Page 37 of My One & Goalie

“Yeah, I know. But I can’t stand by and do nothing while he bullies her and pushes her around.”

“You’re in a tough position.”

“What would you do if Harper had an ex like Charles and he was physically harming her?”

Jackson thrums his fingers on his thigh, thinking. Finally, he lifts his eyes to mine, his jaw tense.

“I’d kick his ass.”

“Exactly.” I sit back, folding my arms across my chest.

“But I’m not you, Xander. You’re still in the league, playing professional hockey. There’s so much on the line. Are you willing to risk it all on that asshole?”

“No.” I huff out a long breath, then lock eyes with Jackson. “Not for him. But I am for Rachel.”

Jackson whistles. “Damn, you’ve got it bad.”

I punch him in the biceps. “Shut up. I do not.”

“Yeah, I recognize that look. Bro, you’re in love with her. You’re willing to give up hockey—your career—to protect her. That’s love, man.”

I bite down on my lip and stare across the smooth ice, still unmarked by junior skates. Jackson may be right about this.

Finally, I meet his gaze. “Even though Rachel and I haven’t known each other that long, there’s something between us. Something different and real.”

“She’s great, Xander. I one hundred percent support the relationship. But don’t do anything you’ll regret later. All I’m saying is be smart about how you handle Charles.”

“Heard.” I stand, shoving a hand in my pocket. Kids and parents are wandering into the rink now, ready for practice. “Thanks for the advice.”

Jackson rises and squeezes my shoulder. “Anytime. And I’m happy to play backup. May be a good thing to have a witness.”

“Thanks. That’s a solid idea.”

“Hey, Coach!” One of the players waves over at us and we break our huddle to get ready for practice.

The hour flies by in a flurry of ice and skates and pucks. I teach Jett and a kid named Tommy the basics of blocking the net and then we scrimmage. Jett’s the goalie for my team and he does great, executing the moves I taught him. I can’t wait to tell Rachel after practice.

“Great work out there today, guys! Our first game is this Friday. One more practice until then, so be sure to make it.” Jackson high-fives the tiny players as they skate off the ice to their waiting parents.

I search the stands for Rachel, but she’s not there. Worried, I head over to the bench and rifle through my duffel for my cell. Sure enough, there’s a text from her.

Rachel: Had to stay late at work. Charles is picking Jett up from practice

Dammit.

I wanted to see Rachel, not that asshole. Although this gives me the perfect opportunity to confront him. Waving Jackson over, I drop my voice so only the two of us can hear.

“Can you stick around? Charles is on his way to get Jett.”

Jackson presses his lips together, nodding. “Absolutely. I’ll have Harper take the boys outside.”

“Probably a smart idea.”

Jackson and Harper confer for a minute and then she and the boys head to the parking lot. Now the rink’s empty, save for me and Jackson. He sits on the bench, scrolling through his phone, but I can’t relax. Instead, I pace back and forth, flexing my fingers.

Five minutes, then ten pass. This fucker is chronically late. What a self-centered dickhead.

Finally, Charles strides in. His cell’s in his hand and he doesn’t bother glancing up from the screen as he walks toward us.