Page 16 of The Closed Off Captain

“We’re not going ring shopping,” I argue.

“We are,” he says. “We have to make it look real, right?” He starts to walk backwards down the hallway. “What time are you free tomorrow?”

I realize this is a losing battle. “In the morning.”

“I’ll pick you up at nine.” He turns and begins to walk away.

“I’ll just meet you somewhere.”

“Be ready at nine,” he calls back, and then he pushes through the door and is gone.

I give him a head start before I make my way to the media area. When I get there, I stand at the back, where I normally do, to monitor things. It’s my job to make sure things don’t get out of hand during these interviews. Thankfully, Gunner’s not first; so, it gives me a few minutes to mentally prepare. When he steps upto the table a few minutes later, I realize it wasn’t nearly enough time. I feel a presence at my side.

“Hey, Chloe,” Sebastian says with a grin.

“Hey,” I say somewhat absently. There’s a presence on my other side, and I turn to see Rico.

“Hey,” he says easily, crossing his arms across his chest. A glance behind me shows Aiden standing just a few feet away.

I narrow my eyes. “What gives guys?” I ask quietly before Gunner starts.

“We’re just here to support Cap,” Sebastian says nodding towards Gunner. He says it with a grin, though; and I narrow my eyes.

“He told you, didn’t he?” I accuse.

Sebastian’s grin broadens. “He sure did.”

I don’t bother saying anything, because what is there to say? The entire world’s going to know about it in just a few minutes anyway. I tap my fingers on my arm as the questions start. There’s a few questions about the game, and then they get right to it. The first question about Jenny makes me tense, even though I knew it was coming. I tighten my fingers on my arm as I watch Gunner. He stays cool and calm. “I set the record straight last night on my interview with SportsStop; you all must have missed it.” He says the words dryly, earning him more than a few chuckles. The media has always been respectful of the team captain; he’s earned their respect over the years. “In case you missed it, let me set the record straight this one time, and then we’re not talking about it anymore. I’ve never been in any kind of relationship with Jenny, and I did not father her child. I am however in a relationship with Chloe Liessman.” I suddenly feel the weight of every single eye in the room. I’m not exactly unknown with the media personnel that cover these games. I want to take a step back, but with the wall of muscle at my back and sides, I can’t. I suddenly wonder if that’s why they’rehere. I miss Gunner’s next words but get the gist of them.We’re engaged, in a relationship...I tune into his next words when his tone changes. “I told you everything you’re going to get. So don’t go to her and ask a bunch of asinine questions. You need something? You come to me. Chloe’s off-limits.”

“Yeah, she is,” Sebastian says under his breath with a big grin on his face.

“Next question,” Gunner demands. “Notabout Chloe.”

And just like that, it’s done. The questions move back to him and the games ahead. I feel a tug at my elbow. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before they descend,” Sebastian says. I’m about to refuse when I really think about it. I don’t want to be standing here when they finish. Despite Gunner’s threat, I know many of them personally. I’ll be mobbed. I nod and follow Sebastian out of the room. Aiden and Rico follow.

“When did he tell you?” I ask Sebastian as we walk away from the room.

“Oh, we’ve known for a while,” he responds easily.

I frown. “We just decided today.”

“About the engagement,” Rico interjects.

“Oh, that. Gunner told us this afternoon,” Sebastain says.

“Wait, what were you talking about?” I ask.

“Come on,” Rico says. “We need to get out of the area before they release the bloodhounds.” I pick up my pace to keep up with their long-legged strides. Soon, we’re back in the friends and family area. The three of them spread out, each of them moving to their women. My stomach tightens, and I turn away. Sometimes, I feel like I’m an integral part of this team; other times, I feel like an outsider looking in, trying to find her place. To distract myself from these dismal feelings, I open my iPad and respond to several emails and begin my to-do list for tomorrow.

A shadow falls across my iPad, and I glance up. Gunner hasn’t even had a chance to shower and change yet. “How’d it go?”

“Fine. If anybody tries to mess with you or hassle you about it, let me know.”

I roll my eyes. “I can fight my own battles, Coftman.” I close my iPad. “All right. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” I turn and walk away, but he stops me.

“Chloe.”

I turn back. “Thank you for doing this.”

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