Page 55 of The Head Game

She grinned.

“So why did you become a ref? Don’t most hockey guys dream of playing in the NHL instead of being a referee?”

“They do,” he admitted. “But not everyone has the talent to make it. And some guys have barriers that’ll keep them from pursuing it. Money, usually, but for me, well, I knew I was gay.”

“Ohhh.” Skylar’s nod was understanding.

“Some guys are fine being closeted but I knew I couldn’t be okay with that. I wanted a husband and a family, and I couldn’t imagine trying to have that as a player. All of that sneaking and hiding isn’t ideal for creating a real life with someone, you know?”

“I get that.”

August shrugged. “No one cared if I was a gay referee. I mean, plenty of players and fans have hurled slurs at me but most of the time I don’t think they know I’m actually gay. It’s just the go-to insult. It’s gotten better lately but it’s not gone.”

“That makes sense. Are you seeing anyone seriously?”

“No. I wouldn’t cheat on someone. Not even with Nico.”

She laughed and nudged his elbow. “You could have an open relationship.”

“True. Not my thing though. No, I had a bad breakup last year and I hit pause on dating and such for a while,” he admitted. “The situation with Nico was a—a lapse in judgment.”

“I’m taking a break from all that too.” Skylar rubbed her belly. “The father bailed on me and yeah, I decided this was not the time to date anyone new. I’m going to put my time and energy into me and the baby.”

“Sure. I understand that. What an asshole though. The father of the baby, I mean.”

“Yeah well … this is why I’m grateful I have Nico. He’s been a good friend through all of this. I wish I’d been less distracted though. Maybe I would have been able to get him to go to the doctor’s …”

“I’ve been wondering the same. He seemed … off before the game last night. I should have said something.” August let out a heavy sigh. “But he’s an adult, right? I mean no one can force him into it.”

“True.”

“I guess the only positive is that at least I know I didn’t do anything wrong with the call I made on the first hit he had.” That was an enormous weight off August’s shoulders. He wasn’t responsible for Nico being hospitalized.

“I will never understand why you guys are so willing to get pulverized that way.”

August smiled. “I think either it’s in your blood or it’s not.”

“Still …” She looked down at her stomach. “No hockey for you, baby. We are not letting your Uncle Nico drag you into it.”

Chuckling, August shifted in his seat, his butt beginning to go numb. “Yeah, good luck with that. Nico seems like the kind of guy who gets what he wants eventually.”

“Ugh. Tell me about it. Stupid charming bastard.”

“Yeah, I’m glad I won’t be around for that argument.”

Skylar’s eyes gleamed. “Maybe I’ll make you the baby’s godfather just so you’ll have to be there.”

August snorted at that idea. “Sure. I’d like to see you try.”

“There’s always blackmail. I could expose your lie about being Nico’s fiancé to the media.”

“I’ll take my chances.” August stretched. Damn, he really was feeling tight after last night.

Skylar grinned. They both knew that was an idle threat.

“So what about you?” August asked, twisting to try to crack his back. “Who is Skylar Hanley?”

She laughed. “Billionaire heiress turned influencer, of course.” There was something weird in her tone and he glanced over.

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