Page 104 of The Golden Goalie

I lean back and glare daggers up at him. First off, he’s so stinking tall in his skates and massive with all his padding on. I poke him in the chest, not that he feels it. “Am I okay? You fought with him.”

His eyes darken, and his smile slips. “Yeah, Baby, I did. And I’d go several more rounds if they’d let me.”

“Rico.”

He grins at me. “I tried to tell you to sit this one out, remember?”

I shake my head. “I will never understand hockey players.”

“We’re a wild bunch,” Sebastian says, joining us and punching Rico in the chest. “Did you see your man out there throwing down? I’m so proud of my boy.” He ruffles his hair and Rico grabs his wrist and twists. I back out of the way, so I don’t get stuck in the middle of it.

“Go shower, Sebastian,” Stephanie says loudly.

He turns to her with a grin. “Yes, Ma’am.” He turns back to us. “I love it when she uses her sexy teacher voice on me.”

Rico shoves him. “Go away.” Sebastian all but skips over to Stephanie and hauls her in for a kiss.

I stare up at my man. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

He grins. “Never better.” I release the breath I feel like I've been holding all night. “I’ll go shower, and then we can get going, okay?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

He pauses. “You good?”

“Yeah.” I give him a weary smile. “I’m good.” He walks into the locker room, and I sit down to wait. The door to the waiting area slams open and crashes into the wall. I turn in surprise to see Chloe storming into the room, which is a feat in those crazy high heels she’s wearing.

“Hey Chloe,” Stephanie says with a saucy wave. “Whatcha doing here?”

“I’m here to talk to those boneheads in there,” she says, marching forward. We all watch openmouthed as she walks right over to the locker room and throws the door open. “Cover up. I’m coming in!” The door shuts behind her, and we all stare at each other.

“I think she’s the bravest woman I know,” Bri says.

“Or the dumbest,” Stephanie adds.

My eyes widen when I hear shouting coming from the locker room. Seconds later, the door opens, and she comes storming back out. “Uh, are you okay, Chloe?” Bri asks tentatively.

“No, I’m not okay. Those idiots are going to be the death of me.” Without another word, she storms off.

“Well, at least she’s not intense or anything,” I mutter, causing Stephanie to bust a gut. “I'm going to head out to the car,” I tell them suddenly feeling like I can’t stay awake another minute. I think my adrenaline is crashing after this crazy night. “Can you tell Rico I’ll meet him at home?”

“You sure?” Bri asks.

“Yeah. I’m really tired.”

Her eyebrows knot in concern. “Why don’t you wait for him to drive you home?” That suddenly sounds like a much better idea.

“Yeah, that sounds even better. Can you tell him I’m in his truck?” He gave me a key to his truck for this very thing. I can go sit in his truck and get the heat going and just relax while I wait for him. I make my way out to the parking lot and go to my car first so I can get everything I need for tomorrow. I’ll see if he can drop me off here tomorrow to grab my car. My stomach knots when I think about what tomorrow is. I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow. I try not to think about it because I’ll get sick again. I open the backseat and grab my bag. When I turn around, I let out a small scream. “Adam! You scared me. What are you doing?” He grabs my arm, and I tense. I’m suddenly aware thatI’m outside by myself in a dark parking lot with a man I don’t trust.

“You need to call off your guard dogs,” he seethes.

“Hey Amber,” Bri’s voice sounds from somewhere behind me. “You left your phone. I brought it...” her voice fades. “Get away from her!” she demands.

My panic doubles when she comes into view. “It’s okay, Bri; we’re just talking.”

Adam shakes me hard. “No, we’re not. I’m warning you what will happen if you don’t call off your guard dogs. I haven’t done anything to you. I stayed away just like I was warned by that psychopath.”

Bri comes and stands next to me. “Go away, Adam. You’re just upset because you lost. Go home and cool off.”