I’m getting increasingly more defensive, “No. Seriously, I just don’t think this is the right path for me. I need rehab that I know is certainly going to work. I don’t know why Coach can’t see that. I have to be back on the ice in October. I have to be.”
The room goes quiet for a moment – just the sound of Steele crunching down on some of his chips. It’s like he’s trying to piss me off today.
Once Steele finishes his mouthful, he unfortunately decides to speak up again. “Do you know who your instructor is yet?”
I sigh, leaning my head back to look up to the roof. The long brown hair, vibrant green eyes, the twang of an accent I still can’t quite put my finger on. Then her lean, muscular figure that leads down to the most perfect ass I’d ever seen. I shift, attempting to be discreet as I reach down to adjust my crotch at the thought of her.
“Yeah. Scarlett Quinn.”
“Wait, that name rings a bell,” Steele contemplates for a second before his eyes widen slightly, “Scarlett Quinn? I’ve seen her stuff online since she joined one of the local studios. She is good. You’re in great hands, Lev.”
I sigh. Yeah. Sure I am.
Calloway leans over to Steele, “Hey, you got a picture? I’ve got to see.”
“Yes!” Steele opens his phone again, pulling something up on the screen. Calloway’s jaw drops, Steele glances at him, “She’s hot, right?”
“Dude, why are you complaining? Look at her. That’s a great way to spend your time.”
I groan, “Come on. Stop thinking with your dick. She’s going to be a pain in my ass. That’s the only way I see her.”
Steele speaks with a smirk, “I can’t wait to see you eat your words.”
I roll my eyes and lean forward, picking up the puck, turning it over in my hand again, like that’ll help me to stop thinking about my damn Pilates Instructor.
This is going to be a long few months.
…
SCARLETT
I slam my mug down on the counter, the tea sloshing over the rim spreading a pale ring on the counter. It’s just been one of those days – I’m rather overwhelmed.
Ayla, my new friend, and neighbour is perched on the other side of the island with an eyebrow raised at me. “Girl, are you okay?”
I chuckle sarcastically, “No, I don’t think I am. I just need to mentally prepare.”
“For what?”
“The rehab case I’m now contracted to.” I take a sip of my tea, “Some NHL player. Shoulder dislocation and I need to get him back to being better than ever.”
Ayla tilts her head at me, contemplating. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but… Can’t you choose your own clients?”
I let out a dramatic sigh. “I know, but you should see this contract. I would have been dumb to turn it down.”
“Just circling back,” Ayla pumps her eyebrows at me, “An NHL player, you say? Which one?”
I sigh as I grab a Tim Tam out of its packet. I fucking love Tim Tams. I slide one over to Ayla as well. “I can’t disclose. Part of my contract” I mumble, taking a bite out of the biscuit.
Ayla contemplates. “They’re all cute anyway.” She waves me off, “I would expect you’d be more excited about this.”
“Yeah, but it seems like he’s going to be a nightmare.” I lean back against the counter, crossing my arms. “He’s cocky, I don’t think he wants to work for his recovery, just expects a miracle is going to happen.”
“Maybe he just needs someone that will stand up and go toe to toe with him.” Ayla says, though, she’s not the one that has to do the standing.
I snort. “Yeah, because nothing is going to motivate a spoiled athlete like a lecture from a five-foot-five Pilates Instructor. Come on, girl, be serious.”
“You’re selling yourself short.” She smirks, making me roll my eyes. “You can do this. In the brief time I’ve known you, I’ve seen how powerful and persuasive you can be, not to mention your patience. If anyone can help him, it’s you. And you never know, maybe he’ll surprise you.”
