Page 85 of Endless December (Sleepless November Saga 2)

“What the hell are you doing here?” I snap, seeing Abby standing in the driveway. Holden’s grip on my hand tightens.

She opens her mouth to answer, but Jo walks around Holden and down the stairs. “I invited her.”

My jaw drops and Holden looks angry. Yet, before either of us can ask why, Jo approaches a smug looking Abby and punches her directly in the face. The three of us gasp as Abby stumbles to the ground, holding her cheek. Jo stands above her, mentally daring her to get back up.

“That’s what happens when you mess with my family.” She warns. “Stay the fuck away from my brother.” She turns away from Abby to face us. “Ready to go?”

A bark of laughter leaves Holden’s mouth and I happily skip down the stairs, wrapping my arms around Jo and hugging her tightly. “You’re my favorite person ever right now.”

She chuckles as I let her go and climb into the car. Jason wraps his arm around her and kisses her cheek. “That was so hot.”

JO AND I ARE leaning against the wall near the locker rooms, waiting for Holden to bring us our tickets, when a player from the opposing team comes walking down the hallway. We only make eye contact for a second, but it causes him to stop and put his hand on the wall next to me.

“Hey there, gorgeous.” He greets, trying to sound sexy.

I narrow my eyes. What kind of pig says that to someone he doesn’t even know? “Can I help you?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure your number wouldn’t hurt.”

“Sorry, I have a boyfriend.” I reply, attempting to let him down easy.

He finds humor in my words and laughs in a way that radiates arrogance. “Well it’s a good thing I’m only looking for some fun then. How’d you get down here? You lost, honey?”

“Ugh.” I scoff. “I’ll have you know my boyfriend is captain of the team you’re about to play against, and if I were you – I’d leave before he catches you hitting on me.”

The man rolls his eyes and leans in closer. “Rivers? You really need better taste in men, sweetheart.”

Just as I push him away from me, Holden comes around the corner. “Hey, get away from her!” He yells, handing Jo our tickets and pulling me into his arms.

“Whatever.” The player scoffs. “If you’re looking to upgrade, you know where to find me.”

As he walks away, Holden moves to follow but I grab his arm to stop him. “Don’t. He isn’t worth it.” Thankfully, he listens, kissing my head while he watches the man leave – with GARRET largely printed on the back of his jersey.

THE GAME IS TENSE, with the Black Bears only winning by two points. You can tell by the look on Holden’s face that he’s frustrated. Every time he goes to score, something gets in his way. Jason has already been in the penalty box once, and judging by the way he’s playing, he’ll be back in there again soon.

It’s nearing the end of the third period when Garret skates over to Jo and me. He takes no measures to hide the fact that he’s hitting on me, with Holden watching intently. I can see his face darken in anger.

The puck drops, putting the game back in play. However, Garret is focused on me when he should be focused on Holden. My boyfriend skates away only to turn around and charge right toward him. Holden rams into the douchebag with a force that should have knocked them both on their asses. Instead, they hit the boards – Garret’s head slamming into the glass. Almost immediately, the arrogant prick rips his helmet off his head and throws his gloves on the ice, challenging Holden to fight him.

The whistle sounds and the other players turn their attention away from the puck, to the brawl that’s unfolding right in front of me. My heart races as I watch the two of them swing, striking each other in the face. I feel like I’m going to be sick, but Jo doesn’t look nervous at all.

Garret says something to Holden that only he can hear, and with one quick glance at me, something snaps in him. My boyfriend grabs him by the jersey and starts pounding into him relentlessly. Garret doesn’t even have a chance to swing back, his face spewing blood and already starting to swell. It isn’t until it’s obvious that his nose is broken, that the ref blows the whistle and breaks up the fight.

Holden shakes his hand, sending blood splatter flying away and onto the ice. I’d be worried if I wasn’t already sure it’s not his. Due to the injuries, Holden’s benched for the rest of the game. He skates off the ice and starts walking toward the locker room as the paramedics tend to Garret.

“Let’s go.” Jo tells me, grabbing my wrist and pulling me with her.

We get to the locker room just as the game goes back into play. I barge in, unconcerned with the possibility of someone else being in there. I can hear the shower running, and Josephine stays back as I go find him.

“Christ babe. Are you okay?!” I ask as soon as I see his already bruised hand.

He turns off the water and wraps a towel around his waist. “I’m fine.” He chuckles, walking past me and back to his locker. “Bet that’s the last time someone tries making a move on you here.”

I can’t help but smile as I shake my head in disbelief, watching him put on his basketball shorts. “Do you feel better now?”

Pulling his shirt over his head and putting his bag on his shoulder, he smirks. “Much.” He puts his arm around me and leads me out of the room - Jo follows behind. “Jason said he would get a ride back from one of the guys. He’ll meet us at the house.”

“Oh, great.” I quip. “Leave me all alone with Mike Tyson and Ronda Rousey.”

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