Chapter 39: Gigi – Confronting Fear and Secrecy

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Gigi sneaks out of Ryder’s hotel room before dawn, anxious about Case discovering their relationship. She attends the Briar men’s hockey game, where Ryder and Case display remarkable on-ice chemistry, scoring an incredible goal together. Later, while heading out to celebrate, Gigi is cornered in an elevator by a persistent, drunk fan named Nathan. He ignores her polite refusals, invades her space, and physically grabs her. Ryder and Shane arrive, pulling Nathan away and warning him off. Case and other teammates appear; Gigi assures everyone she is fine. Ryder offers quiet support, but Gigi holds back from embracing him. The chapter ends with Case hugging Gigi instead, highlighting the emotional distance her secret creates.

Key Events

Gigi slips out of Ryder’s hotel room early, fearing Case’s reaction.
The Briar women’s team wins their afternoon game, remaining undefeated.
At the men’s game, Gigi observes Ryder and Case’s improved on-ice synergy; they score a highlight-reel goal together.
Briar men win 2–1; Gigi’s teammates admire Beckett and Ryder.
After the game, a drunk fan named Nathan approaches Gigi in the crowded aisle.
In the hotel elevator, Nathan traps Gigi, touches her face, and ignores her requests to stop.
Gigi finally says “No, thanks” and later warns him to step back.
Ryder and Shane appear, yank Nathan out of the elevator, and threaten him.
Case, Will, and Beckett arrive; Nathan flees via the stairs.
Gigi declines Case’s physical comfort but accepts his hug after Ryder leaves with the others.

Character Development

Gigi: She begins to acknowledge that she cannot remain in a secret relationship indefinitely, but dreads hurting Case. Her internal monologue reveals her fear of directly rejecting men, shaped by past aggressive reactions. This chapter tests her ability to assert boundaries under threat.
Ryder: His protective instinct surfaces immediately. He controls his anger but makes clear he will not tolerate harassment. His restraint shows growth from earlier impulsive behavior.
Case: Though still unaware of Gigi and Ryder, he shows he cares by rushing to check on her. The irony of him offering comfort while unknowingly being the source of Gigi’s guilt deepens the conflict.
Nathan (minor): Serves as a reminder of real-world dangers; his entitled reaction to rejection starkly contrasts with the Briar hockey players’ respect.
Will: Notices the tension between Gigi and Ryder and discreetly gives them space, indicating he may suspect something.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Consent and Harassment: The elevator scene illustrates how women often downplay their discomfort to avoid escalation. Gigi’s thought, “the world is scary sometimes,” encapsulates the theme.
Secrecy versus Honesty: Gigi’s subterfuge contradicts the openness she values. The chapter intensifies the moral weight of hiding her relationship from Case.
Teamwork and Trust: On the ice, Ryder and Case’s goal symbolizes the trust they share in their sport, which contrasts with the deception off the ice.
Protection and Vulnerability: The hockey players’ collective intervention shows a support system, yet Gigi feels she cannot fully lean on any of them because of her secret.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter escalates the central romantic conflict by forcing Gigi to confront both external danger and her internal fear of truth-telling. The harassment incident raises the stakes for her secrecy: if she had been harmed, Ryder and Case would have learned about her whereabouts anyway. It also showcases Ryder’s growth from aloof to actively protective, strengthening Gigi’s feelings for him. Finally, it positions the coming confession as inevitable, deepening reader investment in the outcome.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Gigi find it hard to directly tell Nathan “no” in the elevator?
She has faced aggressive, entitled reactions from men in the past when she was direct. Being alone and trapped makes her prioritize physical safety over confrontation, so she uses vague answers until she can escape.

2. How does the chapter show the difference between Ryder’s and Case’s responses to Gigi’s distress?
Ryder immediately reads Gigi’s body language and backs off when she subtly signals she does not want a hug in front of Case. Case, unaware of the relationship, offers a hug that Gigi accepts but does not fully want. Ryder’s restraint proves his deeper attunement to her needs.

3. What does Gigi’s phone call with her brother Wyatt reveal about her hockey career?
Wyatt calls to congratulate her on the team’s undefeated record. Gigi shares that an assistant coach from Team USA hinted she will make the final roster, indicating her professional aspirations are within reach and reinforcing that hockey remains a core part of her identity.