I clenched my fists inside my gloves, pissed I’d admitted Millie’s refusal to talk to me hurt my feelings.I was Luka Stol, a hot-shot hockey star with the money and looks to bag any woman in hockey nation…except the one I wanted.
“Whatwouldbe good is to channel that aggression into a W on Friday.”Maxim smacked my shoulder hard enough for me to wince.“You have ten more to go.”
He headed toward the exit while I considered what he’d told me, and what hehadn’tsaid.
Gunnar Evaldson also slapped my shoulder as he exited Coach Whittaker’s office when I trudged down the hall after my shower.I didn’t have time to wonder why he was there, because Coach laid into me the moment I crossed the door’s threshold.
“You either get your head together or be prepared to be benched.”
I stared at him, halfway into the seat, my hand on the back of the chair.Instead of settling down, I popped up.“Sure, Coach.Whatever you say.”
He thumped his butt into his chair as I turned toward the door, jaw tight with my effort not to spew the additional shit my ego demanded.That would definitely get me benched.
“Sit your ass down, Luka.Now.”
I returned to the chair and sat with my fists tight against my thighs.
“You’re wound tighter than Mac was before we signed him,” Coach said, leaning forward.The gray at his temples seemed more pronounced.He was still young, but he’d been through a lot of life changes since coming to Houston.I hadn’t been here for his wedding or his adoption of his niece, but I knew about it.We all did because Coach had all the guys at his place a few times each season.
I liked both his wife, Paloma, and his daughter, Trix.Not that I spent a lot of time with women or girls.
The closest thing I had to a mother, Alyssa, said that was because I didn’t know how to interact with women, especially those who had potential to be in my life long term.I had to admit, she seemed to be on to something with that theory.
I preferred to keep my relationships with women superficial—some flirting, getting off, and getting out.Until Millie.
“I’m sorry,” Coach said, scrubbing his hands over his face, which caused his glasses to push up on his forehead.
He’d gotten the readers this year, and I thought they made him look like a TV dad.Coach didn’t seem used to them or comfortable with them yet, which made it funny as hell to watch him forget where he put them.
“You have so much promise, Luka.Such talent.It’s hard to remember you’re just a kid.”
I stiffened, but kept my mouth shut.Barely.
“I know you’re going through some stuff—who isn’t?But I need you to keep your off-ice romancesoffthe damn ice.You hear me?”He sighed.“You and Naese… I can’t have my starting line this twisted up over women, especially when I know you boys were the ones who created the drama in the first place.”
I didn’t create shit with Millie.Well, I had, but I’d planned on it being more than a wham-bam-drop-the-man scenario.Silas Whittaker wasn’t interested in my hurt pride, though.I wrenched my lips open enough to offer, “Yes, Coach.”
He leaned forward, his expression implacable.“You’re up for a new contract next season.Right now, you’re looking like a good trade option.”
I bit my tongue and met his gaze, though I wanted to drop my head.I’d focused on playing for Houston from the get-go.I’d followed hockey for as long as I could remember, and I’d liked what the Wildcatters owner, Gunnar Evaldson, was doing with this program.This was where I wanted to retire.Not only was Silas Whittaker a fantastic former player and brilliant coach, but he’d also managed the impossible and already led this new franchise to two Stanley Cup runs in five years.
Most teams never got that far.
I inhaled through my nose.“I understand.”
“Do you, Luka?”Coach snapped.“You have the build, the speed, the stick work to be one of the greats.Youalsohave a chip on your shoulder and an impulsive streak that screws up all that talent.I’m not sure I can coach you—not if you’re not willing to trust me.”
I inhaled again.“I hear you, Coach.”
He waited, but I remained silent.“Get your act together, Luka.I’ve given you all the chances I can.”
Chapter2
Millie
Single parenting wasn’t for the weak, not even when the baby was still inside me.Wiping my mouth with the back of my shaking hand, I flushed the toilet.I couldn’t remember a time I hadn’t been ill.
I rose, my legs unsteady, and rested my hands on the cool porcelain of the sink.Dark bags sat thick and menacing under my eyes.My skin was sallow, patched with dryness, and my hair was lank.But it was my eyes that caught my attention.I squinted, then shook my head.
