“Yeah, I guess. I didn’t expect losing to hurt like that. It’s not like I haven’t experienced losing before.” I had the distinct impression he wasn’t talking about hockey, but I played dumb.

“The bigger the stakes, the harder it is. You guys did the best you could under the circumstances.”

His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Our best wasn’t good enough. We failed.”

“You lost, but I wouldn’t say you failed. You have a great foundation for next year.”

“Rumor has it they’re dismantling the team and rebuilding. Mr. Parker is pretty disgusted about the suspensions.”

Understandably, Steele was worried about being traded or cut from the team. I didn’t know what words would help him feel better, but Steele was an asset to any team. He was one of those guys who did his job, didn’t ask for personal recognition, and never caused problems. He was a real team player, not to mention talented, and most organizations would kill for more guys like him. Surely the Sockeyes knew what they had.

Another thought sliced through me like the cold blade of a knife. Was Axel safe? Would he be traded or on the chopping block? What would happen to us if he was? I’d never considered his precarious position with the team until now. Hockey players moved from team to team constantly. It was a given, and I’d taken it for granted we’d both be in Seattle for the foreseeable future.

“You okay, Geneva?” Steele stared oddly at me, bringing me back from my thoughts.

Negativity wasn’t needed right now. I was here to cheer up Axel, not depress him all the more. “I’m good.”

Steele shrugged and opened the condo door. I followed him inside and thanked him for cutting short his evening for me.

“Don’t worry about it. I was done anyway.” He winked at me and headed for his room. “Good night.”

“Good night,” I called after him.

After I heard the click of his door shutting, I tiptoed to Axel’s closed door and pressed my ear against it. I heard the sound of soft snoring and smiled. When Axel was really tired, he snored. The more tired, the louder his snore. That game had taken everything out of the team, and I was surprised he wasn’t shaking the walls with his snoring.

I turned the doorknob and entered. As quietly as I could, I stripped off my clothes and carefully pulled back the sheets. He made a noise but didn’t wake. I crawled between the sheets and slid up next to him, spooning my chest against his back and wrapping my arms around his waist.

Axel moaned, but he didn’t wake up. I planted a trail of kisses along his shoulder and up his neck.

“Mmmmm.” A slow smile spread across his handsome face. He rolled onto his back and pulled me across his chest. One eye opened and then the other.

“Gen?”

“Who else would it be?” I teased. “Were you expecting another woman to crawl into your bed in the middle of the night?”