Page 69 of Cheap Shot

I would have if Ethan was ever around, but now wasn’t the best time to bring up that problem.

“You’re right, Coach.”

“It looks like you each got a hit in, so I’m considering this over and done. It will not be a problem again, especially not in front of the team.”

“Yes, Coach,” we said at the same time.

He waved us off, and I hurried to finish getting my gear on while Ethan stomped out of the room.

Hiller was gone by the time I finished tying my skates so I hurried out onto the ice and joined the guys. They were huffing and sweating next to me, and I knew they would make me pay later for subjecting them to this form of punishment.

Practice was grueling, more intense than normal, and I knew the coaches were sending a message. As soon as the final whistle was blown, I hurried to the locker room and changed as fast as possible, not bothering to shower. I wanted to leave before any of the guys had the chance to corner me. I didn’t need their anger or resentment right now. I didn’t want to see Ethan either, but I had a feeling he’d be avoiding our room for a while so I went back and showered there.

As soon as I was done, I sent Haley a message, asking her to meet me. She replied a few minutes later saying she was free.

I walked over to her building and waited out front. When she stepped outside, her bright smile disappeared, and she ran down the few stairs toward me.

“Reid, what happened?” Her hand reached up to touch my face but stopped just inches away.

“We should talk.” I knew everyone hated those words, so I quickly added. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Okay.” Her voice was quiet, but she fell into step next to me.

I longed to reach out and take her hand, but I waited until we were in a deserted area and found a bench to sit on.

“What’s going on? You’re kind of freaking me out.” She sat facing me. Her eyes flicked over my face, probably looking for other injuries.

“I told Ethan about us.”

Her eyes widened. “He did this?”

I nodded. “Don’t worry. I got a hit in too.” I tried to smile, but it hurt too much.

“Oh, Reid.” She sighed and took my hand, holding it in hers on her thigh.

“I was planning on talking to him sooner, but I didn’t see him until practice. I was going to wait, but then Matt was saying stuff and I just snapped. I confronted Ethan about what he said to you, and then it sort of came out.”

She didn’t reply, but after a few long, silent moments she scooted closer and leaned her head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about. He has a problem, but he won’t talk to me. I think there’s more going on with him than just us.”

She nodded against me. “I didn’t want to come between you two.”

She was worth it to me, but I didn’t want to tell her that and scare her off. “He’s been my best friend for three years. We’ve been like brothers. I don’t want to lose him, but I’m not going to let him control either of us.”

“I need to talk to him too.” She didn’t sound very excited about it.

I had a lot of apologies to make. My team might turn against me, taking Ethan’s side, if I wasn’t honest with them. Would they understand? Would they think it was just a dumb fight over a girl? Would they forgive me?

“It will be okay. Eventually.” I wanted to believe my own words, but it was hard to see how Ethan and I could ever get past this.

Chapter 23

Haley

He was reassuring me, comforting me, yet he was the one that risked everything to stand up to Ethan. He was the one with a black eye.

I twisted until we were face to face. “Thank you for standing up for me.”