“This is the scene of the crime.” It was a statement, not a question. I was referring to the barroom brawl that essentially doomed the Sockeyes’ season.

“Yeah, this is where our season was destroyed.” Axel met my gaze as we slid in a booth. He didn’t hide his anger from me. He had every right to be angry as did every member of this team. Those three guys had behaved irresponsibly, and everyone else paid for it. The remainder of the team had fought hard, but they couldn’t overcome losing those three guys. I wasn’t sure any team could.

I grabbed Axel’s hand when he put it on the table and leaned forward. “It’s time to look toward the future, not the past. What’s done is done. Have you heard from Kaden?”

“Nah. He’s gone off the grid, and I don’t really want to talk to him right now.”

“Can’t blame you.” I sat back and squared my shoulders, mentally prepping myself for my announcement. A moment of insecurity zipped through me, causing doubt as to how he’d take my good news. He’d be happy, wouldn’t he? I wouldn’t know until I told him. “I have some news.”

He arched a brow and waited for me to go on.

“I had my meeting with Roy.”

I had his full attention now. “And—” He sucked his lower lip between his teeth, something I’d seen him do before when he was nervous.

“And—” I hesitated, and his face fell, which was encouraging. He was afraid I hadn’t been offered the job. “I’m now a full-time employee of the Seattle Sockeyes.”

He put a hand on the back of my neck and leaned across the table, planting a wet, sloppy kiss on my lips.

He was happy. I was happy. Life was good. Axel and I were on track.

Nothing could possibly mess up this beautiful day.

Chapter 29—Exclusive

~~Axel~~

After lunch, Geneva had to go back to work, and I went home, for lack of anything else to do. I worked out in the condo gym, went for a run, and showered.

Geneva invited me to Jock’s for dinner, and I gladly accepted. The season was over, and I was able to devote energy to my personal life. I wanted Jock and me to be on amiable terms. We might never be friends, but I wanted the man to give me a chance. I liked Geneva. Okay, that was lame. I more than liked her. I adored her, worshipped her hot bod, and I wanted to spend all my free time with her. I wasn’t prone to falling in love. At least, I never had that I was aware of. It was hard to trust someone with my heart when my very own mother, the person above all others I should’ve been able to trust, walked out on me as a child. I guess shit like that left pretty deep scars. I’d never really considered myself scarred. I had a good family and support system in my brothers, father, and grandparents.