“What happened? The last thing I remember is someone knocked over Olson, and I jumped onto the ice. Shit, is it a concussion? Am I going to miss the rest of the games? Miss us winning the cup? Wait, did we even win last night?”
Dad scooted the chair closer and sat down. “You’re not missing any games. You just have to take it easy for the next couple of days before the Panthers take on Seattle.”
“We won.”
“Yeah, you won.”
I dropped my gaze to my lap. “Sorry that I scared you. I just...That’s our goalie. No one touches Tom. Not ever.” I glanced back at my father. “Is he okay?”
“Tom’s fine. I think he had a little flashback from his accident, though.” Dad tilted his head. “They’ve pulled him for the next couple of games. Jax thought it was a good idea, and honestly, I think Tom felt the same way.”
Tom had had a horrible accident which took him out of the game for a bit. But with the help of his husband, Blake, and his brother, Jackson, he was back to playing the best hockey of his life.
“Oscar’s in.”
He wasn’t going to like that. Sometimes I wondered why he even played hockey. He got really upset and nervous when theyput him in the net. It would be probably tenfold with it being the playoffs.
“I should call Tom and Oscar. Make sure they’re all right. Where’s my phone?” I asked when I didn’t see it.
Dad shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. Tom and Oscar are fine. They were both here, but you were resting. You can talk to them tomorrow once you’re home. You had a full house of people until the hospital kicked everyone out and left the three of us to stay in your room.”
“The three of you? You mean the three of us? You, Dean, and me?”
“No, I mean the three of us.” Dad pointed across the room.
Sleeping in an over-sized chair was Reed. He had his legs curled up in a fetal position, which didn’t look very comfortable. But he was here. For me? My throat suddenly grew tight, and I wanted to run. Get out of this hospital as fast as possible before Reed woke up. Why was he here? He had made it more than clear he didn’t want me anymore.
“He insisted on staying. Told everyone he was your husband, just they wouldn’t kick him out.” Dad chuckled out a quiet laugh. “I like him, Cole. He’s perfect for you. Kind, caring, and smart. But you never told us he left, though. That you were in love and then Reed got scared. Dean and I just thought it was a summer fling for the two of you.”
My jaw dropped. “Reed told you about that?”
“He told us a lot. We had a lot of downtime while we were waiting.” Dad leaned forward. “When we invited him—well, Ezra did—he didn’t seem too excited to be there. But when you went down on the ice? Reed was terrified. Confessed a few things that maybe he hadn’t meant to, but he loves you. That’s more than obvious.”
I tried to swallow around the lump in my throat. My stomach twisted into angry knots as I stared at the man who had broken my heart. The one I had been chasing for the past five years.
“Me, too,” I whispered. Then I let out a giant yawn as exhaustion took over.
“I’m going to head home. Dean’s not going to get any sleep until I do. But we’ll be back in the morning to make sure you get home safely.” Dad climbed to his feet, leaned down, and gave me a tight hug. “I love you, Cole.”
I sniffed softly. “I love you, too. Dad. And tell Dean I love him, too. Hug Trish for me, okay?”
“Of course. Get some rest.” Dad kissed the top of my head. “And maybe go easy on your boyfriend. I know what he did hurt you, but I meant what I said. Reed loves you. You obviously have a few things to talk about before you can figure out what you both want, but I promise you it will be worth it.”
I opened my mouth to tell him Reed wasn’t my boyfriend, but I bit my tongue. I gave my father a little wave as he left the room before my eyes moved to where Reed was. I wanted him to come closer. Wanted him to tell me in his own words that he loved me. But the heaviness of my eyelids and the exhaustion pulled me under before I had the chance.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Reed
Last Night
Ilet Zach convince me to go the Panthers game, and the moment I stepped into the VIP section, I regretted it. Dean and Beau were thrilled to see me again. Ezra mentioned another WAGs outing that also included Zach, and Blake hugged me like a long-lost friend. Everyone was so nice to me. I knew that if they knew the truth, they would change their minds. Realize that I was a monster who didn’t deserve their friendship. I spent most of the game watching Cole, wishing things had been different. Wondering what would have happened if I’d stayed.
“You could act like you’re happy to be here,” Zach murmured. When I turned to glare at him, he grinned. “You look like you’re going to your execution. Smile, babe, you’re beautiful, and your man is a huge star. You’re going to make beautiful babies together.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not my man,” I grumbled. “What’s going on between you and Tate?” I spat, only to regret it instantly.
Zach’s neck flushed pink as he looked away. “Nothing. We’re just friends.”