Page 103 of Rebel Bride
Not so careful I couldn’t resist touching her in the kitchen before Franky walked in on us. And before that, “careful” would not be how I described Summer on her knees in the showers behind me.
I blew out a breath, so tired of keeping it in. “I’m fucking crazy about her, J. But she’s too close to this Carter situation, to how it’s upended her life, to give me—us—a chance. I want to help any way I can, but now she wants to focus on her career and on getting a job with a franchise.”
I filled him in on Summer’s career aspirations before going on.
“There’s something between us—I think we could be amazing together—but Carter ruined her trust. And she sees me as one more obstacle, a damn puck chaser whose career will always come first. Getting all tangled up is too risky for her.”
Jason looked sympathetic. “She’s not wrong, though, is she? As much as we want women who are independent and kick ass, we also want them to drop everything when we call. We are the neediest assholes on the planet.”
Wasn’t that the truth. But it didn’t have to be. I wanted Summer to feel she could have it all, where all included me.
“Speaking of being summoned, I’d better head up to see Ryder.”
Jason frowned. “Not sure you should be talking to him without Lauren present.”
“Not too worried. He probably wants to pump me for info on Dad’s plans. This is still Theo Kershaw’s house.”
Ryder didn’t want to talk about Dad. I had to admit I was surprised when, after about thirty seconds of small talk, he asked me how I thought last season went.
“For me?”
He nodded. “I want to hear your thoughts.”
“I could have played better. I worry that the org put faith in me that I was unable to fulfill. I listened to the press too much, let it get in my head, and frankly, felt the pressure of being on the same team as Dad. I also worry that … I’m here because of him and not because of me.”
Ryder didn’t look surprised at my word vomit.
“It’s an unusual situation, a father-son duo on the same team, but I’m going to be honest. We don’t frame our acquisition strategy around publicity stunts. Of course, the attention has been a bonus for the franchise, but we would never have brought you on if we didn’t think you had what it takes to make a real contribution to this team. There’s too much money at stake.”
He held up a hand before I could respond. “I know we shouldn’t be talking about contracts or business without your agent present, but I wanted to get a sense of your mindset as we move into the next season. The contract’s on the table but the delay makes me think you’re considering other options.”
Ryder was no fool.
“You know Lauren has been feeling other teams out?”
“I hear things.”
I blew out a breath. “I love Chicago. I love this team. And it kills me to know I’ve let these outside influences into my head. I don’t know what my dad’s going to do next year, but if I can’t make this team better, then I don’t know if I should be here.”
Ryder looked pained. “Well, I appreciate your honesty. We’re going to need a decision soon, so maybe talk to Lauren and let us know where you stand.”
I nodded. “There is something else I’d like to talk to you about.”
“Oh?”
“Summer Landry.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Summer
* * *
I was in Binny’s Wine Depot, trying to figure out if a twenty-five-dollar Merlot with a picture of a giraffe on it was fancy enough for Rebels goalie Noah Boden when a familiar voice sounded behind me.
“Hi, Summer!”
I turned to face Elle Kershaw, Hatch and Adeline’s mom. I hadn’t seen her since … I was going to say the wedding, but I hadn’t even seen her then. I was too busy sprinting the other direction. Now it was doubly hard to speak to her without my face turning beet red.
