Page 144 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

He arches a brow. “Did you ask me if I have any experience?”

“Well… no. Do you?”

“No,” he sighs. “Did you ask Ophelia?”

I scratch the side of my nose. “No.”

“You still don’t like her.” It’s a statement, not a question.

I shrug. “It’s not that I don’t like her, but I…” I press my lips together and weigh my reasoning. In the past, I wouldn’t have even stopped to consider if my words would hurt my friend, but I’ve matured enough recently to hesitate.

“Just say it,” he mutters.

“You weren’t there for me when I needed you, so I guess I’m not used to thinking of you first when something comes up. I’m sorry.”

Cree nods, solemn. “Fair enough. I really am sorry. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t take back anything with Ophelia, but if I could do it over again, I would’ve done whatever I could to help you out.”

“I know.”

I’ve forgiven him, I really have, but apparently my brain hasn’t moved on from the hurt his abandonment caused.

Coach pokes his head into the room, then. “Hendricks, just the guy I was looking for.”

My stomach sinks. I’m in for it after the way I stumbled during practice and had a nasty fall. It was a total rookie move, but he didn’t comment on it other than to yell about what a little bitch I am when it happened. He covered Sammy’s ears for the bitch part, otherwise I would’ve been pissed.

The sight of our burly, gruff coach wearing Sammy strapped to his chest at practice is one I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to.

“I got something for you,” he says, stepping into the room and holding out a box. “Well, for the little guy.”

Sammy lets out a giggle like he knows Coach is talking about him. He claps his hands, flashing his toothy smile.

I take the box from Coach as the guys near me lean in to see what it is.

With a quick look at Sammy, I lift the lid and set it on the floor. Inside is a baby-sized pair of skates.

Fuck.

I actually choke up.

I swallow past the lump in my throat and grit out, “Wow, thanks, Coach.”

He nods once. “You’re welcome, kid.”

“We have to try them on him,” Justin says.

Luke holds Sammy out to me, so I take him and fit the skates onto his socked feet. They’re a perfect fit.

“That’s pretty cute,” Cree chuckles.

“Thanks again, Coach,” I say to the older man standing in the doorway watching us.

“Don’t mention it.” With a wave, he backs out of the room.

Sammy yawns and rubs at his eyes, so I quickly take the skates off and carefully put them back in the box.

“We better head out before this kid goes from cute and cuddly to angry and screaming.”

Cree laces his fingers behind his head. “I still can’t believe you’re a dad.”

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