Page 49 of Offside Angel

“I could’ve handled one night alone,” she scolded as she curled herself possessively around me in the pre-dawn hours.

“I know you could’ve.” I kissed her forehead and held her right back. “But I couldn’t.”

Next week, we’re playing in Denver. I can’t drive thirteen hours, so I’ll have to get my own flight out instead of flying home with the team the next morning. But I’ll make it happen.

Things are good with the team again, and so long as I give it my all during the games, Coach doesn’t give a shit where I sleep. When I sprinted for the exits after the game tonight, he just tossed me a two-finger wave.

For the first time in a long time, it feels like I can get the Angels to the Stanley Cup and make sure I’m there for my family.

I can still see fans funneling through the main doors and heading for the front exits, so I keep walking towards the side door. Security will move the barriers to let me out of the parking lot and I’ll be home in twenty minutes. If Aiden isn’t asleep, I can help put him to bed. We’ve been reading a series of graphic novels about a little girl who lives with trolls. I may be twenty-five years outside the recommended age range, but I want to know what happens next as bad as he does.

I’m digging for my keys and mentally mapping out the fastest way to get home, so I don’t see the figure stepping out of the shadows until he’s on top of me.

“Holy f—” I throw up an arm and pin the man against the wall by his chest before I can even clock who it is.

The man nervously laughs and raises his hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

I scan his face—middle-aged, graying hair, looks nothing like Mira.

Not Dante.

I ease back, still not lowering my arm. “And I didn’t mean to shove you against a wall. It’s a reflex.”

“I know. I saw the game.” He hitches a thumb towards the rink. “I’ve seen a lot of your games now. Those reflexes are why I’m here.”

I narrow my eyes. “You want an autograph or something?”

“More like a signature.” He gives me a slimy smile. “I’m a scout.”

I drop my arm. “Oh. Yeah, no thanks. Have a nice night.”

I take a step towards the door, but the man shifts in front of me. “I came all this way to talk to you.” The look on my face must be lethal because he raises his hands again. “I know you’re busy, but I’d love to tickle your ear for a few minutes.”

“And I’d love if you didn’t ask to tickle my anything,” I growl. “I’m not interested.”

But the guy doesn’t take a hint. He follows me down the hall to the doors. “You’re talented, but I think we both wonder if you’re living up to your potential here.”

I don’t want this guy following me to my car, so I stop and face him. He has to stumble backward to avoid slamming into my chest. “And where do you think I could live up to my potential?”

He smirks. “Does that mean you’re intrigued? I promise you we can pay you more than you’re making.”

Fat chance. My contract broke records when I signed it a few years ago.

And even if he could double my pay, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Aiden loves his school. He has friends. I have friends. I just got Mira back and we’ve found a rhythm. I wouldn’t fuck it up for all the money in the world.

I pretend to consider it and shake my head. “Nah. I’m good.”

His face falls. I’m sure it isn’t often he waves money under someone’s nose and they don’t even take a sniff. “You haven’t even asked who I work for. You’d be starting for one of the best teams in?—”

“I’m good,” I repeat, waving a hand over my shoulder as I turn away. “Don’t follow me. Pinning you the first time was a reflex. Next time, it’ll be on purpose.”

Mira rolls over as I close the bedroom door. “You’re late.”

“Only by thirty minutes.” After the scout slowed me down, there was an accident on the highway. Traffic was backed up for miles. I was on the verge of driving down the ditch when cars finally started moving again. “How are you already asleep?”

“I guess I’m tired.” She lifts a shoulder in a shrug. There’s a thin, lacy strap peeking out of the blankets, so I know all hope isn’t lost. “Aiden fell asleep before the game was even over. You played great.”

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