Page 77 of The Head Game

“Manning, I’ve been looking for you. We need to talk.”

August flinched and stepped out of the elevator. “Uhh, sure. What’s going on?”

“Not here.” She glanced around. “We’ll discuss it in the conference room I’ve been using as my HQ.”

“Oh.” Isa gave them a curious look. “We’ll go check in on Nico. If he’s resting, we’ll be in the lounge.”

All of Nico’s family disappeared down the hall but Skylar didn’t move. “I should be there for this.”

Kate lifted an eyebrow. “I fail to see why. This discussion is about Nico and August’s relationship.”

She crossed her arms. “And Nico’s not recovered enough to fully take part in a discussion yet. I’ll go in his place.”

Kate huffed but jerked her head. “Fine. Come along.”

She led them to a small conference room and closed the door. “Have either of you checked social media lately?” she asked the moment it was shut.

“No,” August said, dread growing with every tense moment that ticked by. “I’m not on a lot to begin with and I’ve been a little busy the past few days. Why?”

“Because we have a problem.”

Kate pulled out her phone, tapped something into it, then turned it so August could see a JockGossip article displayed.

Numbly, August took the phone from her and Skylar slid close, peering at the screen. August held the device out so they could both read at the same time, his stomach sinking with every word.

Fisher Cats Defenseman Rushed to Hospital After In-Game Fall—Mystery Beau Revealed?

Nico Arents is conscious and in stable condition following a seizure that occurred during the recent game against Buffalo.

Updates indicate that while still hospitalized, he’s hopeful for a quick return to the ice.

The incident raises serious questions after referee August Manning was spotted in the same hospital shortly after Arents was admitted.

Recent rumors have swirled around Arents’ involvement with someone within the league. Could Manning be the mystery man?

A credible source claims the two are engaged. “He has been so doting! He’s barely left Nico’s side.”

Tongues are wagging as their off-ice involvement throws Manning’s on-ice impartiality into question.

How will the league react? Thus far, they have declined to comment but given the new Code of Conduct, there will be some tough questions to answer for these men to keep their romance and their careers.

“Oh no,” Skylar whispered. “Oh shit.”

August couldn’t even manage that much. He blindly thrust the phone away from him, grateful when someone took it.

He staggered back, the backs of his knees bumping against the chair behind him and collapsed onto it.

He couldn’t seem to pull in any air and he heard a strange wheezing noise before he realized it was coming from him.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” August put his head between his knees. This was his entire career. His reputation.

Nico was fine and he was fucked.

Someone sat beside him, rubbing his back. “Hey, you’re okay. Try to slow your breathing if you can. I think you’re having a panic attack.” Skylar’s tone was soothing.

August swallowed hard but he did as she instructed.

When he finally lifted his head, still feeling shaky, both Kate and Skylar had worried looks on their faces.

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