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Her expression turned sad, but her lips lifted into a soft smile. “I’m always happy to kick your ass. That’s what friends are for.”

I gave her a rueful shake of my head, and left the kitchen to take a shower. When the hot water hit me between the shoulders the tension slowly started to ease from my muscles, and allowed my mind to go blank long enough to get a reprieve.

Staci was right. If Kenzi had to see me like this she would no doubt kick my ass, and tell me to get my shit together. It was one of many things I’d grown to love about her.

I promised myself that when she woke up I wouldn’t waste another minute keeping how I felt about her to myself, and shut off the water. I opted out of shaving my face knowing that Kenzi liked my stubble, and changed into some clean clothes courtesy of Staci. More guilt washed over me as I realized that she’d been taking care of things while I wallowed, including the washing and grocery shopping.

Grabbing my keys, I shoved my wallet into my jean pocket, and pulled my dark grey sweater on with my black beanie and headed out. My truck was a write off, and while waiting on the insurance company to pay out I was using a rental. The lights of my dark blue Ford Focus blinked when I unlocked the doors, and I climbed in, blasting the heater as soon as the door shut. I had to move the seat all the way back, being used to the size of my truck, and pulled out of the covered parking in our apartment complex.

University Village was a short drive from campus and from where my little brother lives with our deadbeat parents. Blackburn University wasn’t my first choice, but they had a Division I Ice Hockey team, and it was close to Daniel, so rather than skipping town like I’d planned, I stayed and made it work. I only had one year left before I graduated, and until eighteen months ago I had my sights set on going pro in the NHL, but after tearing the inner cartilage of my knee that dream had to be shelved indefinitely. I was devastated, but I came up with a new plan and with the help of Coach Davis, I got the assistant Coach position for the University. I was planning a long, successful career in Sports Management after graduation so either way, it looked like was going to be in Blackburn for a while.

A year ago I would have hated the thought, but after meeting Kenzi, the idea of staying became a lot more appealing. Strange how quickly things changed when you met the right person.

I tapped out a nervous beat on my steering wheel while driving to campus. Classes for our summer session started tomorrow and it was no surprise to see how many students stayed in town to attend. Fortunately, I hadn’t missed any school work, but I didn’t know what to expect when I walked through the state-of-the-art sports center and wondered into the rink. The guys were messing around on the ice, and when they saw me walk in, they all yelled out ‘hello’s’, to which I responded with a wave. Jackson walked out of the locker room, his step faltering when he spotted me.

“It’s about time you showed up,” he said. “Coach isn’t too happy with you for missing practices.”

I tucked my hands into my jean pockets, and rocked forward. “I’m sure he’s not happy with me for a whole lot more than that.”

Jackson didn’t reply, the air between us growing thick with awkwardness. He looked back towards the locker room, and then turned his attention back to me, his brows knitted. “Practice is almost over.”

Something about his words, and his stance made me uneasy.

“I was hoping I could talk to Coach.”

He let out a breath, and I got the distinct impression he was nervous about something.

He mumbled a ‘fine’ and then started back towards the locker room. I followed him, greeting my teammates along the way. Some of them threw me sympathetic glances - I’m sure they knew all about me and Kenzi - and others glanced at me with caution. I tried not to read anything into it, but when Jackson hesitated in front of Coach Davis’ office door, the feeling that something was going on didn’t escape me.

He knocked, and opened the door just enough for him to stick his head in. I heard Coach Davis’ gruff, baritone voice coming from the inside. “Let him in.”

Jackson stepped back and as soon as I was standing in front of Coach Davis’ desk, he shut the door.

“King.” He stood up, dwarfing his desk with his burly size, and stretched out his hand. I shook it, wondering why he was being so…cordial. It was stiff, and so unlike him. Granted, the man wasn’t the warm and fuzzy type, but the only other time I’d seen him so curt was at our last alumni function. It was weird.

“Coach.”

“You come here to explain why I haven’t seen you at practice lately?”

“I didn’t think I’d need to explain. After everything…”

After a beat, Coach walked around his desk, stopping in front of me. “I will overlook your absence, but I expect you here, like everyone else, from tomorrow. You’ve missed enough practices. We need to get the team ready for the upcoming season.”

“That’s it?” I asked, unable to hide my incredulity. “That’s all you’re going to say?”

Coach rested his hands on his hips, a move he made when he was irritated or impatient. “Was there something else you wanted me to say?”

Was he serious?

“Are you going to make me ask about her, Coach? Or just pretend it never happened?”

Coach’s lips formed a thin line, his expression both grim and aggrieved.

He was about to respond, with something about Kenzi I hoped, but snapped his mouth shut when his office door swung open.

“Daddy? You in here?”

My head whipped around, and I froze, afraid that if I moved I’d wake up from what had to be a dream.