Page 145 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“Is it true that you, along with Grayson Collins, and Bennett Masterson are involved in a polyamorous relationship with a Southeastern librarian?”

Holy fucking shit.

The world around me spun in a dizzying flurry. As it came shuddering to a stop, I gripped the podium to keep myself upright. Blinking furiously, I desperately prayed that I was hallucinating.

But the buzzing hum from the press corps told me it was real. When I tried to speak, my mouth had run so dry that my tongue stuck to the top of my mouth. “I…uh.”

“Is it also true that she is pregnant and one of you is the father?”

The bomb of a question detonated, sending a deafening roar through the reporters. Cameras started flashing maniacally. When the press corps surged forward, Coach Murano grabbed my arm and dragged me off the podium. But as we tried to make our escape, the reporters followed us. Bennett and Grayson barely made it into the locker room before Coach and I slammed the door.

After glancing at the three of us, Coach cocked his brows. “Would you three like to tell me what the hell is going on?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: GRAYSON

Bending over at the waist, I placed my hands on my thighs while I fought to catch my breath from racing into the locker room. Everything was such a blur. One minute I was on top of the world from our victory and Theo’s MOP, and the next, the rug was jerked out from under us about our involvement with Vivian.

As my breath started regulating, I could hear Theo and Coach Murano talking. My hearing was all muted like I was underwater. Raising my head, I blinked at Coach Murano in shock. Of course, I could barely see him. Because of all the flashbulbs, everything before my eyes was black blobs. Shaking my head, I tried focusing on what he was saying.

“As far as repercussions from the hockey program, I can’t imagine any.” At Bennett’s relieved breath beside me, the black blob with Coach’s voice shook its head. “That’s only because the season is over and you three are seniors.”

“Thank God for small mercies,” I mused. And thank God that my vision was coming back. But when I looked at Theo, I wished it hadn’t.

His ashen face scared the hell out of me. “T?” I questioned.

He dragged his forlorn gaze to mine. “Whilewedon’t face anything here, I sure as hell do with the scouts.”

With a grimace, I muttered, “Fuck.”

Theo shot a pleading look at Coach Murano. “What should I do?”

Coach ran his hand over his salt-and-pepper beard. “I wish I knew, Novak. It’s not like the program has ever faced anything like this.”

“Then what would you do if you were me?”

After appearing contemplative, Coach replied, “I’d send them one hell of an apology text. I mean, the most epic grovel you could ever pull out. Then I’d have my shit together with ideas for all sorts of community service to improve your image–opportunities both here until you start the season and then ones there for after you start.”

As Theo took in Coach’s words, Bennett stepped forward. “If it would help, Gray and I could send letters, too. You know, explaining the situation.”

With a groan, Theo shook his head. “I’m not sure it would help if they found out how you and I felt about each other.”

Coach Murano’s brows shot up as his mouth dropped. “Wait, so you two…”

To my surprise, Theo chuckled. “Yeah, Coach, we’re a thing just like me and Vivian are a thing. We’re all a big thing.”

I held up my hand. “Except me. I’m just straight with Vivian.”

“No pun intended,” Bennett mused with a grin.

Coach staggered back a little. “How long has this been going on between you two?” He shook his head. “Sorry, that's none of my business. I’m just in shock.”

“Four years for me,” Bennett replied while Theo said, “Three months.”

“Fuck me, I would’ve never guessed it.”

“Does it bother you, Coach?” Theo asked.

“Hell no. I mean, I’m not that way, but I don’t see why you two can’t be.” A sheepish look came over his face. “I gotta say it’s the four of you together that I have an issue with, not the two of you.”

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