Page 14 of Cash

"Thanks. How's River?"

She sighed "River is River. I just don't know what to do with him. I'm trying but he's a lot.”

"You were a lot at his age."

"I know, but it's different. I never talked to mom the way he talks to me. I just wish he had a better male role model in his life."

He sighed. He knew she had been having trouble with him, but he kept hoping River would snap out of it.

"I’ll come and spend a few weeks in the off season."

"That would be amazing. We miss you."

"How's mom? I haven't talked to her in a couple weeks."

"She's good. Still dating Tom and he seems to be a good one."

"Nice. Well, I gotta head into the center. We have practice in a bit. Was there something else you needed?"

There was a long pause. "No. I just wanted to say good luck. I'll be watching."

After he hung up, he started pulling on some shorts to head in. He could tell something else was up, but she didn't want to bother him with it right now. If it wasn't playoffs, he would have pushed to find out what she needed, but right now his head needed to be in the game. He wanted that cup. He had been so close when he played in Canada, but they lost in game seven before the finals. Conner had always been the hungriest for the cup, but with everything that is going down with Sasha, he was distracted. So being assistant captain, Cash was stepping up and keeping his team motivated. It was a stretch after what Blake Kelly had done to Wes in Florida, but he wasn't ready to call it yet. As long as they were still on the ice, they were still in contention. They had won their first game last night against Florida, but they had many more to go.

They were on the plane when his phone dinged.

unknown number - I watched your game last night. You did a good job. I hope you play well tonight.

He shook his head a little, trying not to hope too hard that this was from whom he hoped it was from. Though she hadn’t called him, she hadn’t left his thoughts. In fact, if it weren't for the playoffs, he would’ve tracked her down already. He had never felt like this about someone before. There was something about her he just couldn't get enough of.

Cash - Is this who I think it is?

Evie - It's Evie. I just wanted to say good luck in Florida.

Cash - Thank you. I appreciate that.

He waited for more, but nothing else came.

Cash - I'm glad you finally texted me. Now I can tell you how much fun I had with you.

Still nothing. It shouldn’t make him want her more, but damn it did.

Cash - Can I take you out when playoffs are over?

Evie - We’ll be working together at the rink this summer, I'm not sure if it's a good idea.

Cash - You're working the hockey workshop?

Evie - No, I will be leading the figure skating camp on the other rink.

Cash - Ok, well I look forward to seeing you...I really like seeing you.

Evie - Good luck tonight, Cash

Cash - Thank you

Even though he hoped, she didn’t respond. He was going to have to work for her. That fact made her even more irresistible to him. He hadn't been this hung up on a woman in a really long time. Normally after the game, he would find a hookup for that night. That’s how he worked; no-strings hookups all over the country. But he hadn't even thought about seeking out another woman since he'd been with Evie. If that wasn’t a sign, he didn’t know what was, but he would take his time. He could tell she wasn't the type of woman who liked to be rushed, so he wouldn’t rush her, but he would be there the second she decided she was ready.

Later that night he was sitting on the bench in the dressing room dripping in sweat. They were at the second intermission and right now the score was 1-2. They needed this win.

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