Page 117 of Cheap Shot

Nicky had been collecting points since his comeback too. With him and Rasmussen in the line, the Rockets were on a bit of a heater right now. Although they were still several spots down in the rankings from where the Harriers were, it was early March now and the next few weeks were going to be interesting for both teams.

Especially when New York came to play in Boston.

Sebastian couldn’twait.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

By the time the day arrived when Nicky and the rest of the Rockets would play in Boston, Sebastian was as keyed up as any of the guys in the lineup.

He was looking forward to cheering for his friend and giving Crawford absolute hell every time he landed in the box.

He’d been disappointed to receive a text from Nicky a few days ago saying,Sorry, I don’t think we’ll be able to get together. We’re flying to Boston the morning of the game, then leaving for D.C. immediately after.

It’s okay, I understand,Sebastian sent back.

Although, as Sebastian stood in front of his closet trying to decide what to wear to the game tonight, he was honestly a little bit relieved that the plans had fallen through and Nicky had no free time to meet up.

He’d suggested that Sebastian swing by HCI where they were practicing today but the thought had made Sebastian uneasy. The practices weren’t technically open to the public andalthough the Harriers had been nice enough to Sebastian on Harper’s day with the team, Sebastian didn’t want to push his luck.

And the thought of seeing Crawford and Nicky in the same space made his stomach flip with anxiety.

It was probably just as well he wouldn’t be seeing them at the same time, except during the game. On the ice.

Sebastian wondered if he could really look his friend in the eye and hear him talk about what a piece of shit Crawford was and not give himself away. Not blurt out that while he still didn’t always like the way Crawford played, he was a good person off the ice.

Was he coarse around the edges? Sure. But there was a good heart there. He was a caring person. And it was getting harder and harder for Sebastian to reconcile the two versions of him.

Damn Brie for her comments anyway. Everything had seemed much more straightforward before that.

Guiltily, Sebastian was looking forward to seeing Crawford tonight too.

They’d made plans for him to come over after the game. In fact … Sebastian pulled his phone out and typed out a text.You wanna fuck me tonight?

As much as Sebastian had enjoyed the other things they’d been doing lately, he’d missed the rough, desperate way Crawford had topped him that one time.

He was surprised when Crawford responded quickly.Hell yes. Your place?

Works for me. I’ll leave the back door unlocked. Just let yourself in and come upstairs.

Sounds good.

Have a good game,Sebastian typed.

??? Thought you’d be rooting for New York tonight?

Oh, I am.Sebastian hesitated, not sure how to explain what he meant.But uh, it’s way more fun when you’re playing. And getting lots of penalties so I can chirp you.

Sebastian smiled at theFuck youhe got back.

Later,he sent in response.

Can’t fucking wait,Crawford sent.

Sebastian shivered in anticipation, then tucked his phone away, frowning at the row of jerseys. With a sudden burst of inspiration, he remembered one he rarely wore. He rifled through his collection of vintage jerseys his father had given him after the accident.

He pulled out the newer style one that Nicky had given him when he’d been given the captaincy. It saidCalhounacross the back and had a C on the chest, and as much as Sebastianlovedthe vintage jerseys from his dad, he thought it might be nice to support his friend tonight.

Both teams raced up and down the ice, the game remaining scoreless.