Give me fifteen minutes.
H.E.
If I send you a picture of what’s underneath my dress, will it get you to move faster?
Me
Ten minuets, and I don’t need bribing.
It’s thrillingto be sneaking out of here with Hannah. The adrenaline coursing through me is new, unfamiliar, and so different from what I used to experience when I was on the ice. She exits through a set of doors away from the lobby and I veer to the right, doing one last lap to make it obvious as hell I’m still here while she’s not.
My plan is foiled when Grant appears in front of me. He’s missing his tie, and the champagne glass in his hand is almost empty. He looks wary when his locks on mine, and I stop in my tracks.
“Everett,” I say, checking my watch. “What’s up?”
“Hey, Coach.” He runs a hand through his hair and shifts on his feet. “Can I, um, talk to you for a second?”
“That depends. Are you going to get out of the extra skating I gave you?”
“What? No. I’ll give you two extra hours if you want. It’s more… personal?”
It comes out like a question, and I tip my head back, blowing out a breath while I look at the ceiling. It would be so fucking easy to brush him off and dash out of here, but that doesn’t fall under the values I try to implement with the team. I want Hannah more than I’ve ever wanted anything else in my life, and I hope to every higher power out there she understands why I’m late.
“Come here.” I motion to a quiet alcove in the breezeway that leads to the lobby. “What’s going on?”
“I’m afraid I’m going to get in trouble with the league,” he whispers. “And I want to know if you can forward me a copy of our CBA.”
“Our CBA,” I repeat. “What did you do, Everett?”
“Nothing. I just want to make sure my, ah, extracurricular activities aren’t going to get me suspended.” His ears are bright red. He downs the rest of his drink and holds the champagne flute with a tight grip. “It’s nothing illegal.”
“Okay. Are you betting on games?”
“I don’t know how any of that stuff works.”
“Are you physically assaulting someone when you’re off the ice? Roughing up the person you’re sleeping with and threatening them if they talk?”
“What?” The color drains from his face. His mouth falls open, aghast. “I’ve never… I would never put my hands on woman.Ever.”
“Are you threatening fans on social media?” I ask, trying to run through things players have been reprimanded for in the past. Article 18-A from the CBA that outlines commissioner discipline for off-ice conduct is fuzzy. Even fuzzier after drinkingand kissing Hannah, and I can’t remember the procedure. “You’re looking at a fine, suspension, or an expulsion if?—”
“I haven’t done anything like that, and I never will. It relates more to, ah, personal relationships? And who I’m allowed to be in one with?”
“Grant. You know our team policy is inclusive toallrelationships, right? And you don’t have to disclose anything you’re not comfortable with. Private things are allowed to stay private, even if you’re a public figure.” I drag my knuckles over my chest, thinking about Hannah waiting for me. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll forward you the CBA in the morning.”
“Thanks, Coach.” Grant’s shoulders sag with relief. “That would be amazing.”
“Thanks for trusting me. You need anything else, let one of the older guys know. Hudson and Maverick are good people.”
“I know they are. See ya on Monday.” With a salute, he turns, practically skipping away.
Knowing I’m behind schedule, I hightail it down the steps of the hotel. I ignore the ache in my knee, jogging the two blocks it takes for me to get to the coffee shop I suggested. Hannah is standing on the corner, arms wrapped around herself to stay warm, and I rip my jacket off.
“I’m sorry.” I drape it over her shoulders and rub my hands up and down her arms. “I was talking to your brother.”
“Grant?” She lifts an eyebrow, her breath coming out in puffs in the night air. “Did he?—”
“No. Had some questions about team related stuff, but we’re good.” I dig out my phone, ordering us an Uber. “Are you cold? There’s a bar a few doors up we can sit it while we wait.”
