“She’s alluded to some things, but I don’t know anything more than that.”
Coach nods. “It’s twenty-twenty-five. Women have a huge part to play in professional sports, and I refuse to entertain anyone who doesn’t have the same opinion. Parker has been a great addition to our medical team, and?—”
“She’s incredible. And I’m not just saying that as her friend. The guys all love her, and if they had their pick, they’d all have her working on them over Mitchell.”
Coach raises one brow, and it’s all I need to know.
“Thank you, Coach. This has been a very informative meeting.”
“Don’t do anything stupid, Storm.”
“Protecting my girl is never stupid,” I shoot over my shoulder.
When Coach doesn’t respond, I spin around to look at him. I find a wide grin on his face, excitement glittering in his eyes. “Parker’s good for you, Storm. Don’t let her get away.”
My heart slams against my chest as silent understanding passes between us.
“Fuck,” I breathe, dragging my hand down my face. “She’s not…she’s not there yet,” I confess.
I haven’t breathed a word about what’s developing with Parker to anyone, and I can’t lie, it feels good to have someone to confide in.
“These things take time and patience.” He gives me a hard stare, well aware that the latter isn’t something I’m particularly good at.
“Thanks, Coach. I really appreciate it.”
“Any time. My door is always open.”
Emotion burns behind my eyes as I nod and slip out of his room.
Time…
If it means I’ll eventually be able to call her mine, then I’ll give her all the time in the world.
The temptation to go straight to the training room the second I know she’ll be in is strong.
After what Coach said—or didn’t say—about Mitchell, all I want to do is sit in there with her and protect her.
She doesn’t need it. I know that. She’s more than capable of fighting her own battles. But fuck…she shouldn’t have to.
My internal battle over how to handle my newfound knowledge is written across my face as I march into the locker room. Fletch and Killer take one look at me and retreat, as if I am about to go at them.
Thankfully, they leave me to myself so I can get dressed and head out, although I don’t miss their questioning glances or those of the rest of the team.
Kodie is the first one brave enough. “Everything alright, man?” he asks as we step out onto the ice.
“Yeah, no. I don’t know,” I mumble like an idiot.
“Parker giving you hell, huh?” He chuckles.
“It’s not—” I cut myself off from lying.
Yeah, it’s Parker. It’s always fucking Parker.
Kodie smirks at me knowingly.
“Has something happened?” he asks.
I shake my head as I run through the events of last night and this morning.
