All Chapters of Romance In The Hockey Pitch: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

The Monday morning air in the Northwood athletic wing was thick Usually, days after a massive rivalry win was for recovery; ice baths, light stretching, and rewatching game tape. But today, the atmosphere was different. There were men in expensive coats and dark sunglasses pacing the halls, and the usual locker room music was absent.The Golden Couple headlines from Sunday were still plastered on the bulletin boards, but today, the focus had shifted from the gala to the game.The entire team was summoned to the film room at 10:00 AM. Coach Mike stood at the front, accompanied by three men who looked like they had been carved out of granite.."Settle down," Coach Mike ordered, though the room was already pin drop quiet. "First off, congratulations on the win. But more importantly, congratulations on the attention. Because of the performance this weekend; both on and off the ice. Northwood is currently the most talked about program in the country."He nodded toward the lead scout, a man

For the rest of the week, I couldn't focus on practice. I definitely couldn't focus on the lectures I sat through afterwards. During the weekend, I finally decided I had to talk to Chloe. Not because I wanted to follow my dad’s script, but because I needed to know if there was any way to fix this mess without hurting Jax. I pulled out my phone as soon as I got out of my last classI called her three times. Every time, it went straight to voicemail. I sent her a text, then another one.“Chloe, please. Just five minutes. I need to talk to you.It’s about my dad. Please talk to me.”*Nothing. No blue bubbles, no typing dots. It was like she had completely erased me from her life, and honestly, I couldn't blame her. I had used her as a shield for years, and then I had broken her heart.The next morning was even worse. Every time I saw a head of blonde hair in the cafeteria or the library, my heart jumped, but it was never her. Later in the day, I saw Toby sitting by himself near the stud

The locker room confrontation had left me hurting. I had spent the entire evening in my dorm, staring at the ceiling, replaying that missed shot over and over. My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I almost didn't pick it up, thinking it was my dad with But it was a text from Jax.“I’m in the parking lot. By the back equipment shed where the light is out. Please, Liam. Just come down. I’m not leaving until you do.”*I didn't hesitate this time. I threw on a hoodie and slipped out the door. The campus was quiet. When he saw me, he didn't move. He just watched me walk up, his expression guarded."You’re here," he said quietly."I told you I’d be here. I texted back," I replied, stopping a few feet away. "You’ve been dodging me for days, Liam. And then today... on the ice , In the locker room, I’m sorry. but you’re killing me in the process. Talk to me. Please. Just tell me what’s actually happening before I lose my mind."I looked at him, really looked at him. "Carl….. I don’t know but h

If this photo got out, it wouldn't just be a scandal. It would be the end. My father would never forgive me. The Rangers would see distraction instead of talent.I heard a soft knock at the door. "Liam? You in there?"It was Jax. I walked over and opened the door just a crack. When he saw my face, his smile vanished."What happened?" he whispered, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "Did the interview go that bad? Did your dad….""Look," I said, my voice cracking. I pointed at the phone on the bed.Jax picked it up. I watched his face go from confusion to pure, silent horror. He sat down heavily on my desk chair, his eyes fixed on the screen."When was this?" he asked, his voice barely audible."Last night. In the parking lot. I suspect it’s Carl," “No…no…we need to first find out who it is because if we accuse the wrong person, we would just be blowing everything up.”"He says he has clearer ones," I said, rubbing my face with my hands. "He’s going to leak them.”"Then

Friday morning felt like a fever dream. I met Carl behind the athletic dorms, near the dumpsters where nobody ever hung out. I pulled the envelope out of my pocket. Five hundred dollars. I didn't say a word. I just held it out.Carl took it, flicking through the bills with a greasy grin. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it, Captain?""We're done for the week, Carl," I said, my voice sounding like it was coming from a mile away. "Just stay away from me until the game.""Oh, I'll be right there with you," he laughed, stuffing the money into his jacket. "On the power play. Don't forget our deal, Liam. If I don't get the puck, the Rangers get a very interesting email before they even hit the parking lot."I walked away without looking back. I went to the locker room early, just to sit in the dark. My head was thumping. I hadn't eaten anything but a granola bar in twenty four hours. Five hundred dollars. My head rang again and again. My watch was sitting in a dusty display case next to a u