Chapter 24

chapter 24

EMMALINE

Lettie and Dane hit the last note of the national anthem, and the fans aren’t just clapping. They’re jumping up and down like they just rocked the crowd with a country music tune. Lettie puts her hands together over the microphone and mouths the words, “Thank you.” Dane has his hands in the air, and everyone in the stadium, including Brooke and the kids, are yelling, “Greathouse.”

We’re in a corporate suite that according to Bryce, was paid for by Dane and Lettie. Jolie likes it up here because she can play with the Cross and Greathouse kids. Dane and Lettie have some interviews to do, so we’re keeping an eye on Laney and Kingston for the first period.

As Brooke juggles a baby and plate of appetizers, I reach out to hold the plate so she can eat. Instead, she says, “One night away from the kids, and I found myself waking up wondering why no one had barged into tattle. ‘He broke my this… she took my that.’ ”

“Believe me, I understand. The after-school program is fun because I adore children and want a few of my own, but damn, they can wear your ears out,” I say when a snort sound comes from my nose. “Lady like, I know.”

Brooke has a carrot in her hand, dripping with ranch, and she holds it in front of her. “I’m a ballet teacher, and I’m never graceful except when I’m there. I just opened my studio. Do you think Jolie would like to come?”

“Will Cannon be there?”

Her eyes twinkle. “He would if she were there. Cannon adores her. I can’t believe she said his name.”

“It’s a huge step for her. To be honest, Bryce is a little jealous. Or disappointed is a better word.” I say, glancing down at the ice, but Bryce, Roman and Reed are still on the bench.

She gives me a once over. “How are things between you and Wynward?”

“Good.” I don’t know whether to confide in her or not. I assume she tells Reed everything. And last night, it seemed as though they both knew. “The attraction is there, but there are extenuating circumstances… Jolie… and my brother.”

“So, you’re not dating?”

At first, I shrug, but then I say, “No. I can’t fuck up things for Roman. He has been there for me through the worst time in my life. My ex dumped me at the altar the week before I met all of you at the club.”

“So, Wynward was a fuck you to your ex?”

“No, it just happened. My first and only one-night stand. It’s not in my personality. I want to get to know a person before I… you know. But he swept me off my feet, literally and figuratively, that night.”

“Same. Reed and I did some things the first night I met him that I had never done with anyone but a boyfriend. I felt safe with Reed, and I had no reason to. We didn’t know each other, but he had this intuition…” Her speech drifts off for a moment. “He guessed everything in my tote bag that first night. There was something different about him, and I just let myself give in and damn the consequences. He played hockey for my dad.”

“Oh yeah, Bryce mentioned it. Your family is beautiful. I hope to have one like it someday.”

She pats my leg and pulls a burp towel over her shoulder, covering Christine’s eyes while she nurses. “I like for her to breastfeed without the fluorescent lights shining in her eyes.” She pauses. “Bryce isn’t the guy he’s portrayed. I mean yes, he’s been a playboy in the NHL, but he’s been abandoned by his parents and his ex-girlfriend. In college, he was always with his girl. Never cheated. Never hung out at the baseball house or football house unless she was with him. He’s one of the sweetest, most caring people I’ve ever been around… and extremely hot. Don’t tell Reed I said that. But sometimes people can take his quietness for grumpiness or disinterest. I promise you he’s always listening.”

I nod and before we know it, the guys are back on the ice as the second period begins. Even from afar, I can see the frustration in Bryce’s body language. They’ve altered the lineup with Bryce sitting on the bench. Reed and Roman are skating with Lykins as their center.

As I’m watching the game, I’m attacked from the back. “ Rusti!” Arms wrap around me, squeezing. “I’m so glad he found you.”

I turn, and it’s Lettie. She’s beaming with happiness and a boat load of energy. “Nice to see you again.”

“I knew it was an alias, like Jennifer Garner. God, I loved that show. Dane!” She waves him over. “ Alias or CSI ?”

“ CSI ,” he answers, and I have no idea what they’re talking about.

Lettie bursts into a cackle. “Are you serious? You used to get a chub in your pants every time we watched an episode of Alias .”

“Nope. Never happened.” Dane grins.

“This is Emmaline, a.k.a., Rusti.”

Dane’s eyes are soft and sincere when he says, “Nice to meet you again. Lettie talked about you for months and how much fun we had dancing and playing drinking games in the VIP room. How did you meet up with Wynward again?”

“My brother Roman Rustavelli is his teammate. He was traded to the Jets this season.”

“Sounds like it was meant to be to me.” Lettie claps in quick succession.

“My brother doesn’t know, so I would appreciate it if you kept this between us. Reed and Brooke know about that night, but I don’t want him to know, especially since I’m Bryce’s nanny.”

Lettie’s face looks like someone just pulled the shade, shutting out the sunlight. “Oh, okay.”

Dane leans down and whispers in my ear, “She’s always wanted you in our friend group. And one thing I can tell you is when Lettie wants something, she makes it happen. She just never knew where to look. ”

“Thanks, but Bryce and I are friends.”

I hate lying to the people who obviously are excited for us to be a couple, but Bryce and I can explore each other more.