Page 103 of Dark Tangled Truths
Cam’s smile is wicked. “If we expose them, you’ll lose your lead. So what do you want to do with this?”
I bite my lip and really think about it. “What they did wasn’t as terrible as the rose unless they did that too, but I really think Chase would have gloated about it more. Both Abby and Chase approached me once they knew the account had beendiscovered. Even if it’s just to rub shit in, they’re too narcissistic to let something go. And as much as I hate to admit it, Chase is perfect for Iago.”
“One, this is obviously a violation of his privacy. Two, if we took it in to the principal, Chase would get suspended. Three, Chase’s dad would definitely sue about the invasion of privacy.” Cam leans back in the chair and rubs the back of his neck.
“Let’s shut it down then.” I glance at the screen and wonder how we can get back into his bedroom.
“You might not like what I’m about to suggest.” Cam arches his eyebrow warily at me.
Damon
I sit in the locker room before our final practice and really look around. The whole team is here for this practice, and the guys are all at ease with each other. They joke around. Some listen to their headphones. Others are on their phones.
But it’s just like practice at home. But more. So much more.
These guys are following their dreams. Not all of them will continue with a career in hockey, but they’ll always have this time in college. It’s awe-inspiring to be a part of this.
Axel sits down next to me on the bench. “You ready for today?”
I smile. “This is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life.”
“Don’t tell Coach that. Gotta make him work for it a little.” Axel bumps my arm to show me he’s just teasing.
“That accident fucked up my life, and I didn’t think I’d get another chance at this.” I breathe in, holding this feeling inside.
“You would have. Hockey is in your blood. Not everyone can make a future in it, but you...” He makes a dismissive noise. “Of course, you’re going to make it. You just need the right people around you to make you shine.”
“Thank you,” I say and mean it. “This week’s been good because of you, Wilder, and the team. I wasn’t sure I’d want to come here. But now, I’m not sure I want to go anywhere else.”
Axel smiles and knocks my arm with his glove. “At least make Coach buy you dinner first.”
He gets up and heads into practice. I stand and follow him. When we hit the ice, it’s like a coordinated dance as we move through warm ups. There’s nothing better than this moment, being so close to my dream.
Except Evan.
Everything about Evan is worth having to go through this. Being forced to stay home and reevaluate my plans for the future. Knowing Hawk and Cam will be with us too. I’m ready to go home to them. To her.
I’m not sorry for what I said to Heather. Though I do regret doing it the way I did. Evan can’t always tiptoe around her mother’s feelings and expect her to finally pay attention, but I didn’t mean to make Evan think I hated her or didn’t want her.Nothing could be farther from the truth. I need Evan. More than I’ve needed anyone.
I need Evan, Hawk, and Cam. They’re my team for everything. Which means I need to make things right with Evan. I need her to know I’ll think of her first before I let my anger get carried away. That she, Cam, and Hawk are my priority now.
We run through practice with the rest of the team, included as if we’re already part of it and not just trying out for a place. I don’t know if all five of us will be here when the school year begins in the fall, but I can see me being here. Evan working on her next film. Cam going to his frat. Hawk burying himself in schoolwork.
It’s a fantasy that feels like it could come true. And it exists because of Evan. I owe her everything, and it’s time I make sure she knows that.
Coach pulls us all in at the end of practice. “We’ve had a good week, and I hope you five take away something from your time on the ice with us. We’re working to build something new on the foundations that the previous coach built. We won’t tear down that foundation, but rise from it, better, sharper, ready to take championships and prove to the rest of the league that we’re ready to become great.”
“I thinkyou should talk to Jackson.” Axel sits across the table from me. The dining room isn’t crowded yet, but students are arriving for lunch. “I know you don’t need to be friends to be on a team together, but our team works because we respect each other. Jackson has a good chance of getting an offer, and I’d hate for you not to come because he does.”
I blow out a breath. “He attacked my girl when she was sixteen. It was only a kiss, but he had her trapped and she was afraid he wanted more and would have pushed for more. As soon as he realized she was at Anteros, Evan started receiving texts from an anonymous number.”
“And you think it’s him?” Axel leans back in the chair and watches me.
“She does.” I lean forward on the table. “It would fit with who we know him to be. He’s a loner and doesn’t play well with others.”
“Has anything happened to her?” Axel asks. “Besides the texts?”
“Nothing that can’t be explained away. A rose sent her to urgent care, but he would have to be working with someone at her school.” I run my hand through my hair. “I thought I might figure him out better while we’re here, but time’s almost up.”
