Page 85 of Facing the Line

“So this is where the magic happens, huh?” Jonas asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

If possible Hunter’s smile gets wider. “I’m not sure about magic, but?—”

“Dude, you’re playing professional hockey,” Jonas interrupts him, shaking his head in wonder. “The dream. There’s no other word for it.”

Natalie leans in and kisses his cheek. “And you worked so hard to get here. We’re so proud of you.”

My brother clears his throat and glances around the locker room, his gaze landing on me. “Not to pile on the mushiness, but thanks for coming today. It’s awesome to have my family with me.”

His family. If things are strained between our dad and me, they are pretty much non-existent between him and Hunter. I’m all he’s got, and I don’t take it lightly.

But he also has Natalie. I guess family is what you make it. And maybe I want it more than I thought.

What would Hunter say if he knew about Jonas and I? Could he accept it? They smile at each other, the bond of friendship strong between them. He wouldn’t begrudge me the happiness he’s found, right?

I’ll see how the rest of the day goes. But maybe it’s time to go public with what I’m feeling for Jonas. Because I don’t think I can let him go at the end of the summer.

Chapter

Thirty-Seven

JONAS

The Wolves facility is cool, and I’m thrilled for Hunter. He’s worked his ass off to get here and came back from an injury that could have ended his career before it started. This is his dream, and I love seeing how fulfilled he is. But the locker room is full of strangers, and to me, it feels empty.

Do I want this? It shouldn’t be that hard to answer, but damned if I know.

Hadley and Natalie wander off in search of the restrooms, and I grab a cushy folding chair with the Wolves logo emblazoned on the back and sit, facing Hunter’s locker.

He runs a hand through his hair, his gaze far-off. “Man, sometimes I can’t believe I’m here. Like, is this really happening?”

I smile. “You’ve earned it.”

He shakes his head. “Nah, I’ve barely begun. I still have a lot to prove.” With a sigh, he snags his own chair and sprawls into it. “It’s gonna be crazy hard.”

“Yeah, but you’re Hunter Thompson. You’re not afraid of hard work.”

Hunter gives me a rueful grin. “You know, if it was just about the game, I don’t think I’d mind too much. But Natalie…”

He trails off, and I raise a brow. “Is something wrong?”

Hunter and I were roommates for two years and we get along well, but it was clear he was closer to Cooper. That made sense—they came in as freshmen together. When he got injured last season, it was weird to take his spot on the line. I probably imagined the tension between us, but the crush I had (have) on his sister didn’t help.

But Cooper is a thousand miles away, and thanks to Hadley and proximity, Hunter and I have become solid friends. I hope I’m not out of line by asking about his relationship, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He blows out a breath, and a dreamy expression clouds his eyes. “It’s great. So great. I’m honestly worried about being away from her so much.”

“Oh.” That surprises me, because hockey has been his number one priority for so long. I struggle to come up with something to say. “You love her, yeah?”

He nods so hard he looks like a bobble head. “So much.”

“And you’re willing to put in the work?”

“Desperately.”

I lift my shoulders. “Then I think you’ll figure it out. Between texts and FaceTime, you can still talk when you’re away. Make time for her when you’re home, show her she’s important, and it will get you through the times when you’re gone.”

The pinched expression on his face relaxes and he exhales. “Yeah, that makes sense. I can do that.”

We sit in silence for a second before I ask, “Is it weird to play for a different team?”

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