Brienne snorts. “He most certainly doesn’t regret it, and besides, I don’t punish people.”
Relief courses through me, and I sag into the chair.
“But I am going to fine him,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “I can’t allow precedent that it’s okay to assault coaches.”
I manage a smile and nod. “I respect that.”
Brienne looks over her shoulder to see if anyone is near us before leaning close to whisper, “But between you and me—and I’ll deny this if you ever repeat it—Keller had it coming. He’s been horrible for this team from the start, and I was looking for one good fireable offense to take him out.”
My mouth drops in shock at such an admission, but I cross my heart. “That secret dies with me. Was he mad?”
“Furious,” she says with a dramatic wave of her hand. “But he can’t complain when I paid the full price of his contract rather than litigating it. He broke enough organizational rules I could fight him on it, but I just want him to go away. The attorneys are ironing out a confidentiality agreement now, but he’s got no problem keeping his mouth shut in exchange for me paying him out.”
“What if he breaks the agreement? What if he lies about what happened and tries to get Gage in trouble?”
“He won’t,” she replies. “That would only make him look bad for the comments he made that led to Gage attacking him.”
My face flushes hot at the reminder it was my scars that disgusted him, and Gage defended me. Brienne notices and makes a good guess as to the source of my angst. “You cannot feel bad about any of this. Keller is a pig, and it’s as simple as that.”
Subconsciously, I pull a lock of hair over my shoulder. I’d kept it in the barrette based on principle, but maybe I need to unclip it.
Not be so obvious.
Brienne swats my hand away, and it surprises me so much I let out a little yip. “Don’t you dare cover up, Jenna Holland.” Brienne glares fiercely at me. “You be you, and you are lovely. If you can’t see past the fact that Keller is a douchebag, try to remember the dozens of people who you talked to today who didn’t have a single negative reaction to your scarring.”
My gaze drifts down to the ice where I see Gage leaning against the board, waiting for the time-out to conclude. He’s laughing at something Boone is saying.
It really only matters what Gage thinks, but Brienne has pointed out something important. I was around a ton of people today, and other than Keller, not a single person even looked at my scars. People here in the box I’ve met for the first time… not one person reacted.
Had that all been in my head before?
Had I imagined that people were put off by me?
Was I just far too sensitive?
I look back to her as I flip my hair over my shoulder to hang down my back. “You’re right. No one made me feel uncomfortable.”
Brienne nods knowingly.
“And Keller is a pig.”
Brienne grins.
“And I’m kind of glad Gage put him in his place,” I add. Brienne holds her fist out, and I bump it with mine. I can’t help but laugh conspiratorially. “You should’ve seen the look on Keller’s face. I’d not be surprised if he peed his pants a little.”
Chuckling, Brienne looks over her shoulder briefly. “I should get back to schmoozing and hobnobbing. I’m glad you and Gage have something real going.”
“I think it’s the most real thing I’ve ever had in my life,” I murmur.
Brienne’s eyes roam over my face. “I like your hair that way… pulled away from your face. You shouldn’t hide all that beauty.”
I blush, and Brienne chuckles again. “God, you’re cute. I’ll see you in the office Monday.”
“Okay,” I say as she stands and moves out of the row. “Have a good weekend.”
She waves over her shoulder, and I turn to watch the game.
Or rather, Gage.
CHAPTER 21
Gage
We did it.
We fucking earned a playoff spot tonight by defeating the Wolves 4–2. And while I rode the wave of euphoria along with the rest of the team, I’m much more excited to be spending alone time with Jenna this evening.
Oh, we did the obligatory partying after. Everyone packed into Mario’s for drinks. Marianne and Daniel joined us and got to meet some of my teammates. It was a joyous occasion, and not only did I have a great time, but so did Jenna.
We didn’t stay long, only for two drinks. Hugs to Marianne and Daniel, fist bumps to teammates, and we were on our way to my house.
I pull into the garage of my Churchill home just east of the city. It’s only about a twenty-minute drive to the arena outside of rush hour, so the location is ideal for me. I could’ve chosen something closer to the arena, but honestly, these days, I prefer quiet to bustle.
My house is small by professional hockey player standards, particularly one such as me who’s spent a lengthy career with lucrative contracts and endorsement deals that I’ve wisely invested. I could’ve easily plunked down five million on a house if I’d wanted, but I didn’t. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be here, and besides, that’s a lot of damn house for one guy.
I like this contemporary, multilevel I found with the help of a good Realtor. It has tons of large windows and eleven-foot ceilings. Some features don’t mean much to me—like the European-style cabinetry and quartz counters that the Realtor was very keen to point out—but honestly, I don’t need much.
If I stay in Pittsburgh, this house will do just fine. If I leave, I could sell it or keep it for rental property. Admittedly, I’ve been feeling all kinds of unsure about leaving this city, though, because Jenna is here. Maybe I could play another season, assuming they offer me a contract.
Switching off the car, I glance at Jenna in the passenger seat. She turns my way and tips her head with a smile. “What?”
“Nothing,” I reply with a shrug. “Just like looking at you.”
“You’re quite the charmer,” she replies dryly and opens the car door.
I’d ordinarily get out first to open her door, because that’s how my mom raised me, but we’re still working out some kinks in this very new relationship.
Jenna rounds the front of the car and meets me at the door that leads into the house. We head into the kitchen where I open the fridge for two bottles of water. “You were a little quiet on the ride here,” I mention. “You okay?”
“I can’t stop worrying about what Keller might do to you,” Jenna says as she sets her purse on the counter.
I uncap a bottle and give it to Jenna before opening the other for myself. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. It was a scuffle. He wasn’t hurt. And now he’s gone.”
Jenna regards me with a mixture of admonition and amusement. “It was a bit more than a scuffle. You practically crushed his voice box.”
I roll my eyes and place my water bottle on the counter, moving into her. I take her bottle and set it down as well.
My hands go to the sides of her neck, and I peer down at her. My voice is low, husky. “Tell the truth… You found it sexy, didn’t you?”