Page 27 of Match Penalty

This isn’t how this is supposed to go. I'm supposed to be over this.

I shouldn't be jealous of her.

I shouldn’t be jealous of any woman getting his time.

It’s her loss, not mine.

"Cammy—" He reaches for me but I step away, knowing that JP's touch has a way of soothing me, like he did when I bared my soul to him in that guestroom over a year ago, and that's the last thing I need right now. Falling back into his arms will only make me relive my mistakes a second time—once is plenty.

"I hope she's at least smart enough not to get in a car with you again." I head for the door, twisting the handle and opening it. "Goodnight, Jon Paul."

He walks to the door slowly, his shoulders tense. "I did everything wrong that night. Everything except for the time I spent with you. I'm sorry I hurt you."

I pause, my hand on the doorknob. "Maybe this time, take an Uber to her place instead of driving. The Hawkeyes would prefer you didn't wrap your car around a tree.”

His face pales, and for a moment, I think he might argue. But he doesn't. He just nods, tucking his hands in his pockets.

The door closes behind him with a soft click that seems to echo in my empty apartment. My phone chimes immediately with a text.

Dad:Be careful with him, kiddo. He has a reputation that I've seen firsthand.

As the silence settles around me, I glance at the crumpled fortune in my palm.An old flame may reignite.

Not if I can help it.

Chapter Seven

JP

My phone buzzes for the third time as I walk through the quiet corridors of the Hawkeyes' stadium. My hair's still damp from the post-practice shower, and the chill seeping through my skin makes me grateful for my thick team hoodie.

My phone buzzes as I pull on my jacket. The screen lights up with Angelica’s name.

Angelica:You’re trending again. Congrats, Dumont. #GoalieComeback is all over socials and I woke up to several emails requesting one-on-one interviews and sponsorship offers. The Dumont gravy train is back on track.

Me:I only care about one thing. Getting off PTO and earning a permanent spot on the team. I need that contract, Ang.

Her response is immediate.

Angelica:I know. And with Everett wanting to make waves in the sports world, this is improving your chances. So don’t screw it up. If anyone from the media asks about the DUI charges or anything from that night, you say “no comment.”

My jaw clenches as I type. Being in this situation and not being able to tell Cammy the truth is what bothers me the most.

Me:There has to be another way to get her to trust me without anyone knowing what happened that night.

Angelica:You got her to trust you once. Just do it again.

I exhale. It took me three years to get Cammy to show up, to break through her walls and show her that I was worth taking a chance on. And if it takes me another three years, I’d do it gladly. But now I’m fighting against more than just hearsay. She thinks she’s experienced it firsthand.Angelica’s right, of course. I can’t afford any mistakes—on or off the ice.

I type a quick response before shoving the phone into my pocket.

Me:Got it. Stay focused. Don’t talk to strangers.

Angelica:Love you

Me:Je t’aime aussi

I pocket my phone, Angelica's words echoing in my head as I make it to the edge of the rink, my vision fixes on the figure moving across the ice with deadly determination.

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