even though my own suspicion builds. Not that I think she’s using, but I have no doubt this has everything to do with that asshole I’d seen her with in the alley.

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