Page 39 of Cross the Line

I hated to think what he’d told my sisters about me since I’d left home. That was only if he even spoke of me. I could only imagine him doing so with contempt or to make an example of me. This is what not to do.

I clenched my fists. He was such a fucking hypocrite.

He spoke of love, but all he cared about was control. He spoke of doing what was “right,” but I didn’t see how his actions were anything but wrong.

“Carson?” Logan placed a hand on my arm, and I glanced down to where her skin met mine.

“Yeah. Um—” I cleared my throat. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to zone out there.”

She worried her bottom lip. “Maybe you should’ve stayed at the Huxley Grand last night. The beds there are definitely superior.”

“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t get to wake up to your sweet face.”

She slugged me, though she was laughing as she did it. “Seriously, though, what if you play like shit tonight because you’re tired after our sleepover?”

“What if I play the best game of my life, and then I need to spend every night before every game with you?” I joked, though that honestly sounded pretty good to me.

Despite our teasing, I felt compelled to say something about my role in the mix-up. “I’m sorry. For invading your space. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” I removed my hand, but she didn’t.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable.” She peered up at me with clear hazel eyes. “I actually slept really well. I feel safe with you.”

“I feel safe with you too,” I admitted, and I could only hope that one day it would give me the courage to tell her the truth.

CHAPTER NINE

“Merry Christmas, Cap,” Annika said, practically shoving me out of the rideshare and onto the sidewalk in front of my building.

“Oh my god.” I laughed, batting her hands away. “I don’t need your help. I’ve got it, okay?”

“But do you?” Steph asked from behind her, giggling when I nearly ate it on a patch of ice on the sidewalk.

I stuck out my tongue, my limbs loose and my mind surprisingly clear, thanks to the alcohol we’d consumed at the team holiday party. “Be good—both of you.” I pointed at them. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

“Don’t forget your gift.” Annika handed the gift bag to me with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes, taking the gift bag with a huff. I still couldn’t believe they’d given me… I shook my head. No. Actually, I could. My teammates were a menace, but I loved them.

“Night, Annie.”

Steph laughed behind her. “Good night, Cap.” She saluted me.

“Night.” I shut the door and waved, watching as the taillights disappeared around a corner at the end of the street.

I took a deep breath of frosty air and looked up at my building, the snow falling steadily in a way that should’ve been calming. My body and mind were abuzz after last night. Or maybe that was my pocket?

I glanced down at my pocket. Right. My phone.

Part of me hoped it was Carson calling, but that was impossible. He was in Chicago for his game, and I’d watched some of it at the bar, at least when my teammates weren’t distracting me. I may have spilled some beer when he’d made that shot in overtime.

Carson had played beautifully, and it had been difficult to take my eyes off him anytime he was on the ice. I might be a lifelong fan of the team, but I’d become an even bigger fan of a specific player. By now, he was probably showering and getting ready for any postgame interviews.

Stop, I chided. I needed to stop thinking about him. Stop wondering what he was doing.

Oh shit. My phone.

I glanced at the screen to find Georgia’s name and image on the display. “Georgia, hey!”

“Hey. Just wanted to congratulate you on that game last night and make sure you made it home okay after your team holiday party.”