I didn’t respond to his observation, just shrugged as I fought to regain my composure and my breath.

“Your head isn’t in this game because of the drama surrounding Jock and you.” Ice motioned to a seat on one of the bleachers. I forced my legs to carry me to the opening and slumped down on the indicated bench. Ice sat next to me.

“I didn’t know she was married,” I said dismally, my shoulders slumped in defeat.

“I believe you.”

Surprised, I looked up and met Ice’s gaze. “Thank you.”

“Fuck, don’t thank me. Most of the team doesn’t agree with me, including Jock. That’s not my problem. My problem is that the entire team is being affected by the two of you.”

“I know.” I hung my head, once again feeling responsible for my stupidity. “I wish I’d never met that woman.”

I hadn’t seen her since she’d surprised me that day in the parking lot, but she’d left notes on my car begging me to speak to Jock on her behalf. I refused to do so, and I’d heard Jock was going ahead with the divorce. Did she really think I’d lie for her?

“You did meet her. You did sleep with her. Now you have to deal with the consequences like a responsible adult.”

“I’ve been trying, but he’s not having any part of my apology.”

“Then fucking try harder, because your beef with each other can’t continue.”

I didn’t dare point out I didn’t have a beef with Jock. He had a beef with me.

“Okay, I’ll do what I can to mend fences with him.”

Ice studied me for a long, uncomfortable moment, nodded, and left me alone on the ice. Several minutes later, I made my way to the locker room, fully expecting it to be empty by now. I wasn’t that lucky. Several teammates loitered around, the music blared, and a couple guys were having a spirited argument in one corner. In another, Brick—our starting goalie—was kicking Kaden’s ass in Ping-Pong. I knew this because Kaden sucked at Ping-Pong, and Brick’s superior smirk said it all.

Jock sat on the bench in front of his locker with his head in his hands. Now was as good of a time as any to try to mend our rift. I squared my shoulders and approached him, forcing all emotion from my face.

“Hey, could we talk?”

Jock’s head snapped up. For a split second, I saw the despair in this gaze before anger replaced it. “We have nothing to talk about.”

The music stopped. The laughter stopped. Even the bonking sound of the Ping-Pong ball stopped. Silence permeated the room, and I felt all eyes on us.

I glanced back at Ice and held out my hands, palms up. Ice glared at me and pointed at Jock.

“Jock, we need to talk.”

“Fuck you.” His glare was ice hot and would’ve melted even the strongest resolve. I gathered my waning courage and held my ground.