Page 164 of The Head Game

He thought of all of the games he’d already missed and the ones he’d miss before he could come back and he hated it all.

But he did love watching August skate.

He was a power skater, all quads and brute force. He wasn’t fluid like Dustin or fast like Colton. But he was solid. He was the kind of player who opponents would bounce off as he cut through their zone. Not a battering ram like Matty or a knife like Nico, but somewhere in between.

Nico watched August skate with the kids, feeling a funny twinge at the way he playfully joined in.

Did he want kids?

He’d be a good dad. He’d be strict. He wouldn’t let them get away with shit but he’d be fair and loving.

Weird to think if August’s ex hadn’t ended their relationship, August wouldn’t be here now.

Nico had looked that Daniel guy up on social media and been utterly unimpressed.

August could do better.

But Nico felt a guilty pang as he realized August would still have his refereeing career if he was with Daniel. He’d probably be married already, maybe talking about having kids.

Nico felt like he’d brought nothing but bad luck on both himself and August.

Nico had meant it earlier; his family always landed on their feet. He’d be fine.

But would August?

“You look awfully serious for someone watching a bunch of people having fun.”

Nico glanced over at Dominic who slid onto the bench beside him. “Yeah well, I want to be out there having fun too.”

“Recovery sucks,” Dom said. “It always does and there’s no getting around it.”

“Oh right. You would know, huh?” Dom had been playing for LA when he’d blown his knee out with an ACL tear and been benched for an entire season.

Dom nodded. “Yeah, been there, done that.”

“Any advice?”

“Find something to distract you before it eats you up. Or you turn it inward like Haler.”

Nico winced. “You think that’s what happened to him?” He’d forgotten about the terrible season Hale had last year. He’d been in and out with some chronic wrist shit.

“I think he’s been struggling for a while and the breakup with Whitney tipped him over the edge. This is why I don’t fucking date. One more complication I don’t fucking need.”

“Yeah, I noticed you didn’t bring anyone today,” Nico teased. “Just Rosie Palmer and her five friends.”

Dom’s lips twitched and he wiggled his hand in reply. “Nah, she’s not my type. Besides, just because I don’t date doesn’t mean I can’t get it elsewhere.”

“Do tell,” Nico said, curiously. Dom was notoriously tight-lipped about his hookups. Nico had never once seen him take someone home from the bar.

“Nah, you know me. I never kiss and tell.” Dom winked. “But I don’t get my heart broken. Let’s put it that way.”

“Hey, have you talked to Haler?” Nico asked. “Jo hasn’t said much about how he’s doing.”

Dom hummed. “A little. He’s supposed to be done with the ninety-day program in January, then he’ll be with the Bears for a bit until he’s on his feet again.”

“That’s good. We need him with us though. You guys are playing like shit,” Nico observed.

With a snort, Dom sat back. “We sure fucking are. You get that head of yours together and come back soon, yeah? We need you.”

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