Page 169 of The Blame Game

“No way.” Shea blinked. “This is crazy.”

“After the code of conduct passed, things got a little … nuts. The media here is intense to begin with and there has been so much scrutiny on the team, especially after everything that happened in Evanston two seasons ago. Kate’s been scrambling to keep things out of the press and well, a good romance covers a multitude of sins.”

“Tell me about it,” Shea muttered.

August narrowed his eyes. “Wait, does this mean you and Dom …”

For a moment, Shea hesitated. But if he couldn’t trust these guys, who could he trust?

“Please don’t tell anyone else because I’m not sure how Dom would feel about everyone else on the team knowing but it’s true that I used to work as an escort and Dom hired me,” he admitted. “We’re not ashamed of it at all but we’re both realistic about how that’ll go over with the general public. Plus, Dom’s so private about everything and there’s my family and my career as a PT and …”

“Of course,” Charlie said, patting his knee. “Totally understandable and you both have a right to keep things private if you want.”

“But you and Dom are together now, right?” August asked with a frown. “Romantically, I mean.”

“It definitely feels like it sometimes but Dom has been so closed off for so long. I don’t want to push him past what he’s comfortable with.”

“Honey,” Charlie said, taking a sip of his tea. “The man came out of the damn closet for you. He took you on a public date. He brought you to a team event.”

“All of which also help cover his ass and protect the team,” Shea reminded him. “But it’s not that I think Dom doesn’t care. He does. But is he ready to be in an actual relationship? Is he willing to say he’s in love? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

“I think he may surprise you.” Charlie crossed his legs. “And the good news is, the team seems to have very good luck when it comes to PR relationships turning into real ones.”

Shea chuckled. “There is that.”

August frowned. “Has anyone figured out who the leak is yet?”

“Not officially.” Shea sighed and tipped his cup back to drain the rest of his coffee. “It sounds like Kate is working on it but there isn’t any concrete proof yet. Unfortunately.”

“Dom? Are you awake?”

The sound of a familiar voice made Dom blink, his eyelids so heavy they didn’t want to move. Everything was blurry for a moment before he focused on a handsome face.

“Wow.” Dom tried to reach out and touch him. “So beauuutiful. Are you an angel?”

The man laughed lowly, capturing his hand in a gentle grip. “No, baby. I’m Shea, remember?”

“Shea?” Dom blinked. “Do I know you?”

“Yeah. You definitely do.” His smile widened.

“Mr. Olson,” a woman said and it took a lot of effort for Dom to turn his head. An older woman in scrubs stood nearby. “Hi. Glad to see you’re awake. I’m your nurse, Gloria, and that’s your boyfriend.”

“Really,” Dom said, awed. “He’s mine?”

She grinned. “Sure looks like it. He was in the waiting room all morning with your friends and he’s been right by your side since you got out of recovery. He seems pretty smitten with you to me.”

“Wow.” Dom turned his head to stare at Shea again. “How’d I get so lucky?”

Shea smiled.

Gloria said, “Well, you’re not half-bad either. And I hear you’re a pretty good hockey player too.”

“Used to be.”

“Hey, none of that,” Shea said, reaching out to stroke his hair. “You’re still an incredible player. And once you heal up from this surgery, you’re gonna get back on the ice and show everyone that.”

“You promise?’

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