Page 74 of Risky Play

“What was your thought process going into tonight’s game?” a different reporter asked.

“Getting pucks deep, trying to find that opening.”

They asked me a couple more prodding questions before the head of PR signaled I could head out.

I went back into the locker room to grab my stuff.

“You’re coming with us to the bar,” TJ told me.

He didn’t ask, he commanded, and since I was a rookie, I didn’t have a choice.

“I have plans,” I tried to argue.

He shook his head. “Nope! Drinks with the team, rookie.”

I scowled. “Doesn’t your girl need to drag you back home to the kids?”

“Max said I’m allowed to come out and play tonight.”

I gnashed my teeth. I wanted to see Maddie tonight, but I couldn’t invite her out to drink with the team. She didn’t want Noah to know about us yet, so I was stuck in a hard place.

“Just invite your girl,” Noah said as he pulled on his coat.

Benny peered at me from where he was fixing his hair at his cubby. He gave me a hard look, and based on our last heart-to-heart, he knew what my problem was. I stared back at him with a ‘help me’ look.

Benny playfully punched TJ in the arm. “He doesn’t want you to scare her off.”

“Me? But I’m so nice,” TJ protested, but with that mischievous grin across his face.

“More like a pain in my ass,” I muttered under my breath.

Team camaraderie was important, but I’d rather spend time with my girlfriend than these assholes.

Resigned, I grabbed my phone from the shelf in my cubby and texted Maddie.

ME: TJ’s forcing me out for drinks. I feel like I’m not gonna be able to get away…

It crushed me when she sent back a frowny face emoji. Then a second message appeared.

SWEET PEA: Dinah’s making me come out too.

Dammit.

ME: I’m sorry.

SWEET PEA: It’s okay. Time with your team’s important.

I was about to argue, but then I felt a presence beside me. I glanced up and saw Benny standing in front of me, giving me a knowing look.

“Ride with me, rookie,” he said.

I grabbed my coat and followed him to his SUV outside. I climbed into the passenger seat, and Benny gave me an annoyed look before starting his engine.

“You’re sneaking around behind Noah’s back, aren’t you?”

I blew out a long, frustrated breath.

“Bro!”