A Perfect Distraction(87)
The familiar building silhouettes told him they weren’t far from Tracy’s house. He didn’t want Maggie to leave the car with this situation unresolved, but where did he even start?
With the basics. But how? With his reputation...
The germ of an idea occurred. Getting the attention of the media was about the only thing his reputation was good for, so why didn’t he use it to tackle the problem head-on?
The more he thought about it, the more he knew it was the only way to rescue the situation. His stomach churned at what he’d have to do, what it would cost him, but he owed Maggie nothing less.
Before he did anything, he’d have to get her approval. For that, he’d have to get her to talk to him. Time to bridge that gap.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
For several moments, she didn’t respond. He hunched his shoulders against the feeling of inadequacy that crept into his body.
Slowly, she turned to face him. “I told you to leave him alone.”
“I know. I lost my temper. But no woman should be treated that way, let alone my woman.”
“A noble sentiment.” Her lip curled. “This was exactly what I was afraid of and why I didn’t want to come tonight. You promised nothing would happen. I should have known better.” Her short laugh scraped already raw nerves. “I did know better.”
Feeling lower than a slug and knowing he’d earned every damning word, he forced himself to keep quiet until she’d said her piece.
“It was bad enough that I knocked Tony to the ground,” she continued. “Your macho behavior compounded the damage.”
“I couldn’t let him get away with what he did.”
“Tru and Ike had it under control,” she snapped. “I begged you not to get involved. But even though I’d shared my concerns with you, you waded in. Now instead of an unfortunate accident, there’s one heck of a juicy story out there. Lee will be thrilled. He couldn’t have planned this better himself.”
Each stinging word was like a well-aimed dart. “I’ll speak to the media and—”
“Please don’t,” she said coolly. “You’ve done enough.”
“But I can spin the story so they see it’s my fault and nothing to do with you.”
“Really? After you went to such lengths to tell them we’re together and serious about each other, they’ll drop me from all the stories.” She arched an eyebrow. “I don’t think so.”
“I can’t just sit on my hands and let you suffer.”
“Too bloody late. Anyway, I’m sure the Ice Cats would prefer if you said nothing.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass what they think. I bet they’ll back me one hundred percent. If they don’t, then I won’t be part of an organization that condones sponsors abusing women and...”
He swore when he caught her surprised expression. “Your jerk of an ex wanted you to put up with grab handing so you didn’t upset the team?”
“Lee felt I should do whatever it took to keep the sponsors happy,” she said crisply, though she dropped her gaze.
“Even for him, that’s a new low.” Jake grimaced. “What kills me is that you think I’m as bad as he is.”
“You don’t help your case when you do stuff like tonight.” Her tone softened slightly.
“You’re right.” He sighed. “At least, let me try to fix this.”
When she started to shake her head, he cut her off. “Look, it’s already as bad as it can be. But it’s still only a local story. Maybe I can ensure it doesn’t get to the U.K. Or, if it does, make it all about a dumb hockey player from New Jersey.” There was no question he fit that bill. “If it doesn’t work, you’re no worse off. What have you got to lose?”
“My daughter. My life over here. Everything I’ve worked so hard for over the past few months.” Her voice cracked on the last word.
Her anguish sliced through him like a freshly sharpened blade on clean ice. History was repeating itself. He hadn’t paid enough attention to Adam when it mattered, had put himself first. Now he’d done the same to Maggie.
This time, though, he had a chance to do something to make the situation right.
If she’d let him.
“Give me a couple of days. Let me try to minimize the damage.” He paused, uncertain what else to say to convince her. “Please.”
Maggie stared out the window, saying nothing.
The limo turned smoothly into Tracy’s drive. Time had run out.
Desperate, he made one last play. “It’s up to you. I’ll do whatever you think is best.”