Page 52

Aaron sat the food down, untouched, but kept the soda because his throat had turned into a desert. He was at Phil’s side as the agent guided them from the waiting room. Phil stayed quiet for a few moments, until they turned down a hall that had no one else in it.

“I understand that you and Caleb have known each other since high school.”

“Longer, really.” At least Aaron’s voice worked despite the dryness. “I’ve been best friends with his sister since grade school, so he was always around.” He took a drink.

“So you know he’s played hockey most of his life.”

Aaron nodded, keeping his expression neutral even while his annoyance grew. “Of course. I went to lot of his games back in the day, hanging out with Pam. I was there when he made his decision, after his last game playing for Foster Grove’s youth league, that his number was forever going to be twenty-eight because of Gordie Howe.”

“Then you know that hockey is his thing,” Phil said, crossing his arms. “He’s easily got a good five, maybe ten years left in the league if he can stop breaking bones. So, I’m curious what the plan is for you two. Are you planning to move down here and spend the off-seasons in Foster Grove? Is this going to be more of a long-distance thing? Or is it something that was just a fling that’s ending now that he’s recovered?”

Who did this imperious jerk think he was? Aaron was furious and struggled to keep his anger in check. “We’re figuring out what’s next.”

“Since my job is looking out for Caleb’s interests, I wanted to know what your answer was. Caleb doesn’t need any unnecessary distractions. In my view, if this is serious, the sooner you move down here, the better. Spouses and serious girlfriends or boyfriends all live around here. Or you can end it and Caleb does what he needs to, to forget about you. Whatever it is, it needs to happen soon so Caleb doesn’t want to constantly go upstate. He’s been back two days, and he’s already said he’s looking forward to a couple days off so he can go there.”

Anger gave way to hurt. “This is really none of your business. I understand that you—”

“Aaron, there you are,” Grant said, coming up from behind. “I was afraid Taylor Kitsch abducted you.” He chuckled at his joke. “Phil, do you mind if I take him?”

“Not at all.” Phil’s intense glare made Aaron uncomfortable, but he met it head-on. He’d never see this man again anyway. “I think we’re good here.”

“Great.” If Grant felt the tension between them, he didn’t let on. He sounded as upbeat as always. Aaron was surprised when he took hold of his forearm and led him away. They were silent until they rounded a corner. Grant looked back before he said a word, and even then, he spoke softly. “What did Phil say? You look like you’re about to explode. I mean, I don’t know you all that well, but—”

“He was… making his concerns known.”

Grant sighed. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have left you two alone. I should’ve just introduced you and made sure he left with me. Sometimes he can be a little gruff.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

They passed the waiting room Aaron had been in. Where were they going?

“Caleb will be ready to go in just a few minutes—and believe me, he’s ready to get out of here.” Grant opened a door and gestured for Aaron to enter. “You’ll be out of the crowd here, and Phil shouldn’t look for you here either. If anyone asks, just tell them I put you here.”

This room was nicer than the room he’d been waiting in. It didn’t have the catering, but there were more places to sit. One wall was taken up with a long mirror and a counter with chairs in front. Aaron assumed it must be a dressing room used when concerts played here.

“I don’t want to get you in trouble.” Aaron looked to Grant. “I can deal with Phil.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Grant smiled, and Aaron tried to relax. “I know I shouldn’t—” He stopped short, looking conflicted. “Let me just get Caleb so you guys can be on your way.”

Grant turned to go, but Aaron caught him by the arm. “What? Tell me.”

“I shouldn’t have opened my mouth, but… here it is—I think he really wants to make it work with you. He hasn’t said anything directly about it, but I’ve never seen him as happy as when he talks about you. He was practically jumping up and down when you agreed to come for the weekend. I heard some of what Phil said. Don’t let him sway your decisions.”

Aaron gave a weak smile. “Thanks.”

Except Phil was right. He was a distraction to Caleb and that was the last thing he wanted to be. He’d seen how happy Caleb was tonight—on the ice, with his teammates. He couldn’t stand in the way of that.

Grant’s phone chirped, and he smiled as he checked the screen and typed a quick message. “Caleb’s on his way. I hope you guys have a good day tomorrow. I promise I’ll have him back from the radio gig by ten. Unless you want to come hang out?”

Aaron quickly shook his head. “No, thanks. If I’m there, it may lead to more questions about us.”

“Fair enough.”

Before Grant could say more, Caleb entered, and Aaron was momentarily breathless at how handsome he looked in his game-day attire. The dark blue suit had been expertly tailored to accentuate his muscular frame. The sky-blue dress shirt set off his blue eyes perfectly. The red tie was the perfect accent, given New York’s colors. Since Aaron had arrived after Caleb was already in the locker room, it was his first time to see this dressed-up side of Caleb in person.

“It’s so good to see you.” Caleb went right up to Aaron, wrapped him in a light embrace, and kissed him. It was brief, and the step back made Aaron’s body ache for more. It had only been a few days, but he hadn’t realized how much he missed him.

“Great game. You were incredible out there.” Aaron stuck to the game since he wasn’t sure what else to say.