Page 20 of Tripped Up

The goalie, Rempel, doesn’t try to block it. The missile lands in the back of the net with textbook precision, and my panties get a little wet.

Fuck. This will be a long game.

eight

Wyatt

Electricity crackles through every inch of my body after the game. I landed a goal and two assists; I was on fucking fire. After a lackluster training camp, I finally feel like I’m settling in—with the team, with my line, with my life.

It’s because Elsy was in the stands. I’m sure of it. Now I’ll have to figure out how to get her here for every game.

After speeding through my cool-down, I hurry the reporters through the post-game media circus. Agitation and adrenaline war in my bloodstream as I finally take my shower. I dress in my game-day suit and head for the long hallway, where we can meet up with friends and family. I told Elsy to meet me here and left her name with the admin. Still, a part of me is worried that she won’t. And then I’m confused because why should I care if she doesn’t show up?

Walking into the hall with Henry on my heels, I find Elsy talking to Chuck Gallagher. She’s wearing a Grizzlies sweatshirt with—are those signatures? Did the entire fucking Grizzlies team sign her jacket? Oh, no, that won’t do at all.

“Eleanor,” I greet, giving her a nod, then turn a wary eye to my opponent. “Gallagher.”

“Whitney.” He nods back. “Good game.”

“Yeah, you too.”

When he offers his hand, I shake it.

“I was just inviting Elsy for a drink,” he says, almost self-consciously. “You want to join us?” He looks behind me to where Henry’s lingering, obviously eavesdropping, without forcing his way into the conversation. “Is this some kind of situation you three are keeping under wraps?”

Elsy makes a face. “Ew. Gross. No.”

My stomach twists at her blatant dismissal. I would never want to share her with anyone, much less Henry. Besides, we’re not together. She can hardly stand to look at me. “Yeah, no. But if you want to grab a drink, the team’s getting together at the pub.”

Henry steps in. “I’d love for you to join us, Elsy.” His voice is as smooth as crushed velvet—and not in a good way. It’s almost sleazy, coming from him. I haven’t seen him like that before.

She shudders. “Yeah, I’m going to need you to stop talking now,” she tells him, and he frowns.

“You need a ride?” I ask her.

“I’m going to take an Uber,” she says with a pinched look on her face. “Chuck, you want to ride with me?”

“I’ll drive you,” I say before he can open his mouth.

He gives me a flat look.

“Both of you,” I mumble. “C’mon. My car’s this way.”

Henry doesn’t bother to hide his laugh. “See you there.”

The parking garage is attached to the arena, and the valet attendants have brought around all the players’ cars for us. I open the door and Elsy slips past me into the front seat with a murmured thanks.

Gallagher lingers outside the car. “What’s the deal here?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not trying to make a play on her,” he deadpans. “She’s friends with my sister.”

“Well, she’s friends with my sister, too.” So there.

He crosses his arms over his chest, unimpressed. “So you’re pissing all over her?”

“I don’t kink shame, but I’m not into water sports, dude.”