Page 106 of The Christmas You Crash

Tilting her chin up so she’s forced to meet my eyes, I nod. “This isn’t how I wanted to tell you, but yes. I love you more than I thought possible, baby. And as soon as I’m done yelling at your dad, I’m going to show you just how much.”

A watery laugh bubbles out of her. “I love you too. I’m so glad you didn’t turn out to be a serial killer.”

With a quiet chuckle at her words, I turn to Sebastian and silently ask him to support my girl while I deal with her asshole father. Bash nods and pulls her into a hug. The rest of the guys close ranks around her at my back.

Every last trace of softness falls from my expression as I turn to face Coach Cross. The man shakes his head, like I’m some idiot being taken for a ride. It pisses me off even more.

“Listen, son, I know how tempting a pretty face can be, but?—”

“Don’t you dare call me son,” I growl. “Coming from a father like you, it’s a damned insult. Especially after the way you just treated your actual daughter.”

Coach’s eyes widen with surprise, but I’m not done.

“You know, a part of me feels sorry for you. You’ve got this incredible daughter who’s strong and smart and hilarious, and you don’t even know her. It’s a travesty, honestly. And I’d say you’re missing out on time with the child you raised, but you didn’t fucking raise her, did you?”

Coach frowns. “Watch it, rookie. I’m still your boss.”

I can’t help it. I laugh. “You know what? I don’t care.”

“Are you really ready to throw a promising career away over a woman?” Coach scoffs, shaking his head. Lexi sniffles behind me as she undoubtedly tries to hide her hurt. God, how can he be such a blind idiot?

A sharp pang of longing and loss for my own father hits me. Not just because I miss him, but because he would have adored Alexis. He would have treated her like his own. He would have happily stepped up and been the father Lexi always deserved. But he’s gone, and the only dad Lexi’s ever going to have is standing in front of me with utter disdain on his face.

“No,” I finally say. “I’m not going to throw my career away for a woman.” Lexi gasps behind me, so I hurry to finish my thought. “But I’ll throw it away for Lexi, if that’s what it takes. Because she’s worth it. Something you should understand, but for some unfathomable reason, don’t.”

Arthur Cross glares at his daughter. “Is this what you wanted?”

“Don’t fucking talk to her,” I snarl, stepping in front of her and ensuring he can no longer see her. “This isn’t her doing. It’s yours. No one here is throwing around threats and absolutes, except you.”

“I thought this was your dream, kid? The best players don’t let themselves get distracted by women and relationships.”

It’s my turn to scoff. I motion to Maddox. One of our best players and one of the strongest guys in the whole league. “Graves doesn’t seem distracted by his relationship. In fact, his stats have improved since entering a committed relationship.”

“Sure,” Coach says, rolling his eyes. “Until his woman wants more attention than he can give, or he finds himself stuck with a kid who keeps him up all night and takes his focus away from the game.”

What. An. Ass.

“All due disrespect, Coach,” Griffin says from beside me, “but shut the fuck up. I feel sorry for your ex-wife. And Lexi certainly deserves better.”

Coach’s face flushes crimson. I can almost see physical steam starting to pour out of his ears. “This doesn’t concern you, Wright.”

“You’re right,” I say. “This concerns me and your daughter. And since we’re both adults, who are more than capable of making decisions about our own lives and relationships, I’m telling you that it doesn’t concernyoueither.”

“I’m your coach,” Cross splutters.

“You are. And that’s why I’m warning you that, as much as I respect you as a coach, if you try to retaliate against me or Lexi, I’ll be forced to create the biggest fucking PR nightmare you’ve ever seen. Can you imagine the headlines?” I stretch my hands out in front of me as though they’re a flashing marquee. “Rogues coach and raging misogynist rejects his own daughter.OrRyder Hanson tells all about retaliatory treatment from head coach.Or maybe they’ll turn us into some Romeo and Juliet love story. That would really get the fans in our corner.”

“Hell,” Maddox drawls, “we all love your daughter. Maybe we’d give some interviews too.”

Pride surges in my chest. Pride and gratitude. Because these guys are in my corner. They’re my brothers now. And they won’t only have my back, but Lexi’s too. I’m not alone anymore. And even if shit hits the fan, I’ve got a family again. It may look a little different, but family is family. Whatever form it takes.

Coach Cross shifts on his feet, his face drawn into a harsh scowl. He studies each of the men around me before his eyes land on me. “You sure you want to do this, Hanson?”

It’s not my coach I look at when I answer. It’s his daughter, with her wide, hopeful eyes that are more beautiful than any emerald.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

forty-nine

---