Page 38 of No Rhyme or Roughing
A heavy breath escaped him. “It’s just… that was really fucking gross, man.”
It had been anything but gross, but I got it. Sydney was his little sister. “You know she’s a grown woman, right?” I wished I hadn’t realized that myself.
“No.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “No, Ry. She’s ten years old. Ten and annoying but impossible not to love. She needs our protection.”
“From who?”
He stared at me, dumbfounded. “Assholes like us.”
I rolled my eyes. Teddy wasn’t an asshole. Sure, he was the king of one-nighters, but he treated women well, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Sometimes, I’d been so focused on hockey I could be neglectful, but I nevermeant to hurt anyone. Not even Sam. Especially not Sam.
The moment Sydney had kissed me, the pity in my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s eyes didn’t feel so heavy, not like the burden I’d carried for too long. Once Sydney kissed me, all that existed was her.
“If you really think your own sister needs protection from the kind of guy you are, Ted, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your life.” I patted him on the shoulder, trying to act like that moment in the hall wasn’t still filling my mind with images.
Teddy pushed my hand away. “It’s Sydy.” His voice was pleading now.
“Don’t you think I know that?” God, it tortured me every waking moment, trying to forget how long I’d known her. “But she grew up. Without any help from us. And trust me, kissing her in front of Sam and Sullie was not my idea.”
“She would never?—”
“That’s a lie and you know it.” Sometimes, he liked to think of her as a virginal nun who spent her free time knitting instead of being embroiled in a world of celebrities.
Teddy slumped into his stall. “It was just that once, right?” He looked up at me with genuine fear in his eyes. I didn’t know whether to be offended.
So, I lied. “Yes. Sam still looks at me like I’m a wounded puppy who never got over her, and Sullie is such a smug asshole. Sydney thought it would get them off my back.”
A laugh burst out of him. “Well, Sullivan sure won’tsee you the same if he thinks you’re hooking up with a kid.”
She wasn’t a fucking kid. When would he see that? Sydney was only eight years younger than us. Though, sometimes, I felt like the years had sped me right into old age—at least, that was what my constant aches suggested.
I didn’t respond to his comment as a familiar presence entered the locker room. Mr. Mac ignored greetings from the other guys and headed straight for me, murder in his eyes.
It didn’t scare me. My entire life, he’d tried to be stern with Sullie and me like a father might have been, but there was only softness beneath his bluster.
“Sir.” I faced him, forcing a smile. I imagined he’d guessed exactly why I made a fool of myself out there, and he didn’t look happy about it.
Mr. Mac crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Boy.” He shook his head.
“Uh oh,” Teddy whispered. “He just ‘boyed’ you, Cap.”
I wanted to tell him to shut up, but Mr. Mac didn’t give me the chance.
“You really think that stunt you pulled will work?” He sighed. “It won’t. There’s no way dancing on the ice during a hockey game will…” He shook his head. “Just ridiculous.”
Nearby, the room had quieted, no more blaring music, and the guys watched us, probably confused.
Mr. Mac only had eyes for me. “Don’t make an ass out of this team, Captain Cassidy.” He leaned down so the others couldn’t hear. “I appreciate you trying, son,but it won’t work. I’ve reconciled myself to the team’s fate. It’s about time you did the same.”
On his way out, he patted a few of my teammates on the back but didn’t say another word.
“Well, that was weird.” Teddy chuckled. “Someone’s in trouble.” He stood, stretching to his full height. “Rowan, Huet, and I are heading out to celebrate the win. You coming?”
I wanted nothing less. “I’m pretty wiped, man. Think I’ll head home.”
“Suit yourself.” Shrugging, he lifted his bag over one shoulder and headed for the door. He said nothing more about Sydney, showed no sign he was worried I’d be alone with her at the house.
He trusted me.
