All the Sauce (IceCats 4)

“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.