Page 65 of Ice Contact

I glance over to Zack shaking his head, raising his hands saying he had nothing to do with this. I look back to Bougie with one eyebrow raised. “How did you hear about that?”

“When are you going to learn that I know everything?”

“Ignore him,” Vladi growls, as he smacks Bougie on the back of the head. “We saw David in the hallway and I asked if we could get The Weapon back. We have not won a home game since she’s been gone. He said it was in the works. You know how it goes, brother. Now that Olivia is yours, she’s part of the Rider family. And we look after our own.”

How the hell does my grumpy-as-fuck best friend say the most profound words and why is my chest so damn tight right now.

“Fuck, Vladi. You’re like…Russian Yoda,” Bougie pipes up. “So Larsy, is it true? Is she back?”

“Well…there’s more to the story. Apparently, they are not allowed to date the players. So, we’re in a bit of a situation now. I don’t want her to give up this singing gig. She loves it so much. But I’m sure as hell not ending things with her.”

Zack looks up from unlacing his skates, his brows furrowed with worry. “Oh, shit. I didn’t think about that.”

“I didn’t either. I don’t want to get her in trouble or fired, and I don’t know what the organization will do.”

“Well, you won’t go anywhere. Milwaukee isn’t going to trade their new star center because he’s dating the anthem singer. Her on the other hand…” Zack glances at me with a sad look in his eyes.

I look to Vladi, needing some more of his Yoda-like wisdom. He pauses for a moment, his eyes narrowed, deep in thought. “You know Larsy…there is a way to fix this situation.”

My heart races faster than me flying down the ice on a breakaway and I can’t help the dumbass smile forming at what he’s implying. “Yeah…I do. You guys down to help me with it?”

Bougie walks over, putting his arm around my shoulder. “That’s what teammates are for.”

40

olivia

“We still haven’t talked about it yet,” I groan to Maggie over FaceTime. “We haven’t talked about theamazing planwe were going to come up with to keep dating while keeping my anthem job. Avoiding it is best, Mags, I cannot possibly talk to him about this while he’sconcussed.”

She glares at me like I’m about to be sent to my room. “Olivia! Youneedto talk to him. You have to work this out.”

“I know,” I mumble, flopping my head back on the couch in defeat. “But…if we talk then it becomes…real. And real means something bad is going to happen.”

“Okay, that doesn’t mean something bad is going to happen. You love him, don’t you?” she asks, her voice guarded. “And he loves you?”

“More than anything.” My trembling heart flutters thinking about just how crazy in love I am with this man.

“Then what is the problem here? I know you two haven’t been together long, but you’ve overcome a douchey ex-boyfriend, getting fired, and a car accident. If you can deal with all that, you can surely work through this. If I didn’t know better, it sounds like you’re talking about a conversation withCayden, whowouldhave berated you, instead of Hayes, who does nothing but support you. He thinks you walk on water, Liv.”

“Mags…why do you have to drop a truth bomb like that?” I whine, punching a throw pillow and pouting like a toddler. “I just want you to tell me to bottle up my feelings, eat an entire pint of ice cream, and sit on the couch and cry.”

“I’m dropping this truth on you because I think you actually found a guy you can talk to about your truths.”

Damn her. Why does she have to be right?When you’ve been living in the dark cave of fear for so long it’s hard to walk into the light, allowing yourself to be out in the open where you’re all exposed. While I may love being physically naked around Hayes, my emotions are still shy, bruised, and slow to heal from my past.

I wish I had the confidence in relationships that I have singing.When I’m on stage I know exactly what I’m doing. There is no fear. No hesitation. Nothing but the deep seeded feeling of belonging. In relationships, I’m a scared baby bird trying to get the courage to flap my wings and leave the nest.

“I guess you’re right,” I groan, spinning on my heel. “I’m headed over to pick him up, but just so you know Isohate you for being logical.”

“Hate you too, Liv!! Be fearless and logical!” she exclaims with a wave before I end the call.

Maybe I should be fearless and logical.Grunting, I jam my phone into my pocket.Damn best friends and their advice.

Pulling up at the practice facility, Hayes is waiting outside like a little kid being picked up from school, his face splitting into agiant grin once he spots my car.He’s so freaking adorable. He hops in the car, leaning over to give me a kiss before buckling in.

Okay, Olivia you can do this.

Putting the car in drive, I head toward the parking lot exit.Just talk to him about this…later…after dinner. Yeah. Perfect. After dinner.

---