Page 125 of The Head Game

“But…” Nico turned and looked at August, smiling, completely at ease. “After, we ended up making it official. C’mon, Auggie, hold up your hand and show the man your engagement ring.”

Oh. The pieces clicked into place. Oh! Nico Arents, you are a goddamn genius. August would never admit that aloud but Nico had really done it. He’d told Jon the truth about what had happened between them, yet spun it to make everything sound much more romantic than it was. He’d insinuated the proposal had taken place at Nico’s bedside while he was recovering from surgery.

A desperate declaration between two people in love.

Damn, he was good.

August could kiss him. Maybe he should kiss him.

August held up his hand to show off the ring as he turned his head, pressing his lips to Nico’s cheek.

“Everything Nico said is true,” August said, the tension bleeding away, leaving profound relief. “Thinking I had caused Nico’s accident … it was devastating. I was terrified he wouldn’t make it. Terrified I was at fault. I had to see with my own eyes he was safe and healthy. Nico’s family was still on their way from Europe and I—I had to be there with him. I blurted out I was his fiancé in a moment of panic and I felt so remorseful after, but being able to be by his side was such a relief.”

Jon nodded, his gaze warm, his smile understanding. “Well, I think anyone would panic if the person they loved was in that position.”

Nico pressed closer. “Auggie barely left my side. He was there watching over me day and night. I’m such a lucky man to be engaged to someone like him.”

He gave August a soulful look.

Okay, you might be overselling it, Nico, August thought with an internal grin, but he was giddy they’d pulled this off.

Nico had pulled this off.

“Congratulations to both of you,” Jon said. He neatened a stack of papers. “I am happy for you. But unfortunately, it still raises questions about August’s impartiality.”

“What about the idea of having him ref games I don’t play?” Nico said. “I mean, it’s not like he’s biased about everyone. Just me. And really, who can blame him?”

Jon grinned at Nico’s quip but quickly sobered. “The league has to do their due diligence. They’re going to want to review every game you’ve refereed with Nico in it.”

“Even if we weren’t involved until this season?”

“I don’t know. The ones from last season might only be reviewed as a formality but the league may want to cover their bases just to say they didn’t miss anything.”

August sighed. “And what does that mean for me in terms of my career? What happens during the investigation?”

“I can’t say for certain yet, but suspension pending investigation is almost guaranteed.”

August nodded, his throat thickening. “How long do you think the investigation will take?”

“A week or two, I’d expect. You’ll likely be called in to at least one meeting.” Jon glanced over at Nico. “Have you spoken with your NHLPA rep yet, Nico?”

“No.” He grimaced. “I’ve been a little busy.”

“Obviously I can’t say anything in an official capacity but I’d recommend you contact your agent and speak to Kate Foster. The two of you can get the ball rolling on an official press release.”

Nico gave a short nod. He was looking tired, leaning a little more heavily on August.

August didn’t think it was feigned.

They talked for a few more minutes but when Jon excused himself, August spoke up. “One moment, before you go. I know you can’t promise anything but I’d like your unofficial thoughts. What are the odds I have any career left after this?” August asked around the lump in his throat.

“Not great.” Jon sighed. “It’s possible you’ll be banned from officiating at this level.”

August’s heart thumped with fear. “Permanently?”

“I hope not. I will certainly do my best to talk them down to something more reasonable. Maybe a year or two.”

“A year or two?” Nico said. “That’s fucking nuts. He didn’t do—”

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