Page 63 of Rush

“If I had known or he had explained beforehand, I might have felt differently. We also weren’t together at the time I moved in either. I just think he had time to come clean before I found out and things could have gone better than being blindsided.” I try to explain how I feel, and even to me, I don’t hear anger in my voice; it actually sounds like I’m defending him and excusing what happened.

“We have to get to class.” Riley taps me on the shoulder. “Girls’ night, though, after practice. Isla’s place!”

“See you then,” I tell them, and we all head in different directions until our shared classes.

My classes pass by in a blur, and I'm thankful that Jameson took the initiative to have my friends take notes. I’m not as far behind as I thought I would be, surprisingly. As he promised, Jameson hasn’t bombarded me with messages or calls today. He’s truly given me the freedom to decide where I’m at and if I can move forward. I need time to think and to be alone with my revelations. I hope Jameson can understand that.

Practice is much the same. Coach asks if I’m feeling better and doesn't push too hard for more. Tomorrow’s game starts the WCHA first round and everyone is hard at work determined to win, so we can advance. Thankfully, Coach doesn’t bring up the draft or ask to talk to me after practice.

My legs feel like rubber when I finally get off the ice. My shoulders hurt from battling for the puck against the boards and my lungs feel like they haven’t breathed in icy air in weeks. I make time for a shower and let the hot spray land on my back, helping to ease the ache. Once I’m dressed, I find the girls, ready and waiting for me. Riley is already typing furiously on her cell phone and Emma smirks over her shoulder.

“Reign isn’t happy because he doesn’t know where Isla lives.”

I laugh and Riley rolls her eyes at the situation. Isla comes up to us last and giggles when she hears Riley’s predicament as well.

“Does Carter know where you live?” Emma asks her. Isla’s cheeks blush and she shakes her head.

“No. I promise that none of them know or have been given any information.”

“Unless they track our vehicles,” I say out loud, the thought suddenly entering my mind. We all stop walking, our gazes connecting.

“Shit.”

“Damn it!”

“Ugh!” I vent, my head tipping and rolling over my shoulders.

Isla sighs, a huge smile on her lips. “I can safely assure you that my car is not being tracked nor is my cell phone.”

“I vote we take Isla’s car and all turn our phones off.” Emma shrugs, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

Slipping my phone from my pocket, I find a single text from Jameson. It's the first one he’s sent all day. My heart rattles in my chest, and I hold my breath when I click it open.

KANE: I’ll wait forever for you to come back.

Powering down my phone, I ignore the twinge of guilt as the screen turns black. I need this night away. I deserve the chance to clear my head and find a way to fully accept the man I love, despite the hurt I feel from his lies and manipulation. We all toss our phones in our bags and follow Isla out to her parked car.

The drive to Isla’s place is surprisingly quiet. Music plays through the speakers, but every song reminds me of Jameson to the point I wish we were surrounded in silence. It isn’t until we turn onto Isla’s street that I break out laughing.

“No way.” Emma groans, and Riley gasps.

“So much for keeping a low profile.” I look to Isla with a raised brow. We’re a block away from the hockey house. A ten-bedroom home where Carter and Leif live with some of their teammates.

Isla shrugs and gets out of her car. “Sometimes it's about hiding in plain sight. Trust me, he has no idea I’m here and it's been three years.”

We’re all shocked and in disbelief when we get out and walk to Isla’s front door. Her house is a cute little three bedroom on a hill, with the perfect view into the back of the hockey house. Smothering a laugh, we follow her inside. Isla locks all three locks on her door and ushers us into the living room.

“The couch can double as a bed. There is one guest bedroom, the other is my office. I’m fine with whatever sleeping arrangement works for everyone.” Isla rattles everything off while I take in her space. It's cozy with a cute cottage vibe. I love it instantly.

After getting comfortable, we gather around the living room. Isla lights a fire and grabs some snacks and water. As much as I wish I could have alcohol for this conversation, I know I have to keep myself in check with our big game tomorrow.”

“Anyone feel like we’re breaking the law?” Riley asks, her eyes darting around the room

“Like Reign is going to track you down at any second and carry you away?” Emma laughs while the former is nodding vigorously.

“I texted him not to expect me and said we were having a girl bonding night. But I powered off my phone before he could reply.” She bites her lip.

“Hopefully the guys can understand we need a night together,” I say with a shrug and pat Riley’s hand. “Before I left, Jameson gave me the code to the lock and told me he’ll wait for me to come home to him. And once I do it means we’re moving forward and past everything.”