“It’s my school bag, work bag, and workout bag. Oh, and my purse.”

  He grins. “You look like a bag lady.”

  I giggle as I nod. “I know. I thought the same thing when I was gathering everything up.”

  “You know we have lockers, and you don’t even need a lock. It’s safe here.”

  “Oh, I didn’t. I’ll do that.”

  More silence as we stare at each other. I don’t know what is happening or even why we are staring at each other like this. I feel like if I move first, I’m losing, so I don’t move.

  He lifts his chin at me. “You wore all that to work out in?”

  I bite the inside of my cheek. “Yeah, I wear black so it’s a funeral for my fat.”

  Owen’s eyes light up, grinning from ear to ear. “I say that too, but I work out in just shorts. Oh, and my Chucks. I sweat just the same.”

  I shall act as if I didn’t hear him or even that I’m not imagining him all sweaty and sexy as he works out. Instead, I roll my eyes. “I can’t work out in just shorts. I have boobs.”

  “Which is why there are bras.”

  Wow, this turned dirty. Or maybe that’s how I want it to turn. “So, are you suggesting I work out in a bra and shorts?”

  His lips turn up at the sides, showing that one damn dimple that I swear will haunt me in my sleep tonight. “I am.”

  “Okay,” I say sarcastically as I laugh. “That’s not going to happen.”

  He makes a face. “Well, that’s unfortunate.”

  As he starts to walk backward, I raise a brow at him. “Is it?”

  “Yeah, because then I’d make sure to come work out at the same time you’re here.”

  I am fully taken aback by his comment. But before I can attempt to come back with something even the least bit productive, he goes out the side door. “See ya, Paxy.”

  As the door slams shut, I’m left standing in the hall, downright confused.

  Was Owen Adler hitting on me?

  Oh, I must be dehydrated.

  Chapter Six

  Owen

  * * *

  Evan’s been gone for two weeks.

  It’s been three weeks since he told me he was leaving.

  And to say I’m still overwhelmed is an understatement.

  The media has been an absolute train wreck. They come at me from every angle possible. I never know what I am going to get. It’s either really positive and everyone is supportive, or I’m dealing with complete fucking assholes. If one more person asks me if my brother is weak, I may go to jail. My mom is so worried about me, my dad calls me daily to tell me he’s proud of me, and when my sisters and younger brother call, they’re making sure I haven’t gone to jail yet. Evan, well…when he calls, we don’t even talk about it. We ignore the outside world and talk about games and hockey in general. Or whatever. Anything but the media and the fact that he isn’t here.

  I miss him.

  Greatly.

  I’m thankful for my teammates, though. Everyone has been so supportive. The wives have even been spoiling me with food, especially my cousin Amelia. I’m sitting on her couch with Carter and Hannah, her twins, in my lap, and I bounce them as we watch some kids show that I know nothing about. The house is full, especially the dining room, but I’m focused on Hannah and Carter. It’s easier than socializing when all I wanna do is hide in my bed. When Amelia comes waddling toward me with her huge belly and swollen ankles, she flashes me a look.

  I’m unsure if she’s hungry, hurting, or going to hurt me.

  “You’re supposed to be in there with the adults.” She points to the twins. “And they’re supposed to be in bed.”

  I play as if I have no clue what she is speaking of. Yes, I did go get the kids out of bed. No, I didn’t care that they’re supposed to be asleep. They’re my buddies. And, ew, adults. Adults remind me my brother isn’t here. “They aren’t tired.”

  She gives me a dry look as Carter reaches for her. On cue, Hannah yawns loudly.

  “Fine.”

  I follow her back to the kids’ room, helping her lay them down before we head back out into the living room. “Got a pretty great life going here, Amelia.”

  She smiles up at me sweetly. “Thanks. I’m really happy.”

  “Surprising. I don’t like it here.”

  She laughs. “Because you haven’t accepted this as your temporary home. Get out, meet people.”

  Well, that’s the damn truth. I don’t admit that, though, ’cause she’ll tell my mom. “I meet people, and I have yet to meet a decent girl yet. All these girls want to play games.”

  She shrugs. “She’s out there.”

  “Or I need to go back home. Don’t you miss home?”

  She sighs. “I do. I miss Mom and Uncle Shea and Aunt Elli, but then, if I hadn’t left home, I wouldn’t have found Chandler.”

  I nod. “True. Oh, I talked to Ryan yesterday.”

  Amelia’s eyes light up at the mention of her brother. “I talked to him this morning. He’s supposed to come in with the Assassins in the coming weeks.”

  “That’s what he was telling me.”

  “Hopefully I drop this kid by then.”

  I snort. “Are you sure it isn’t two?”

  She gives me a side eye. “No, it’s just one massive one.”

  I wrap my arm around her shoulders, holding her close. “I’m happy I have you here.”

  She kisses my arm, holding me close. “Me too. How you holding up with everything?”

  She rubs my back, but I am really starting to hate that question. “I’m fine,” I say, almost on autopilot.

  She doesn’t believe me at all, but instead of asking more questions, she flashes me a supportive smile. Together we head to where the people are. With Chandler being the captain of the IceCats, he felt he needed a new house with a lot of space for entertaining. They even scored one on the beach, which was one hell of a lucky break and makes for really cool parties. The kitchen leads out to an outdoor patio that leads onto the beach. The glass patio doors are open wide, and the air is refreshing. Dart is holding Celeste, Kirby Litman’s daughter, and is playing with her as Audrina stands beside him, talking his ear off. Thatcher is in one hell of a conversation about sub sandwiches with Aviva, while her husband, Nico Merryweather, our goalie, holds their son Vance close to his chest.

  I have no desire in the world to go out there.

  Before I can retreat and sneak away, Chandler smacks my shoulder and guides me to the patio. I liked Chandler before I even came to the IceCats. He’s really good to Amelia and is the strong, quiet type. He’s a great dad, and he treats my whole family with all the respect in the world. He leans in, concern or maybe confusion in his eyes.

  “So, tell me why Audrina is here?”

  I chuckle quietly as my gaze goes over to the strawberry-blond beauty. Audrina is tall. Like, six feet tall, and thick with muscle. Her eyes are this incredible hazel color, and she’s stunning. For some reason, though, we don’t vibe. I like her as a friend, not as someone I want to bang. Unlike how I was feeling when I saw Paxy at the gym. She was covered head to toe in clothes, but the thought of what was underneath those clothes had my body screaming for hers. Even in that short little time, I felt like we were vibing. Or at least, I wanted us to.

  I think she still hates me. Still makes no sense why.

  I’ve seen her a few times in the gym, and she kills me with all the clothes she wears. I want to see the goods, but she’s keeping them hidden, and I’m pretty sure it’s not out of modesty. I haven’t forgotten what Evan told me about how she thinks she’s so overweight. In my opinion, she’s not, and I won’t miss a chance to tell her that. I may be coming on a little too strong, but I’m dead set on getting her attention.

  It’s the only attention I want.

  Unlike Dart, who wants everyone’s attention and to bang them all. I’m not surprised to see him grinning widely at Audrina and her returning the grin.

  “She’s either in love with Dart or really is just Thatcher’s best friend.”

  He gives me a side eye. “We aren’t supposed to date within the company.”

  “Yes, Captain, I know this, but I don’t know if Dart does.”

  “Or cares.”

  “That either.” It’s in that moment that Thatcher smacks Audrina’s ass. “Or Thatcher doesn’t either.”

  Chandler groans loudly. “You young’uns are gonna drive me out of my mind.”

  I grin over at him, and he smacks me playfully in the chest before walking to the buffet table Amelia has set up with all kinds of meats, cheese, and snacks from all over. I’m usually partial to the cheese, but today, I’m not feeling it. Since I can’t leave, I head to where Dart sits with Celeste. She reaches for me as soon as she sees me. I’ve got a thing with kids; we’re all friends. I take her and kiss her cheek before sitting down. I look around, realizing someone is missing. “Where is Jaylin?”

  Kirby swallows the gulp of beer he just took and nods. “She had to work late. She’s planning on coming by once she’s done.”

  I nod. I love Kirby’s girl Jaylin just as much as I love Celeste. “You knock her up yet? Celeste told me she needs a sister.”

  Unlike some guys who would be running away from relationships, Kirby grins. “Working on it.”

  “Can you marry her first?” Aviva asks, speaking of her best friend.

  “How long did it take y’all to get married? A baby came first, right?” Kirby asks, and she snaps her lips shut.

  “Touché, good sir,” Aviva says as she leans into Nico, both of them laughing. I don’t know them well, and Nico hardly speaks when we’re on ice. When we’re off, he’s usually talking about Aviva or Vance. That’s often when Dart will bring up Aviva’s sister, who Nico has decided is his daughter, I guess, or something like that, and then we all get a good laugh at how angry he gets. Overly protective is putting it mildly. I almost say her name, just to get a rise out of him, but I’m not in the mood.

  Dart looks around. “Did you give Jean the night off?”

  Kirby’s grin falls. “Not funny.”

  “What? Just asking.”

  “No, you’re trying to get in her pants. She’s a good girl, doesn’t need the likes of you.”

  Dart acts as if Kirby shot him in the chest. “Kirb, I thought we were friends.”

  “We are, but stay away from my nanny.”

  “And my…” Nico pauses. “My Callie.”

  Aviva rolls her eyes as we all try to hide our laughter. Meanwhile, Dart is grinning like a fool. “I cannot and will not resist the gorgeous Callie, and I’m waiting for the moment when Jean wants to come nanny me. I’m an equal opportunity man.”

  I snort. This guy. “Do you mean when you shit your pants from having Nico and Kirby kick your ass? Because that’s the only nannying that girl will do for you,” I call to him, and that sends everyone into a fit of laughter.

  He gives me a bored look. “Says the guy who scored a C on his date.”

  I scoff as Audrina and Thatcher light up. “That shit was bogus, and you know it was!” I holler to the three of them.

  Amelia looks up from the baby monitor she’s holding and asks, “You only got a C?”

  “Right?” I ask, and I shake my head.

  “Why were you graded?” Chandler asks.

  Nico points to his best friend in agreement. “Is that how dating is going now? I’d fail.”

  Aviva nods. “You would.”

  “Shit, me too,” Kirby says. “I don’t know how I got Jay.”

  “None of us do,” Dart says, and I snort before shaking my head.

  “No, Audrina set me up on this hellish date with this chick who is trying to find the perfect dude. I was not him.”

  Amelia makes a face. “But you’re a doll.”

  I shake my head at her. “I’m not. I have one dimple. I’m apparently a mutant.”

  Everyone is laughing at this point, and I really do enjoy being the reason for that.

  Not.

  Audrina is full-on guffawing as she comes and wraps her arms around my neck. “You’re not. You’re wonderful and, really, come on. She’s crazy. Dart got a B, when he’s an easy A.”

  “Emphasis on easy,” Nico calls out, to which Dart flips him the bird.

  “And Thatch got a D. Clearly, he is an A too.”

  I give Thatcher a wide-eyed look. “You got a D?”

  My buddy shrugs, his black hair loose in his eyes. “I left before the drinks came.”

  “Smart man.” He nods, and I ask, “So I should have gotten an A too, right?”

  Audrina smiles. “I mean…”

  “I mean, what!” I yell, pushing her away playfully. “I am one good-looking motherfucker.”

  “You have sex with moms? I gotta tell my mom before she gets here,” Dart adds.

  “Problem is, kiddo, you’re not your dad,” Chandler says to me, and I give him a look. “He’s a solid 100+.”

  “Are you saying my dad is hot?”

  Chandler throws his hands up. “He’s Shea Adler. Yeah, he’s not ugly.”

  Nico, Dart, and Kirby all nod in agreement.

  “Yeah, this isn’t weird,” I decide, and then I look back at Audrina.

  “What the hell? What would you give me?”

  “Solid B++.”

  “What? Why?”

  She hesitates. “I mean, I’m not trying to push two kids out of my twat, but really, it’s the dimple. It is weird there is only one.”

  “Jesus fucking Christ,” I mutter as everyone laughs way too hard for my liking. “I have never been so attacked for only having one dimple.”

  “For real, it’s not his fault. Evan stole the other one! His are so deep and pronounced,” Amelia jokes, her eyes wide and playful. The whole patio full of my teammates laughs and cuts up, and I’m left there, not laughing or even joking with them. I hate that I’m actually looking for Evan. To find him laughing, his dimples showing bright for everyone to tease. He’d know what to say, he’d rib me some more, and he’d give me an F probably. I know he’s not dead. I know I can go to the car and call him right now, but it wouldn’t be the same. Why is this so hard for me?

  Fuck.

  But more importantly, why do I feel so alone when I’m surrounded by so many people?

  Chapter Seven

  Angie

  * * *

  Without looking at my computer, I type in my notes as I read a report from the doctor. I’ve been at it for hours, and I really need to go. My eyes are crossing, and I’m exhausted. I woke up early to work out at the gym. I hated every second of it since everyone was there. I may have a bit of gym anxiety. Doesn’t matter, though; I’m going to keep pushing. Especially when there was this guy with these thighs… Jesus. I wanted to be trapped between those suckers. He was fun to stare at, even though I couldn’t see his face, though I did see the smallest little tattoo at the back of his knee. But he wasn’t the reason I pushed myself this morning. I have goals. I want to order size-twelve scrubs when I start on as a full-time researcher. When my phone sounds, I glance over at it to see it’s my mom.

  Mom: How was your day?

  I ignore her to finish. I’ll answer, just not right now. But then my phone sounds again.

  Mom: I had lunch with Elli and Evan today. They couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful a job you’re doing for the athletes there.

  Well, that’s nice. I want to know more, I want to know how Evan is doing, but still, I continue to get my work done so I can leave. I’m sure he’s doing great. No pressure from any angle and just enjoying time with his family. I’m sure Elli is spoiling him and helping him heal. I’m excited to see how he does at the University of Bellevue. I know he had plans for joining a different sport, maybe wrestling. Even though I suggested diving like my brothers. He’s apparently not a strong swimmer. I know he has so many plans, and I’m sure he’ll do wonderful. I know he will. He has to. He gave up his dream for his mental health.

  In my mind, he only deserves the best.

  With thoughts of Evan, though, come thoughts of Owen. As I quickly type and enter data, I wonder how he’s doing and if he’s adjusting okay. I can still see the absolute fear on his face and the sadness of knowing his brother was hurting. While I know it’s been almost a month since Evan left, I’m sure Owen’s pain is still there. His play on the ice is superb, but his interviews make me nervous. It’s obvious he misses his brother. I’ve even thought of reaching out to check on him, but since I haven’t talked to or seen him since that night after the gym, I feel that may be weird. I almost suggested to the doctor that we bring Owen in for a check-in just to make sure he’s okay. I didn’t, though, for the simple fact that it isn’t my business. Owen and I aren’t friends, and my job was to help his brother. I did, so I don’t know why I can’t shake the thoughts of Owen. I really want him to come in to see if he’ll flirt with me again because I’m unsure if he did or not. A huge part of me wants to think he did, but the smart part of me is like, there is no way.

  Maybe he got hit in the head on the ice?

  Or I truly was dehydrated.

  I’ve upped my water intake to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

  I’m so engrossed in my work, I don’t hear the door open to the lab or even when London comes up beside me. I jump when I notice her. “Jesus.”

  She grins, her eyes bright and happy. Like always. It has to be nice to never overthink or be worried over anything. To just walk around happy and ready to take on the world.

  “Sorry. How much longer you got?”

  “Maybe an hour? I’ve got two more reports.”

  She makes a face. “I ordered some Chinese, and Leroy ordered a movie. We were going to wait for you.”

  Yup, hard pass. “You’re too sweet. I’ve got so much to do, and I’m exhausted. Don’t wait for me. Enjoy your night.”

  She eyes me. “You haven’t been hanging with Leroy and me lately. Everything okay?”

  No, actually. Your boyfriend is a fat-phobic ass-fuck, and I wish I could suffocate him with my ass cheeks. I wave her off since she is my boss and, basically, my landlord. I really didn’t think this through by putting all my eggs in her basket. But then again, I didn’t know she was dating an asshole. “Just been insanely busy and focusing on me.”