Page 69 of Check & Chase
The cool November air hits me as I step outside. I look to the right, and there she is, standing under a streetlight, still wearing my jersey.
“Hey,” she greets with a small smile. “Sorry I’m late. Took forever to get an Uber.”
“You’re worth the wait, Blondie.”
She rolls her eyes, but her smile widens. “Smooth talker.”
“Fair warning, it’s loud in there. And the guys are already giving me shit about you coming.”
“Let them,” she declares with confidence. “I can handle a bunch of hockey players.”
I follow her inside, enjoying the view of my name on her back. I place my hand on the small of her back to guide her through the crowd of teammates offering introductions and drinks. She handles it all with grace, declining alcohol in favor of a soda, laughing at the right moments.
“Reserved for the most beautiful woman in the room,” I tell her as she slips into the booth. A second later, I slide in beside her, and our thighs press together.
“You’re annoying.”
“Part of my charm.”
The conversation flows easily. Emma fits in better than I expected, trading friendly barbs with Keller and asking thoughtful questions about the game. I’m so caught up in watching her interact with my teammates that I don’t immediately notice Tyler’s arrival.
“Anderson,” he says, the slight slur indicating he’s had more than a few drinks. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Tyler,” she replies coolly. “Goodgame tonight.”
His gaze drops to her jersey, expression darkening. “Nice outfit. Team spirit and all that.”
I slide my arm around Emma’s shoulders. “My name brings out her eyes.”
His jaw tightens. “Bit soon for the jersey ritual, isn’t it? You two have been together what, a few weeks?”
“When you know, you know,” I reply. Emma’s thigh presses against mine under the table, a silent warning.
“And it just happens to be with the physical therapist. Convenient, given your history.”
The implication makes my blood boil. I start to rise, but Emma’s hand on my arm stops me.
“My relationship with Chase is none of your business. Just like your relationship with Carina is none of mine.”
The mention of Carina hits a nerve, and his expression twists. “Me and her are taking a break.”
“Sorry to hear that. Now if you’ll excuse us, Chase and I were having a nice time before you decided to make a scene.”
Tyler leans closer. “You’re making a mistake, Em. Mitchell’s using you. Ask around about what happened with his last PT.”
“I know exactly what happened,” she states, the certainty catching me off guard. “And I know who I trust. News flash: it’s not you.”
“You’ve changed.”
“I’ve grown up. Maybe you should try it sometime.”
Donovan appears, clapping a hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “West, we need you for a team photo. Management wants some social media content.”
He hesitates, then nods stiffly. “This conversation isn’t over, Emma.”
“Yes, it is,” I interject. “She’s made herself clear.”
After Tyler is led away, Emma releases a shaky breath. “Well, that was fun.”
