Page 74 of From Ice to Home
I draw her closer, my hand firm on her waist, urging her to look at me instead. “Sanders, are you alright?” I keep my voice low, steady. “Do you want some champagne? We still need to get you a drink.”
She exhales, just slightly before looking up at me with a smile on her face. A smile that’s too perfect.
“That would be great,” she says. “I just have to go to the restroom real quick.”
She’s gone before I can say anything else, and my side suddenly feels empty.
“What was that about?” I ask Megan, not bothering to hide my irritation. “Those women aren’t part of our party, Megan. Why would you tell Hannah anything different?” I ask, my tone firm and even.
“I’m only pointing out the facts,” Megan answers before stepping back into Declan’s arm. She’s holding on to him with every available limb, staking her claim. “She’s new to this world, and I just want her to know the ins and outs. Am I wrong, Charlotte?” Megan asks, looking to Mitch’s fiance forback-up on the matter. “The bunnies will always be around looking to grab a player, so the WAGS need to stick together.”
Charlotte’s expression tightens.
“That’s true,” she concedes, her voice cool. “But why would you go out of your way to point it out to Hannah? That’s something else entirely.” She tilts her head slightly. “Unlike you, she’s got nothing to worry about.”
Megan blinks, like she might’ve misheard. Then she laughs, but it’s not as sharp as before.
“Excuse me?” she asks, looking around our table.
Charlotte doesn’t flinch.
“You heard me,” she says, gently letting her left hand rest on the table, her diamond catching the light. “You’re standing here talking about ‘bunnies’ like you’re not doing the exact same thing—hanging onto a guy with a contract like it’s the only thing that matters.”
Mitch exhales sharply through his nose, gently resting his hand on Charlotte’s back. He doesn’t say anything. Neither does Declan. Neither does EJ.
Megan lets out a small scoff, shaking her head like Charlotte is being ridiculous.
“I’ve been with Declan for months,” she argues, leaning into him to prove her point. “It’s hardly the same thing.”
Charlotte arches a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
Megan’s lips press together before she tilts her chin, looking up at Declan with eyes wide and expecting. “Dec, do you think I’m a puck bunny?” she asks, her voice lilting and begging for reassurance.
Declan hesitates. Just for a second.
And that second says everything.
He schools his expression, forcing a chuckle as he looks at all of us.
“Nah,” he says, absentmindedly brushing a kiss against her temple. “You’re different.”
Megan beams, satisfied. Clearly it’s enough for her, but Charlotte doesn’t look impressed. Megan forgets that we’ve all been around for Declan’s seasonal girls. Every year he introduces us to someone new, and after the playoffs I’m sure Megan will be taking her exit.
I glance toward the back of the restaurant, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hannah, but she’s still gone. My chest tightens slightly.
I don’t like that she walked off alone.
I don’t like that Megan upset her.
Pushing off the table, I turn to Charlotte. “I’m going to check on her,” I say, nodding at my teammates.
Charlotte’s expression softens. “Good idea.”
“A wife is hard work,” Mitch says, trying to lighten the mood but it’s not really hitting home right now. Charlotte gives him a soft smile, leaning into her fiance.
“Work I’ll gladly do, Cap,” I say. “Any day of the week.”
I need to find my wife.
