“Yep.”
She turns to watch me return to standing. “Would you like some hot chocolate?” She’s gone shy, and it must come down to a moment that we shouldn’tbe having.
I raise my hand to stop her. “Nah. It isn’t my cheat day, and I need to stick to my nutrition schedule for the season.”
She tucks her hair behind her ear because her hat is doing a half-assed job of covering her ears. “Right. Forgot about that. Seb is the same way.”
Also, I need to create space after today. It’s twisting my wires, and I need to focus on hockey.
“I’m sure you would poison my drink anyhow,” I tease her.
She bobbles her head side to side before playing with the end of the scarf. “Nah, my piss-you-off quota is full for the day.”
Okay, she doesn’t hate me that much.
“Good to know there is a quota.” I hold her eyes prisoner longer than I should, and luckily, I’m saved when her son calls out for her.
I shouldn’t need saving at all.
CHAPTER 4
TYLER
The guys leave the ice in an orderly way, which is surprising since we’re all beat. Coach worked us hard. We’ve won our last three games, but he wasn’t happy with our penalty kill the other night and felt we let too many soft goals through.
Didn’t help that Smith ended up in the penalty box for a fight that didn’t need to happen, and I followed three minutes later. In my defense, at the time it seemed logical. The ref should have called tripping but he didn’t, so I took out a little anger.
“Ives.” Coach states my name with the underlying tone that I better get my ass over, as he wants a word.
Asher Tate is new this season. He’s fair, well respected, but takes no prisoners when it comes to compassion. It’s worse because he’s my older second cousin. The age difference is enough that we’re not that close. I’m lucky that nobody thinks he gives me special treatment; if anything, he’s harder on me. His brother, Shaw, is even on a rival team. Probably for the best, as he is wild. Besides, there is another team in the league where the coach has his son-in-law on theteam. That’s got to mean fucking awkward family dinners. Basically, having family in the same league isn’t unusual.
Walking in my skates to the side where he stands by a bench, his look is unreadable as always. “You’ve been playing the best hockey of your career, but if you pull any more shit that lands you a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct again, then I won’t be pleased.”
“Yes, Coach.” Because I don’t dare say his first name.
“We’re lucky you were able to come back and play the other week after your injury, so let’s not ruin it. Understand?”
“Yes, Coach.” What else can I say?
He hums a sound and lifts his nose slightly. “I don’t care about players’ personal lives but consider actually taking a day off mentally on Thanksgiving. I can’t have you on edge. If the other guys can do it, then so can you. Understand?”
I want to throw it back at him that he should take his own advice. Alas, all I do is sigh as I soak in his words. “I do.”
“Good.” His stoic face is unreadable.
Maybe I shouldn’t poke the bear, but suddenly I feel ballsy today. “Uh, shouldn’t you also take a mental day? I’m confident someone in the family is already plotting Chrismukkah, and that is an energy drainer. Although, the food is a solid ten.”
He doesn’t flinch and stares at me. “No. You always have energy for Sufganiyah with the right amount of jam inside.” He remains serious. “Now, we have one more away game and then off a day before we head out again. Rest up.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Leaving him, I vaguely hear him return to his conversation with one of the assistant coaches. In the locker room, the guys seem to be in good spirits, only with a few discussing some plays.
Sitting down, I begin to untie my skates when Charlie sitting next to me bumps my arm.
He’s been on the team for a few years now. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he basically can call the Spinners his home, as there is more stability.
“Everything good?” he checks in.
