“It’s nothing personal. We like the matchup with him in the crease.”
“With the Kings?” I let out a short laugh. “I’ve played the Kings twice already. I’ve studied the tape. You actually expect me to believe this isn’t personal?”
“Cooper.” He shifts his clipboard from one hand to the other. “They’re heavy on right side shots. Matthews will position us well with your shoulder and all.”
“If you’re doing this because of my shoulder, I’m fine. I’m ready to play. I’d never put the team in jeopardy if I thought I couldn’t give it 100 percent.”
“This isn’t up for discussion. I’ve just pulled you out here to tell you.”
“I’ve played every game this season. You can’t tell me I’m not prepared to take on their offense.”
“And you’ve played a lot of minutes.”
“So I’m being rested, then?” I ask.
He holds my gaze. “I said this isn’t up for discussion.”
“I’m just asking a question.”
“And I’ve given you the answer.”
I feel the heat climbing up my neck.
“You’ve had distractions,” he says finally.
I let out a short breath. “You told me to stay away from her, and I have,” I lie.
His expression doesn’t change.
“I’ve done what you asked,” I continue. “Outside of seeing her broken down on the side of the road and helping her get home, I haven’t seen her. I haven’t gone over to her place. I haven’t even gone to the bar. And I made sure she moved off my family’s farm.”
I don’t tell him how the moving was done on her own and against my wishes, but still.
His eyes narrow slightly. “I don’t appreciate being lied to, Cooper. I told you what would happen.”
The words hang there.
So he knows that I called her? How?
If he knows that, what’s there to say he doesn’t know what was being said too?
“So you’re benching me because I helped your daughter who was broken down on the side of the road?” I ask.
“I’m benching you because I have to make decisions in the best interest of this team.”
I step closer to him. Close enough that there’s only a couple of feet separating us now.
“What is it you’re hiding? Why do you care so much about making sure no one knows your secret?”
“Cooper.”
“Just answer the question. Be honest for a change.”
“You’re letting your ego get in the way.”
I throw my head back, laughing now. That’s rich coming from him.
He straightens up, clutching the clipboard tight against his chest. “Get dressed and be ready. If we need you, you’ll go in.”
