“It shows. If half of those guys stick around to play for the Bobcats, they will be unstoppable.”
“You’re good with the younger players.” Logan sat up and rubbed his chin. “Have you ever considered coaching?”
The practice session had been amazing. I was able to connect with a few of the players. Watching them take my notes and put them into action was unlike any other feeling. I was impacting their lives and potentially their careers too. “I think I still have a few years in my own career before I go the coaching route.”
Logan took off his reading glasses. “You could do both. You could play for the Bobcats and help out with these guys. The mayor also got another grant for the assistant coach position—it pays pretty damn well.
“Let’s see what happens after tomorrow.” I didn’t want to tell Logan that I knew about the scouts.
“Tomorrow?” He screwed up his forehead.
“I mean, the townspeople could run me out of here if we lose.”
Logan chuckled. “They might.”
“At least I’d get out of the parade,” I said.
“Come on.” Logan slapped my leg and stood.
Had I gone too far with the parade comment? I was secretly hoping that he’d tell me that the Rapidians wouldn’t care if their team lost tomorrow. That wasn’t the case. I was still going to be a pariah. “Where are we going?”
“You need to see some of the town’s spirit.”
Oh, hell no. “I’m not really into any of this stuff.”Please don’t let it be caroling.
“Listen, Tinsel. Playing for the Bobcats is more than showing up at the arena for practices and game nights. This is a community, and you are going to be a part of it.”
This was worse than caroling. “Logan, I really need to get home, the dog probably needs to—”
“You can go be a grouchy hermit with your dog after we win the log sawing competition.”
Not only was Logan dragging me to one of the damnChristmas events, he wanted me to participate. “Do I have a choice?”
“Nope.” The stands shook as Logan hopped down the tiers. I followed close behind him and we practically jogged downtown.
I could hear the lumberjack competition before I saw it. Modified chainsaws screamed as burly men with beards more impressive than Jack’s carved intricate chairs out of a log—all with a chainsaw. Sawdust hung in the air and the crowd cheered on the wood artists, although it was unlikely that they could hear anything through their ear protection.
Across from the action, a group of women stood, entranced with the carving. “There’s my wife.” Logan pointed and then waved when the pretty brunette noticed us. “Before Charlotte comes over, I need to tell you something.”
“What’s that?” I had to shout.
“It was wrong of me to tell you to stay away from the bunnies. You’re a part of our community now, and that means you should be able to date anyone you want.” He grabbed my arm and squeezed it. “With the exception of my wife.” He winked and let go of me.
“I didn’t mean what I said about the older woman…” My voice trailed off.
Logan laughed and slapped me on the back. “I know. Now, let’s go saw some logs.”
He led me to the center of the parking lot where massive logs were arranged in rows. A sign hung across the street that readcrosscut competition. “Do you need gloves?” Logan asked.
Down the line of plaid shirt–wearing, barrel-chested, shit-kicking lumberjacks, there wasn’t one pair of gloves in sight.
“I’m good. I’m a ranch hand now, didn’t you hear?” I held up my calloused hands.
“It’s Chance Rapids, of course I heard.” He winked.
“Go Logan! Go Nick!” Charlotte cheered and clapped her hands. Next to her stood a girl I recognized from the Last Chance and…how had I not seen her earlier? Blue eyes stared out from beneath the brim of a cowboy hat.
“Go Nick!” Evie shouted and waved her hat in the air. She was wearing her barn coveralls and a huge grin.
