Rebound (Seattle Steelheads #1)(34)

Point taken, Coach. Point taken.

I took a few swigs of water, dropped the bottle behind the wall again, and skated after Wilson so we could run another drill.

By the time practice was over, every muscle in my body was burning with fatigue, but it felt good. It was that deep ache that always followed me out of the gym—like I was tired, but I’d done something, and I reveled in it, rubbery limbs and all.

In the locker room, as I was unlacing my skates, Dewey, one of our defensemen, clapped my shoulder. “Man, I was going to ask if you’re all right after that shit with your guy, but with the way you’re playing today”—He grinned—“sounds like you two must’ve made up.”

I laughed uneasily. “Actually, we, uh, broke up.”

“What?” He stumbled a bit on his own skates and grabbed my arm for support. “You broke up? Seriously?”

“Yeah.” I forced myself to sound casual. “It was time.”

He frowned, though, dropping on to the bench beside me. “Ah, man. I’m really sorry to hear that.”

Damn him—he’d said it loud enough that some of our other teammates heard, and suddenly they needed to know what he was sorry about. It took all of two minutes for word to spread through the locker room like the smell of unwashed socks, and of course every goddamned guy had to confirm it for himself. Even the guys who’d been busy seeing how far they could fire a puck across the room using the elastic of a jock strap were suddenly more interested in my breakup. I shrugged and grimaced through all the condolences. It was like being at a funeral for someone I couldn’t stand—it was easier to just take the sympathy than to say, “Fuck that, he was a dickhead and I’m glad he’s gone.”

It wasn’t their fault. I hadn’t told them the truth about Nathan—that the confrontation outside the restaurant hadn’t been the first or the worst fight that had gotten out of control—and it seemed pointless to tell them now. He was gone. I could weather their well-meaning condolences. Especially since I was a shower and a change of clothes away from going home, and it wouldn’t be long after I got home before Geoff showed up.

Geoff. I couldn’t help shivering at the thought of him and everything we’d done in my bed. That had been the most carefree, relaxed sex I’d had in years, and I wanted more. I was over my ex in the sense that I wasn’t pining after him or wishing he’d come back, and I wasn’t going to say no to an older, hotter man with a talented mouth and generous hands guiding me back into the world of dating other people. Maybe he’d even stay all night this time. Waking up next to someone I actually wanted to see? That sounded amazing.

The hot shower eased the aching in my tired muscles. A couple of ibuprofen and a few hours of relaxing before Geoff came over, and I’d be fine. Even if I wasn’t? Well, the important parts weren’t sore. I just might not be too acrobatic tonight. Hopefully Geoff wouldn’t mind.

As I tied my sneakers, Grady appeared beside me. “Hey, you coming out with us tonight?”

I shook my head. “Nah, I’m just going to take it easy. It’s been a long week.”

This was where they’d usually give me shit for going home to the old ball and chain, but word had gotten around pretty fast. The comment was met with sympathetic looks and quiet nods. Damn it. Sometimes the ribbing kind of annoyed me—especially because I’d always resented the fact that my “old ball and chain” really did demand that I come home—but I missed it today because I actually wanted to go home to someone.

My team just didn’t need to know I was going to home to a brand new guy.

*

I knew the second I let Geoff in the house that something wasn’t right. From the first night I’d met him, I’d known he wasn’t one to shy away from eye contact, but as soon as I opened the door tonight, he dropped his gaze.

I was usually the world’s biggest coward when it came to kicking off awkward conversations, but I didn’t want to let this linger. And besides, Geoff wasn’t volatile like Nathan had been. As much as uncomfortable discussions made me nervous as fuck, at least I didn’t have to worry about him blowing up at me. Right?

As I deadbolted the door, I said, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Back to me, Geoff rubbed his neck. “I…”

My heart raced, thumping in my ears. “What’s wrong?”

His shoulders sagged with a long sigh. Finally, he faced me, and I realized he looked utterly exhausted. Long day at work? Sleepless night?

I took a cautious step closer. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He moistened his lips and met my gaze. “Listen, I don’t think I can do this. Not right now.”

Disappointment joined my nerves, roiling in the pit of my stomach. “You can’t?” If you don’t want to, just say it. I can take it. Actually I probably can’t, but…just say it anyway.

“It’s my kids.”

I straightened. That wasn’t the answer I’d expected. “Oh. Really?”

“Yeah. They, uh…” He rolled his shoulders, which were still visibly tense. “They’re having a hard time. After my ex and I split. It’s been rough, and they’re still pissed at me because…” He waved his hand. “Anyway. I can’t lie to them and tell them I’m not seeing anyone when I really am. Even if it’s just casual.”