Page 81 of Crossing Lines

He dropped into his desk chair and leaned back. “So, what I need to know is, what is this Owen character going to do if we keep this under wraps?”

I swallowed hard. He was willing to keep my relationship with Jonah a secret? “I don’t know.” My heart plummeted. Knowing the lengths Owen had gone to already, he wasn’t going to stop with one letter. With a scoff, I hung my head. “Shit, he’ll probably keep sending them until he finds someone who’ll listen.” I was fucked. I crept my gaze to Finley’s. “Maybe I should quietly resign.”

“Just before the Frozen Four? No fucking way, Gibson.” With a shake of his head, he scowled. “I’ve been waiting too long to bag this championship and I think this year we have a winning team.”

“I think you’re right.” Warmth swelled in my chest. I’d been blessed with a great group of players. But how to handle Owen? “So, what do you suggest?”

“I’m not sure yet.” His gaze softened. “But I know we need you out there. You’re a great coach.” He squeezed my shoulder, then snatched the letter from me and set it on his desk. “I’m going to hang on to this for now.”

“Yeah, okay.” I scanned around the room, my pulse slowing. He wasn’t going to out us to Patterson, and with it being a non-issue soon, maybe it would go away.

“I do think it would be a good idea for you to stay away from Boehm.” Planting his hands on his hips, he paced behind his desk. “You know, until the season ends.”

Fuck, Jonah would never go for that. “Sure,” I said, nodding. I’d at least talk to Jonah about it. I rubbed my sweaty palms over my thighs.

“Don’t you think? I mean, no reason to give this guy more ammunition.” He puffed a breath out of his nose. “Then if he gets to Patterson, you can say it was a one-time thing, and it’s over.” He peered at me. “Right?”

“I suppose.” But Jonah didn’t deserve that. We were in love. We were making plans for our future. I tensed my jaw. We’d have to be even more careful around Finley and Patterson from now on. No midnight rendezvous in my hotel room when we were traveling. I stood up. “Hey, thanks, man,” I said, holding out my hand.

He slapped both hands around mine and shook it. “Yeah, well, shit happens, and you’re both consenting adults. Plus, I saw how much you care about him when he hit his head.” He freed my hand. Ticking his shoulder, he said, “And you’re right. You’re not his direct coach, and you’ve never gotten between him and me on the ice. Some of these rules that are meant to protect the players go a little overboard.” He brushed his hand down the back of his short hair. “Let’s, uh, let’s both keep an eyeout for your boy Owen and see if we can intercept any more letters.”

“Agreed.” Though, if I saw him around here, I might throttle the bastard. I stepped to the door and placed my hand on the knob.

“Oh, and, Gibson?” He stood and gave me a lopsided grin. “Have a good practice.”

I waved behind me as I opened the door. “You too. And thanks again.” I strode down the hallway to the rink. Holy shit, I’d been given a second chance.

Later that evening,I paced across my living room floor in front of my patio doors, the setting sun throwing hues of red and orange across the sky. When Jonah arrived, I had to look surprised about the invitation, but then I’d have to tell him about the letter.

My front door clicked, and Jonah swept it open, then closed it behind him, a broad smile lighting up his face. “Hey.” He sauntered into the room, and I met him next to my kitchen island.

“Hey.” I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and hauled him in for a quick kiss.

Hooking his arms around my waist, he held me for a heartbeat, then let me go. “I have news.” He snatched my hand and led me to my sofa.

“Yeah?”Pretend to be surprised…I sat in the corner of the sofa and he fell in next to me. “So?” If I hadn’t known about the invitation, I’d probably have already sideswiped him with Owen’s letter. Fuck it, it could wait.

With his smile growing even wider, he rocked once. “I had a meeting with the Leafs’ scout today.”

“You did?” I met his gaze. “And?” I bit my lower lip.

“And I’ve been invited to the camp.” He squeezed my hand. “We’re going to Toronto in July.” He giggled. “I’ll be missing the Fourth of July, but who gives a fuck?”

“Really? That’s great, Jonah.” As a grin tugged my mouth, I threw my arms around him and pressed a hard kiss on his lips. “I’m so happy for you.” I studied him. How long did I have to wait before I told him about Owen’s letter? This was fucking stupid. Owen had ruined this moment for us.

“Yeah?” His smile waned and he cocked his head. “What’s, uh, what’s wrong?” He looked me over. “Did something happen?”

Fuck. I was no good at faking shit. “I’m sorry, Jonah, but I have some bad news.” I dipped my head, my chest aching. How was he going to react to this? I tensed my lips, then focused on him. “You know how happy I am for you, though, right? You deserve this.”

“Thanks.” He slumped his shoulders. “What’s the bad news?”

I scoffed. “Fucking Owen made good on his promise and left a note about us in Coach Finley’s mailbox.” I opened my mouth and made to speak.

“What the fuck? Are you still a coach? Did you get fired?” With wide eyes, he gaped at me.

“Finley’s keeping it quiet. He’s the only one who got a letter.” My chest prickled with heat. Holy shit, what if Owen had handed them out to all the coaches? This would be ending very differently. “He doesn’t want a scandal to upset our chances in the Frozen Four.”

With a tsk, he said, “Yeah, sounds like Coach.” He chuckled. “Wait, a letter? Like a handwritten letter?”

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