Page 225 of Cross the Line
Salem wasn’t lying. Casey “Clover” Cavanaugh—the Wolves’ D-man I partnered with from my rookie season until I was traded to the Comets—is dead.
The news is everywhere, and a murky cloud has settled over the sport. Hockey is in shock and mourning.
Suddenly, our upcoming game against the Wolves has another layer I can’t outrun. My anxiety is through the roof.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jayden asks while we meander towards the gallery on Rodeo Drive.
Neither he nor Finley were keen on leaving Salem alone after the news broke, but I told JJ last night that we’d make today about us. That’s what we’re doing. Besides, Salem looked like she needed time to herself.
“Yes,” I answer, forcing ease into my tone.
Last night set us back—I’m not so stupid to think Jayden or Finley have forgotten it happened because we haven’t addressed it in the light of day.
When he nods, I assure him with a squeeze of my hand around his. As his stare finds mine, I tell him, “I need this.”
I draw him flush to my side and hook my other arm over Fin’s shoulders, bringing her in, too.
“Do you really want to spend what’s left of your morning here?” she asks, squinting up at me. “I can come another time with Christina or Summer. Actually, Courtney said she wanted to check it out…”
“Fin?”
“Yeah?”
“It’sourmorning.Ourday,” I say, watching her whole face light up.
We’re at the gallery door when it swings open. A tall, dark-haired guy in a three-piece suit grins at our girl like they know each other. “Are you gonna stand out there and burn all day?”
I side-eye JJ. It’s not even in the seventies. Spring is a rumor at best.
He extends a hand to Finley, and the muscle in Jayden’s jaw knots. I swear he growls for both of us.
“Hey, Harrison,” Fin says, slapping his palm. “It’s hardly spring.”
Exactly, asshole!
Fin turns to JJ and me, beaming smile pinching tight with the laughter vibrating in her chest.
“JJ, Eli, this is Harrison. He’s Parker’s and Summer’s friend.” Giving him a questioning glance, she adds, “Harrison, these are my guys, Jayden and Eli.”
“Nice to meet you. Come on in, make yourselves at home.” Opening the door wider, he gestures inside. “Drink bar is at the front.”
While we follow him inside, Fin whispers, “Harrison owns the gallery. His family owns one of America’s most prestigious art collections.”
Makes sense, he’s right at home in the starkly bright space. It’s all pristine white and glass walls that offer a maze-like path through the gallery.
“I recommend starting the exhibition here.” Harrison points to a colonial-style glass archway. “It’s a celebration of women for Women’s History Month. Every piece, unless marked as sold, is available.”
“Have Alice’s photos sold?” Finley asks, taking the drink menu from Harrison and passing it to Jayden, who passes it to me because we’re both still watching the guy too closely to pay attention to it.
“Parker bought Summer’s portraits before opening night, obviously. The others aren’t for sale, they’re going to be displayed at The Henderson Collection in New York.”
“Your family’s gallery. Of course.” Fin offers him a knowing giggle.
“Friends with benefits, remember?” Harrison meanders backwards towards the archway. “My girl has to get the benefits somewhere.”
His girl.
At his words, Jayden thaws, offering me a shrug when I flash my eyes to his.
