Page 8 of Icebound Attraction

“She fell for it, of course,” I reply with a big smile.

He frowns morosely.

“Liam! This isn't funny. Can you take this seriously for once?”

I roll my eyes.

“It went well, Coach. I promised you I'd behave, and I did. She asked some interesting questions. We agreed to debrief after the next few games so she could have more material for her articles.”

“Oh, it's good she's coming back! I take it you've kept your word. I'm relieved. Anyway, great game today! You're really in shape. I'm proud of you,” he says, tapping me on the shoulder.

“Thanks, Coach,” I reply as I head for the changing rooms, eager to get out of my uniform and into the shower.

The coach is on my tail, and I can already feel what's coming next. The usual talk about responsibility, effort, blah, blah, blah...

“Guys! Great game!” he proclaims in the locker room.

The team responds by shouting from all sides. The atmosphere is festive, and everyone makes a comment.

“If you keep this up, we'll be the best of the season! I know you want to party, drink and have fun. But please remember that you all have classes tomorrow. Your academic results must come first if you want to succeed in your studies. No agent is going to want you if your grades aren't up.”

As he says this, he gives me a special look. The guys groan in chorus and practically beg the coach to at least come and have a beer with them.

“Well, okay...” he finally gives in, still reluctant, and loud cheers erupt.

When we arrive at the ‘sports bar’, showered and fresh, it's already a buzz. Thunderous applause erupts as the crowd notices us, and countless people congratulate me and tap me on the shoulder.

I take advantage of this attention to spot an attractive student watching me. Eventually, she approaches me, and her eyes reveal what she wants: me. In such cases, we might as well avoid long speeches, don't you think? Normally, I wouldn't say no, I'd just have a bit of fun and go my own way. No stress, no obligations. But tonight, I just want to party with my boys and celebrate the start of the season. Unless she offers me a one night stand in the bar’s bathroom, she won't be coming home on my arm, that's for sure.

My alarm goes off and I feel like I've been run over by a truck. It's already time to go to class. Shit... Will anyone really notice if I don't go? I'm too exhausted to dig myself out anyway. Well, I'm also hungover. But we had to celebrate our success properly, didn't we! I've already skipped countless times, but one more won't go unnoticed, will it?

I turn on my side and close my eyes.

When I wake up, it's already noon and my stomach is rumbling. Unfortunately, I have nothing to eat in my dorm room. I only keep the bare minimum here and the cupboards are definitely empty. This leaves me with only the campus café to hope I can swallow something that will keep me going. With a big yawn, I swing out of bed. In no time at all, I'm ready to face the sun and the crowd of students. My headache is gone, and I feel better than when my alarm went off several hours earlier.

I open my door, trying to get my hair in order. As I look up into the hallway, my heart seizes with dread: Coach Franklyn is standing in front of me, staring at me with his usual air of seriousness.

Fuck, he is going to give me a heart attack!

My shoulders immediately slump. I feel like I'm going to take the brunt of this...

“Liam. I'm glad you're awake. You weren't in class today, so I thought I'd better check on you myself.”

His ironic tone does not go unnoticed.

“Sorry, Coach. I got... a little food poisoning, and... uh...”

Yeah, I'm running out of arguments. That's lame. Coach Franklyn looks disappointed, and I can't deny I deserve it.

“Damn it, Liam, we've been over this dozens of times! Less partying and more studying! If you don't have an impeccable record, you can kiss the NHL goodbye1 ! As you know, graduation isn't compulsory, but it's the only way to ensure your future. We don't know what tomorrow will bring! You're lucky enough to be able to study, so don't throw it all away...”

I sigh.

“Yeah, I know, I know. I'm sorry coach, I'll try harder, I swear.”

“It's the least you can do. You're excluded from training today. Catch up on the lessons you've missed, and you'll be able to join in tomorrow.”

Incredulous, I stare at him. Just as I'm about to protest, he cuts me off.

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