Page 51 of The Closed Off Captain

Rico laughs, and Aiden cracks a smile. “Come on, let’s get out there,” Aiden says.

It feels good to step out onto the ice. I pick up speed and let my concerns fade away for just a few minutes. I mentally put myself back into the role of captain. Even though I’m not playing tonight, I need to help my teammates snag a win tonight. We need this one.

Far too soon, it’s time to head back for just a few minutes. I’m the last to leave the ice. When I get close to the hall where my teammates are disappearing, I see her taking video. I step off the ice and onto the carpet. My eyes scan her face, and the anger that’s been simmering in my belly rises to the surface. She lowers the phone. “You ready for the game, Coftman?”

I stop in front of her. “Not playing.”

“I know, but you still have to lead your team to victory.” My scowl deepens; I hate not being out there with my team.

“Hey, you okay, Big C?”

I take in her hand on my arm and her softer voice. This is a side of Chloe I don’t see often, if ever. Then she does something that shocks me. She wraps her arms around me. I freeze, so shocked by it. By the time I start to move, she’s already pulling back. “What was that for?” My words are almost a growl.

“You look like you needed a hug.”

“Coftman,” one of the assistant coaches yells.

She steps back, creating distance between us, and I hate it. I want to say something to her—tell her that I’m going to fix all this somehow, that I hate that she got hurt because of me—but I stay quiet. None of those words will come. “I’ll see you after the game.”

She nods, back to business. “You’re up first in the media room after the game”

“Coftman!”

I turn away from her and make my way to the locker room. I need to get my focus back where it needs to be for the next few hours—on this game. And then I’ll deal with everything else.

Chapter 24

Chloe

I watch Gunner walk away and feel my heart tug. I hate it that he can’t play, but hopefully he’ll get cleared soon. I post a few pictures while I wait for the team to come back out. I make a mental note to take some more ibuprofen soon; my face is killing me. It’s not long before the away team is introduced, and the hall behind me fills with Green Thunder players. The same excitement fills me that always does at the start of a game. The guys are announced, and they skate out. Gunner doesn’t skate out with the team; he walks out with the coaching staff instead. I finish with the shots I want and then make my way through the arena to my seat for the night. I haven’t braved sitting with the wives again; that was a lot the first time. Instead, I sit where I usually do—down close to the ice, close to the action. I'm not into it as much tonight; I think it’s probably just exhaustion from the week and the pain in my face. I don’t let myself think about Gunner not playing being a reason; that’s not it at all.

I end up heading to the family and friends lounge to get some extra work done and keep the game on my phone, so I can keep up with the score. Sebastian scores in the first period, and Aiden in the second. The other team scores one in the third, but with two minutes left, we’re still ahead by one. I head back into the arena and wait in the hallway where the guys will make their exit. Rico holds them off, and we get the win. The guys are all smiles as they head off the ice. “Good game,” I call out to each of them as they pass. Sebastian gives me a grin, and I snap it for his fans. Gunner doesn’t say a word when he passes with thecoaching staff. I follow the team and head back to the family and friends lounge where I left my bag. I lean against the wall and post to the Green Thunder social media accounts.

“Chloe.” I look up in surprise.

“Hey Trent, who are you here to work on?”

“Why didn’t you come see me about your face? What happened?”

I wave off his concern. “I took a hit from a psycho woman, but I’m fine.”

“It doesn’t look fine, Chloe; it looks terrible.”

“Thanks,” I say dryly.

“No seriously. Did you get it checked out?” He steps close and puts a hand on my jaw and tips it up.

“It’s fine, Trent.” I take a step back, right into something solid.

Trent looks behind me with a wariness in his eyes, and I don’t have to guess who’s behind me. A heavy hand lands on my waist. “Thanks for your concern, but I’ve got her.” The words are low and devoid of any emotions.

I turn to look at him, giving him my narrowed gaze. It doesn’t even faze him. “You ready to go?”

Only because I know Trent is watching, and who knows who else, I nod. I grab my bag off the table, but before I can put it on my shoulder, Gunner takes it from me. He puts his hand on my lower back, and I start towards the exit. “Bye, Trent,” I manage as we walk past him.

Only once we’re outside in the lit parking lot, do I talk. “Was that really necessary?” I don’t step away from him in case anybody is out here watching.

“He was touching your face.”

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