Page 26 of Ice Bet

My dad looked over at my mom and rolled his eyes, but then he smiled a second later, which probably threw off the entire restaurant because not many people saw Coach Lennon smiling–unless they won a game. And even so, he usually kept his theatrics to a minimum.

“Anyway…” Ford took a seat beside me and wiggled his hips so Sutton and I would scoot over. My dad’s eyebrows furrowed, but he didn’t say anything. There was no point in commenting on Ford’s behavior.

“My mom is bringing her famous country fried steak,andI told her to bring you the recipe.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“You remembered!” Ford’s hand was taken in my mom’s, and I quickly realized that it wasn’t just my dad who had a relationship with the hockey team, but she did too. I would have realized that sooner if I hadn’t stayed holed up in my childhood bedroom for the last year, hiding from the press and many articles floating around the internet, discussing my figure skating career and speculating about my fall.

“Are your parents coming?” My mom glanced at Aasher. I hadn’t even noticed that Theo had left.

Aasher’s entire demeanor changed. His relaxed shoulders tensed, and the muscles along his forearms flickered against his chest. The half-smile on his face fell. It was clear that he was uncomfortable.

“No. They usually just watch on TV. My dad can’t take time off from work, and my mom isn’t a fan of traveling by herself.”

“If you give me her number, I will gladly record some of your ice time and send it over.”

I couldn’t pull myself away from Aasher’s warm smile. One cheek tipped, and his green eyes were bright. “Sure, Mrs. Lennon. That would be great. She’d love it.”

After he rattled off the number to my mom, my dad said they needed to get going. Ford slipped out of the booth allowing Sutton and I to follow. Aasher stood back with his hands in his pockets, watching me as I hugged both of my parents. Sutton did the same because once you were my friend, my mom treated you like you were her own.

“See you tomorrow, sweetie.” My mom squeezed my hand and followed my dad over to the rest of the hockey team. He was scolding them for playing poker the night before a game.Sorry, not sorry.

Aasher leaned into my space. “That’s on you, Duster.” His whisper sent me into overdrive, but I recovered quickly after he pulled away.

“You’re worried about him learning about your poker night?” I laughed. “Wait until I tell him ab—”

“Don’t,” he interrupted.

Ford rubbed his hands together, unaware of our quiet conversation. “Do you girls want some milkshakes?”

Aasher scoffed. “Milkshakes? Bro, we have a game tomorrow. Stop putting shit in your body.”

“It’s part of my pregame ritual, though. I do this every night before a game. It’s for good luck.”

“I could go for one,” Sutton said, following Ford. He draped his arm over her shoulders, and off they went, leaving Aasher and me alone.

A moment before, I was confident and masterful, throwing a jab at Aasher in front of my father. But now, I was the size of the french fry that had fallen on the sticky floor of The Bex.

“Really?” he asked, leaning back against the side of the booth with his arms crossed.

“What?” I pulled on my jacket and acted innocent. I leaned forward and grabbed my phone but snapped back up like a rubber band when I felt his warm whisper coat the side of my neck.

“You’re a brat.” He quickly stepped back, out of my space.

“And you’re a stalker.” I wanted my insult to come out harsher than what it did. Instead, I was breathy sounding and clearly affected by him. “How many times have you followed me to the rink?”

Aasher avoided answering. Instead, he reprimanded me. “You shouldn’t be there alone at night. It’s closed for a reason.”

“You’re treating me like I’m a child.”And for what reason?

Aasher’s smug look was a slap to my cheek. “Don’t act like one, and I won’t treat you like one.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. My chest twisted, and anger ripped up my neck, and before I knew it, I was standing a mere inch from him. I tilted my chin and peered into his wildly inviting green eyes as he waited for my reaction. He loved sparring with me just as much as I loved sparring with him, but I was ready to knock him down a few notches. “Okay, Aasher. But just remember, you asked for it.”

His head tilted.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night.” I made sure my voice was full of sugar.

He said nothing as I backed away and motioned for Sutton. She pecked Ford on the cheek and thanked him for the milkshake.

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