Page 86 of Facing the Line

Hunter’s brow furrows in thought. “Yes and no. There are some new personalities to adjust to, but that happens every yearin college. Training camp has everyone all mixed together, too. And it’s hockey.” He shrugs, as if that says it all.

And in a way, it does. Hunter was born to play this game, and he’s excellent at it. Some things come naturally, and hockey is that for him.

He pins me with a stare. “How are you feeling about your upcoming season?”

“Oh, you know.” I glance around the locker room, not meeting his gaze. “It will be fine.”

I don’t tell him about the guilt that weighs on me, about the impending sense of doom I’m hit with when I think about the start of the season. I don’t tell him about my compulsive need to work out, to push myself, to not let the team down this time.

He raises a brow. “Fine, huh?”

“Yep.”

“How’s Hadley doing this summer? I worry about her.”

While thankful for the subject change, I want to walk through this minefield even less than I want to talk about hockey.

“Um, I think she’s good.”

“You guys have become pretty close friends, yeah?”

“Yeah.” I try not to squirm in my seat.

He blows out a breath. “I’m glad. She needs someone looking out for her.”

Why do I bristle at his words? “I get you want the best for her, dude, I really do. But sometimes I think you forget she’s a grown woman and capable of taking care of herself.”

He runs a hand through his hair, rueful. “You’re probably right. I just… Natalie and her family are amazing, and I’m so grateful… but Hadley is all I’ve got. You want to protect your baby sister, don’t you?”

Emma flashes in my mind. “So much.”

“Imagine if she was the only person on the planet who was related to you who cared about you. Wouldn’t that magnify it a bit?” He clears his throat. “I just want her to be safe and happy.”

The weight of his reality hits me in the gut, along with a punch of guilt for lying to him. Is Hadley safe and happy? The smile that lights her face every time we kiss would say so.

I stand and clap him on the shoulder. “I’ll do my best. But also—family is what you make it. Hadley’s not all you’ve got.”

I’d do anything for my team, including the guys who’ve graduated. Hunter, especially. While it’s not brotherly affection like he wants, I have a spot in my heart for his sister. And that means he’s family.

His throat bobs in a swallow as he stands and grips in my hand in a firm shake. “Thanks, man.”

I pull him in for a quick hug, springing away as Natalie and Hadley come rushing back. Hadley holds out her phone, face stricken.

“What’s wrong?” Hunter and I both say at the same time.

Hadley looks shell-shocked, so Natalie speaks, gripping her arm. “Hadley’s mom called. She’s having surgery, and Hadley needs to fly to Boston right away.”

Chapter

Thirty-Eight

HADLEY

Hunter: Any updates?

Hadley: She’s out of surgery and doing fine. We’re on our way home. Thanks for checking in.

Hadley: Sorry to miss the fireworks and everything.

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