A rumble of laughter makes its way through my chest. “You knew about that?”
Coach scoffs. “Of course I did. How do you think they got the address?”
I sigh dramatically. “I should have guessed.”
“Now, the reason for my call.” I feel Scarlett start to wake beside me. I pull her in tighter. “How’s your recovery going?”
“Good.” I look down at Scarlett, watching as her eyes open before she squints at the light. “Great actually.” I don’t tell him that my shoulder is still fucked, but that I’m also feeling lighter than I ever have - almost like a weight’s been lifted.
Coach hums. “And your shoulder?”
Scarlett rests her chin on my chest and looks up at me with those green eyes I’ve come to love. “Who is it?” She mouths.
I pull the phone away from my ear as I lean down to meet Scarlett, giving her a quick kiss. “Coach.” I whisper as I pull away.
Her eyes widen in either realisation or shock, which one I’m not sure, as I lean back and respond to Coach. “It’s… better. Not perfect yet, just making progress.”
I can feel him nodding. “I emailed Scarlett a few days ago for a chat, but I just wanted to check in with you personally and see how you’re going.”
I narrow my eyes at her and her eyes furrow. Coach emailed her about me, and she didn’t even think to tell me about it? What were they saying about me?
“Well, I’m good, Coach. I’ll be back on the ice before you know it.”
“Good, I’m happy to hear it, Carter.” I hear faint rustling and muffled voices on the other end of the line. “Look, I have to go but I’ll check in soon. Just… make sure you behave, okay? Don’t forget what’s on the line here.”
He hangs up before I have the chance to respond.
I sigh, his words bouncing around in my head. With my hand still tangled in Scarlett’s hair, I tilt her head back further to look up at me. “When were you going to tell me Coach messaged you?
She scoffs, rolling her eyes at me. “It was none of your business, Carter.”
“It is because it’s about me.”
Wordlessly, she slaps my chest before rolling out of bed, my body instantly missing her warmth. The realisation makes me freeze. My attachment to Scarlett is out of control, I need to create distance. This is driving me insane.
I watch her from behind as she walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click. Jumping out of bed, I pull on some gym shorts and a tee as I text the boys.
Frost and Furious
Me
Anyone up for a hike?
I put my phone in my pocket as I jog downstairs, needing to take some space to breathe away from Scarlett.
…
SCARLETT
I make my way down to the kitchen, the house eerily quiet.
When I came back from the bathroom, Levi was gone, and I sigh, not quite knowing how we managed to backslide overnight.
Coming to the bottom of the stairs, I take note of Gigi, drinking coffee on the sofa, still half asleep.
“Long night?” I ask. Gigi startles, head snapping to the side to look at me over her shoulder.
She relaxes once she spots me, settling back into her seat again. “Always.” She sighs before taking a sip from her drink. I pour a mug for myself as well.
