Page 15 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“He is not gay. Have you looked him up online? He’s pictured with a different woman every week.”

Garrett raises his brows. “It seems like someone has looked him up?”

“We’re…friends?” I don’t mean for it to come out like a question, but the memory of the last time I saw him at Bea’s slams into me, and I can’t help but wonder if we come anywhere close to that category. Maybe we’re just acquaintances. His friend is marrying my friend. Friends-in-law, or something.

“Something you need to tell me, sis?”

“Hell no. I’m not hooking up with a player. They only want a bit of fun.”

“And what’s wrong with fun?”

“Nothing. I’m all for fun. Just not the kind that will have me emotionally invested and hurt the second it’s over and I’m sent away. Plus, it would be hella awkward if I were to hook up with any of the guys, considering our lives are forever going to be interconnected, thanks to Bea.”

“She really did us a solid by hooking up with Rett, huh?”

I’m about to remind him that he was going to tell me who he thinks is gay on the team when the door flies open, and Lincoln Storm, Everett Donnelly, and Kodie Rivers walk in.

“Oh my god,” Garrett gasps, his hand fanning his face like he’s about to pass out.

I shake my head, laughing at him living his best fanboy life.

His eyes don’t leave them as they make their way to their girls just a few feet from us. I give them a moment before I take Garrett’s hand and drag him over.

“What are you doing?” he hisses at me.

I frown. “Introducing you? What else would I be doing?”

“Sienna,” he whispers. “I-I don’t think I⁠—”

“Hey, Rett, this is my brother, Garrett. He’s a huge fan.”

Garrett’s hand trembles in mine as Rett turns his eyes on him.

“Hey, man. It’s good to meet you. Did you enjoy the game?”

Beside me, Garrett freezes. When I glance over, I’m pretty sure he’s even stopped breathing.

Rett shoots a glance at me, his brows pinched in confusion. Or maybe it’s concern. I’m not sure.

“Sorry, he’s a huge fan. It’s either this or he’d be bear-hugging you.” I laugh.

“Yeah, I think I’d prefer this.”

“I just…” Garrett blurts. “I just can’t believe I’m here and meeting you.” He suddenly sticks his hand out. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually this starstruck.”

Rett chuckles. “It’s okay, man. I know I’m a pretty big deal.”

“Babe, seriously?” Bea snorts as Linc moves closer.

“Linc, this is my brother, Garrett.”

Thankfully, Garrett is a little more eloquent this time and congratulates Linc on his performance tonight.

I look at Kodie, but he’s locked in conversation with Casey and is giving off serious “don’t talk to me” vibes, so I figure maybe we’ll get the chance to chat later.

I stand and listen as Garrett nerds out, telling Linc his own stats—that I’m sure he’s more than aware of—and some other observations he’s made of his performance so far this year.

Thankfully, it’s all positive, and Linc is kind enough to humor my brother, even asking a couple of questions, which makes Garrett beam like an idiot.