Page 83 of Released from the Sin Bin

Frustrations are high and another goal is let in. We lose three to one.

“That guy wrapped his fucking skate around my stick on purpose,” Carter grumbles as we head off to the locker room. “It was a bullshit call.”

The team files in with their heads hanging low. It was a horrible game and an even worse loss. The Frozen Four is just around the corner and it will be a miracle if they make it, playing the way they did tonight.

“Bullshit refs need to open their eyes,” Carter mutters beside me. “He should’ve been kicked out for the shit he said to you.”

That’s it.

“Coach’s office, now.” I grab Carter’s elbow and steer him from the locker room.

It’s time he takes responsibility for his actions.

Coach Renan is sitting at his desk when I push Carter in. He sits back and eyes us when I shut the door.

“Your penalties cost us the game.” I come around and sit on the desk. “Your actions cost your team the game.”

“I was defending you.” Carter glares at me. “That guy purposely tripped over my stick.”

“You were playing with your emotions and he took advantage of that.” I stand up to him. Carter towers over me in his skates, but I’m not backing down. “Are you going to fight every guy that makes a comment at the female coach? Those penalties were called because of your actions. Actions that led to another goal and cost us the game.” My voice rises with my anger. “Play smart, and don’t let a childish comment rile you up! Penalties do not win games! You let your team down.”

He looks from me to Coach.

“You let me down.”

His gaze snaps to mine. His fists clench at his sides and his dark brows furrow over his dark russet eyes. He’s ready to blow, and I get nervous, but I’m not backing down on this.

“Cool down and get cleaned up,” I order before he snaps.

Carter slams the door behind him, and my body quivers.

I may have gone too far and I may have overstepped my role.

“I’m sorry, Coach.”

“For what?” Coach Renan smiles at me. “You did the right thing. Best thing you can do to earn their respect is tell them how it is. You did good, Coach Tomlin.”

I shake off my unease and head out to wait. I was doing my job, but fighting with a friend never feels good.

Inside that arena, I’m his coach, but I hope outside we can still be friends.

I don’t want to lose him.

Chapter 20

Carter

Willa let me fucking have it, and it took longer than it should have to cool down.

The entire team was upset with me, and they all heard her chewing me out in the Coach’s office. No one could look me in the eye.

That’s all fine. I’m not embarrassed. I’m proud of her, and the only thing I wanted to do after she was laying into me was pin her against the desk and slam my cock into her. I love when she gets all fired up.

But I can’t do that. Willa has made it clear we can no longer hook up, and I have to respect her wishes. I don’t want to lose her as a friend, but I’ve been keeping my distance. It’s easier that way.

The team is all gone by the time I finally finish washing up.

I gather my stuff in my bag and see a text from my father.

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