Page 55 of Check & Chase
“That not everything is about her. Should be an interesting night.”
“That’s one word for it.” She chews her lower lip, a gesture I’ve come to recognize as nervousness. “There’s something else we need to discuss.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Jackson. My brother. He’s going to hear about this, probably within the next twenty-four hours if he hasn’t already.”
“Ah. Captain Anderson of the Wolves, who already thinks I’m the devil incarnate. That should go well.”
“He’s going to lose his mind,” Emma confirms. “Not just because you’re a Bear, but because of the rumors about your past.”
I tense. “I told you what really happened.”
“I know. And I believe you. But Jackson’s protective, and he’s only heard the rumors.”
“So what’s our play? Deny everything? Come clean about the fake dating?”
Emma shakes her head. “No, telling Jackson it’s fake would defeat the purpose. He’d never be able to keep it from Tyler. I’ll handle Jackson. Just be prepared for some hostility.”
“More than the usual attempt to separate my head from my shoulders?”
“Much more. He once chased a guy two blocks for asking for my number at a bar.”
“Terrifying,” I say, though secretly I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Emma studies me. “This doesn’t bother you, does it? Any of it—the gossip, the complications, my brother potentially trying to murder you?”
“Nope. Makes things interesting.”
“You’re strange, Mitchell.”
“You like it,” I counter with a grin.
She doesn’t deny it, which I count as a win.
As I’m getting ready to leave, a thought occurs to me. “Hey, what exactly did Jackson tell you about me? Before I explained what happened?”
Emma hesitates, clearly uncomfortable. “Just that you had an inappropriate relationship with your PT and things ended badly.”
“Did he mention why I was traded?”
“He said there was a scandal, that it was hushed up.” She meets my gaze directly. “I didn’t believe it even before you told me the truth.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’ve been on the other side of power dynamics in sports,” she explains simply. “I know what it’s like to be young and vulnerable with adults who are supposed to protect you.”
“Your coaches?”
She nods, her expression closing off slightly. “One in particular. After my accident, when I was trying to come back too soon. He pushed. Said pain was just weakness leaving the body. That champions don’t quit.”
“Sounds familiar.”
“I ended up reinjuring myself because I trusted him over my doctors. Another surgery, another six months of recovery. That’s when I finally accepted I’d never compete again.”
“I’m sorry, Emma.”
She shrugs, the professional mask slipping back into place. “Ancient history. But it’s why I push so hard as a PT. I’ve seen what happens when athletes ignore medical advice.”
