Page 8 of Check & Chase
“Is West still playing for them?”
The mention of Tyler’s name sends a fresh wave of nausea through me. Another complication I’ve been trying not to think about.
“Yes. But it’s fine. I’m a professional. I can handle my ex-boyfriend being on the team.”
“Your ex-boyfriend who cheated on you with a puck bunny in your own bed. I should have broken his fucking jaw when I had the chance.”
“And gotten suspended? No thanks. Besides, that was years ago. I’m over it. Over him.”
“Just because you’re over him doesn’t mean you should have to see his smug face every day.”
He’s not wrong, but I don’t have many options. Jobs for sports physical therapists don’t exactly grow on trees, especially not in Pinewood.
Jackson sighs. “I just… I worry about you.”
His tone softens, and I feel a pang of guilt. He’s been protective of me since our dad died, even more so after my accident.
“I’m fine. I’m a professional. The fact that you play for a different team doesn’t matter.”
“Does Mom know you took a job with Satan’s hockey team?”
I laugh. “Yes, and unlike you, she’s supportive.”
“She doesn’t understand the blood feud.”
“There is no blood feud, you dramatic ass.”
“Tell that to my missing tooth from last season’s playoffs.”
I roll my eyes. “Goodbye, Jack. I have work to do.”
“Be careful around those guys, Em. Especially Mitchell.”
I nearly drop the phone. “What?”
“Chase Mitchell. Womanizer with a shady past. Remember I told you he got caught with his previous team’s physical therapist? It didn’t end well.”
The knot in my stomach tightens. “I’m hanging up now.”
“I’m serious, Em—”
“Goodbye, Jackson.”
I end the call and stare at the wall. Great. Just when I thought this couldn’t get more complicated.
A knock at the door makes me jump. A woman around my age pokes her head in, dark hair pulled back in a messy bun.
“You must be Ms. Anderson.” A warm smile accompanies her words. “I’m Jen, one of the athletic trainers. Peterson asked me to see if you wanted to grab lunch.”
I return her smile, grateful for the distraction. “That sounds great. Call me Emma.”
We head to the staff cafeteria, which is surprisingly nice for a sports facility. As we eat, Jen fills me in on the team dynamics.
“The Bears are a tight group, mostly good guys. A few egos, but that’s professional sports for you.”
“What about Chase Mitchell?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
Her expression shifts. “Chase is… complicated. Talented as hell but has this chip on his shoulder. Something happened at his old team. He keeps to himself mostly, except on the ice. And with women.”
