Page 144 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“They’ll have to suck it up,” Damien concludes. “Everyone’s all talk now because we haven’t had a solid game yet. When they see us on the ice and our potential, they won’t give a puck about our real-life relations.”

“At the end of the day, winning games is what makes this industry richer, not our sexual identities and relationships,” Maddox declares. “So we’re not backing down, Baby Girl.”

“I guess I just have to be confident in what I want,” I whisper more to myself and squeeze their hands. “What we want.”

“Now you’re taking, Jagiya,” Damien encourages.

“If it isn’t Nurse Johnson.”

I cringe at the squeaking voice, my heart stilling before I peer over my shoulder to see Caren with a C.

“Caren,” I begin and notice she’s in scrubs with an ID badge. “What are you doing here?”

“Working?” She rolls her eyes. “Unlike you interns, I already have a nursing job. I work with clients in the community as well as do shifts here and there here at the hospital. Funny seeing you here.” She gives me a long up-and-down look before she’s acknowledging my choice of attire.

“Especially in Saskatchewan Pincer attire. Suddenly want to cheer for your father’s team?”

“No harm in doing both,” I admit. “Vipers don’t mind, right Maddox and Damien?”

“No problem here,” Damien declares with a shrug.

“At least until we get back and I enjoy throwing that in the fireplace,” Maddox mutters.

“Maddox!” I steal my hand so I can elbow him.

“Next time you’re wearing my jersey everywhere,” he announces, then leans in to whisper rather loudly, “Until I take of it off you myself.”

The look we share makes my cheeks so red, I have to look like a tomato.

“I’m not here to have a front-row seat in your odd fake romantics,” Caren groans. “At least you’re fooling social media.”

I want to comment on that, but Damien squeezes my hand. A glance his way and he shakes his head slightly.

“Anyway, I’m gone. Enjoy your pretend smitten act you’re pulling.” She moves past us and heads for the elevator.

We don’t speak until she’s out of sight.

“I don’t like her,” I confess.

“Likewise,” Maddox agrees.

“She’s one we should keep an eye on,” Damien adds. “She’s a bit troublesome here. She’s only still working in this organization because her parents are rich and are big sponsors, but a lot of people aren’t pleased with her presence.”

“Aren’t you worried she saw us holding hands?” I ask.

“Nah,” Maddox replies. “With the circumstances you just endured, that’s something we can deflect if need be.”

“Okay,” I replied, but I’m a little worried.

I kissed both of them in public without really acknowledging we were in the hall. Anyone could have recognized them and taken a photo.

I have to be more careful.

“Don’t worry about it, Jagiya,” Damien reassures me. “We’re not people pleasers. Whatever happens here on out, we take it on as champs together.”

“Together,” I whisper and I’m back to holding their hands. “Alright. I’ll rely on you guys to remind me.”

“Good.” Maddox lifts my hand to his lips. “Now, off to Damien’s place.”

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