Page 150 of Penalty to the Heart

“Arrogant, too, aren’t you?”

“He wouldn’t be a Donovan if he wasn’t,” Trent says from the sideline, alerting us of his presence.

Shit.

Shit.

I didn’t know he was back from Dallas already. Roxie is not going to like learning her boss is back in town.

“We were just wrapping up,” I mumble, taking off my gloves before unleashing my helmet.

“What Caleb meant is that he’s tired of defending all my attempts at getting a puck past him. He really has a way of humbling a man,” Bellamy adds, all smiles.

“That he does. Another Donovan trait, I’m afraid,” Trent muses more to himself than to us.

“Anyway, good practice, Caleb. I’ve got to run. Tomorrow, same time?” Bellamy asks after we’ve taken our gear off.

I nod, my words failing me since the GM’s stare insists on weighing me down.

Shit.

Does he know about me and Roxie?

Is that why he’s here?

Once Bellamy rushes out, I grab my things with the intention of following him out of the arena, but unfortunately for me, Trent has other plans.

“Do you mind if we talk for a minute?”

I nod and sit in one of the bleacher seats.

“If this is about me using the rink, then let me assure you that I got the okay from Coach Byrne. Even though I’m technically suspended and barred from practicing with the rest of the team, I didn’t want to get rusty.”

“That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Okay. So, what did you want to talk to me about?” My forehead creases.

“First of all, I want to tell you that you sure don’t make it easy on a man to like you.”

“Ditto,” I retort. “You’re no ray of sunshine either.”

“Touche.” He smiles. “Having said that, I can see how hard you have been working on getting back in my good graces. When I say I can see the effort you’ve made, trust that I mean that.”

I keep my mouth shut and let him do most of the talking.

“I’ve talked to Dr. Seymour, and she, too, thinks that you’ve come a long way in the last couple of months. And I’ve always trusted her judgment.”

“What are you trying to tell me, Trent?”

“I’m trying to tell you that if you think you’re ready for it, then I’d like nothing more than for you to return to the team.”

“For real?”

“For real.” He nods. “Still, I will keep a close eye on you, just to make sure you don’t fall back on bad habits. This team needs you in it, but only if you can be there for them, too. Do you think you’re ready for that?”

“I am,” I say with conviction.

“Good. Then, I’ll let Coach Byrne know that he should expect you for practice tomorrow morning. The Stanley Cup playoffs start in less than two weeks. You think you’re ready for that?”

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