“Not so fast. I also know that just the same as Evan, you have your reasons why you did what you did. I know how you felt about Marcus Grant when he got injured.”
“That’s right, I was horrified that the team’s trainer didn’t take his injury so seriously. You already knew that was why I went to school to become an athletic trainer.”
Coach Alan nodded his head and then looked to his daughter.
“Bianca, even back then I could read things, and talk ran rampant. I knew you were seeing him, and I know you only started researching into this career so you could help him get better. When he pushed you away, it devastated you. You may think I never paid attention to you, but I did. So, while that situation may have been the force behind the schooling and career choice, I think your choice in your past relationships were because when someone showed you attention and said they wanted help, and you could provide that help, you were driven to them. Even if they were only out to benefit themselves and hurt you.”
Bianca looked at the ground, afraid to look up as her father cleared his throat.
“Bianca, I am glad to hear you say that you are taking ownership of this. That is one thing not a lot of people would do. That alone speaks volumes, and so, while the others are entitled to their opinions, I have defended you. You are hands down oneof the best trainers this team has had, even with the situation at hand, and because of that, you are staying on.”
I could see the tears building in Bianca’s eyes as she looked up at her father. “You are going to keep me.”
“Yes, we are. You have earned your place here. Just don’t make me regret defending you.”
“I won’t. I promise. Which means I really should get down to my office,” she said, standing up.
“You’ll be welcomed back. Now, the pair of you, make this relationship count. Evan, get well. The team needs you. And now the two of you get out of my office.”
Coach Alan walked over to the door, pulling it open, and we both walked out into the hallway, stopping immediately as we came face-to-face with the entire team.
“Oh, yeah, and no more hiding. If you two are going to do this relationship thing, do it right. Let your teammates know so they can be happy for you and so they can stop the gossip mill.”
Nightly, Kells, and Cromwell all stood there grinning like idiots at the two of us, but the rest of them just watched, eyes wide.
I grabbed Bianca with my good arm and pulled her into me, lowered my lips to hers, and kissed her right there in front of everyone. They all cheered, of course. Nightly, Kells, and Cromwell were the loudest, which meant I knew immediately who was responsible for the rumors.
“Fuck, finally!” Nightly yelled out, causing the entire team to laugh as they all crowded around us.
“Bianca, you need to talk with us so we can warn you about this guy,” Kells said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leading her away from me.
“Don’t listen to a word that guy is going to tell you,” I called as she glanced over her shoulder, laughing at whatever Kells had said.
“I won’t.” She winked, laughing back at me.
Chapter 15
Evan - Twelve Months Later
I kickedoff my sneakers and took in the smell of basil and garlic bread. Bianca had won our ongoing battle about dinner choices this morning during breakfast, and I honestly couldn’t wait to dive into a bowl of homemade pasta.
I threw my keys down on top of my hockey bag and made my way into the living room to find Bianca sitting on the couch, still wearing my away jersey and a pair of tiny sleep shorts.
“Uh, you know that is my jersey, right?” I said, making my way over to the couch where she’d laid out a plate of garlic bread and two bowls of pasta.
“Uh, correction, this is my jersey, which I occasionally allow you to borrow when you go on away games.”
I sat down, leaning in to kiss her, then I stole a piece of garlic bread and shoved it into my mouth.
“Plus, it looks better on me.” She grinned.
I looked at her, noticing the way the jersey hung off her shoulder, giving me a glimpse of her bare skin.”
“Well, you’re absolutely right, especially when you don’t wear a bra, but there is no way I am going to say that too often, otherwise it will go to your head and you’ll parade around all day dressed like that driving me mad.”
“It’s a little late for that. I saw the expression you made the other night when you came home and found me in bed, wearing nothing but this while holding my vibrator between my legs.”
“God, don’t remind me.”
