Page 13 of Player Problems

“I assumed.” Daniels will eventually be his agent once he’s ready to move up to the NHL and abandon his amateur status. For now, he’s considered an advisor and is the go between for James and the team that drafted him. There aren’t many other reasons James would be so distracted.

“The Panthers are nervous about this season with Vhalen out after that injury.”

I grimace, knowing the hit he’s talking about. “That bad?” They haven’t actually released how long he’ll be out of the season for yet. But for the team to be nervous and looking at their prospects, it can’t be good.

James nods. “They were already thinking about pulling me up at the end of the last season, but after our loss,” he hesitates, dropping his gaze from mine. My chest tightens. We were all a mess in that game. “They didn’t need me, they had a good roster of centers and they thought one more season would be good for me. Maybe even two. But looks like this really will be my last season here.”

Pride, excitement, and sadness all mingle inside me. James is on the younger side and didn’t get drafted until after his freshman year due to his late birthday. That’s the only reason he’s even made it to his junior year here. Otherwise, they would have already pulled him up.

Clapping my hand on his shoulder, I beam at him. “Proud of you, man. Might not be as good as orange and gray, but red and black will suit you.”

He chuckles, tension easing out of his shoulders. “It’s exciting and sad all at once. I love being a Wolf.”

It’s a part of sports. Not playing with the same people for long. An ever-evolving team as players move between divisions and cities. But it never gets any easier to say goodbye to a good linemate. “Just means we need that championship even more this season.” Our last one together.

James rolls his eyes. “As if we needed any more motivation.”

“Ah, fuck. She’s spotted me,” I curse as Clarissa walks into the room. “Maybe you should tell her your good news,” I tease James.

He flips me off. “Why do you think I’ve kept that shit so quiet? Last thing I need is a scandal right now. I’m on my best behavior.”

I snort. “Sounds boring.”

“You wouldn’t know anything about that, now would you?” He lifts his now empty cup in salute as he rises from the couch, patting my knee as he does. “Try not to make any babies while you’re out there avoiding the horrors of being boring.”

I shudder at his words. His chuckle as he walks away says he didn’t miss it either. The fucker. He knows how traumatized I was by the whole thing. I’ve got nothing against kids, but I keep it wrapped for a reason. There are a million things I want to do before I get to that point in my life.

Clarissa’s eyes flare with excitement as they land on me. Yup. It’s time to blow this popsicle stand. Ain’t no way I am being lured back into her bed, and I wouldn’t put it past her to have extra tricks up her sleeves.

Hopping off the couch, I turn my back on her as I head towards the backyard. Beau bumps into me and catches his hand on my shoulder. “Where’s the fire?” he asks, his gaze scanning over my shoulder. His eyes darken as soon as they find Clarissa. “Who the fuck invited her?” Real anger pulses through each one of his words.

I shrug, patting him on the back. “Not sure. Not sticking around to find out.”

He gives me a disbelieving glare. “Zac?” He sighs, running his hands through his long hair. “Get out of here. I’ll deal with it.” He hesitates, “But it’s time to tell the rest of the team what happened.”

The thought almost gives me hives, but I nod reluctantly. If she isn’t backing off, it’s only a matter of time before she tries the same thing with someone else. Zac is only a freshman, so he wasn’t here when the incident occurred last year. It’s been ataboo subject for the guys who do know as it really threw me off my game. It wasn’t something I ever thought I would have to be careful about.

I can’t take credit for wins all on my own, and it’s the same for losses, but it would be a lie to say the incident wasn’t a major contributor to our loss in the Frozen Four last season. “I’ll skip out on that team bonding exercise,” I say and slip past him, not sticking around to watch him confront Clarissa.

My mood is much darker as I take shelter in the backyard. There aren’t as many people back here and it’s easy to fall into the shadows. Maybe I should just cut out early and head home. Checking the time, I scoff at myself. It isn’t all that early anyways. Time flies when you’re having fun, and apparently it just disappears when you can’t tear your eyes off a doorway, waiting for a feisty dark-haired vixen to walk through them.

I tap my phone against my lips. I got her number from Isla. She never would have handed it over if Torryn didn’t want to see me again. Despite what Wells thinks, his girlfriend was amused by the whole thing. Although, she did threaten me not to leave such a mess in her living room next time. Torryn must have never cleaned up the spilled tequila. My lips twitch as memories wash over me.

Fuck it.

I did promise her a next time.

I can’t help but grin as I pull up her contact and shoot her a text.

Baylor

Ready for me to make good on my promise?

Torryn

Depends on who this is

Her response is quicker than I expected.

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