Page 23 of Rainbow Kisses

He paused long enough for my eyes to widen completely. “Actually, your mom and I decided this season would be my last.”

My head snapped around to Rowdy to find an almost comical dumbstruck expression on his face. I probably looked exactly the same. When he looked at me, he shook his head, reading my mind.

“I didn’t know.” Then he looked back at our dad. “Why so soon?”

Dad’s expression was bemused. “Why do you two look so surprised? I never said I was going to work ’til I die.”

“That’s not—I mean—” I stumbled around for words. “I didn’t— Well, shit, Dad.”

“What she said.” Rowdy shook his head. “Wait. Why isn’t Rebel here?”

“Because I wanted to tell you two first. You’re going to be the most affected. Rebel’s never made any noise about a front office position, and he’s been clear about the fact that he’s not ready to leave the ice.”

“And Rowdy is?” I shot my brother another look. “Is something wrong with you? Are you dying? Why didn’t you tell me you wanted off the ice?”

Rowdy rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I’m not ready to give up playing completely, but I’m not getting any younger, and I don’t want to play forever. But I’m not sure I’m ready to completely take over the team yet either.”

“That’s why I’m not retiring until the end of the season. I want you and Rain to get more involved with the day-to-day stuff. And Rainy, I want to know if you’re okay with Rowdy getting the GM title and if you want more responsibilities.”

My mouth opened in shock then shut with a snap.

“What do you mean, more responsibilities?”

“I mean, do you want more of a leadership role with the team? Obviously, I’m not looking for an answer now. Take some time. Think about it. We’ve got a few months to figure it out.”

My brain sputtered, trying to get a handle on what my dad was proposing. I looked at Rowdy, wondering if he’d be pissed off at the possibility of having to share the team with me. And feeling fizzy excitement building at the thought.

Rowdy stared at me with raised eyebrows. Not angry, just curious.

“I don’t know that I ever really gave any thought to who would run the team after you were gone,” I said honestly. “I just assumed it’d be Rowdy.”

“That would be kind of sexist, wouldn’t it?” Rowdy gave me a challenging smirk. “I always considered this team as our team. A family team, and that includes you. No, you’re not on the ice, but we wouldn’t have butts in seats without you.”

I didn’t have a comeback to that. I mean, I could’ve said something snarky, but Rowdy was being serious. I didn’t know how to deal with a serious Rowdy. So I just stared at him until he frowned.

“What?” He frowned at me. “Do I have something on my face or what?”

“No. I just…never considered that you…”

“That I what? Value what you do?”

“Well, maybe ‘value’ isn’t the word I’d use.”

Rowdy’s brows rose, and he gave me a look I knew he’d learned from Dad. “So what word would you use?”

I huffed and rolled my eyes, not bothering to look at Dad for help. He was probably enjoying the show.

“I guess I just figured you were oblivious to what I did.”

Rowdy rolled his eyes, making me think of Maddy. And then, of course, Brian. Which wasn’t helpful right now.

“Or maybe,” he said, “I just trusted you to do your job because I know you’re good at it.”

After a second, I stuck my tongue out at him, which wasn’t very mature, I know. But it made him grin, which was what I wanted.

“Okay, maybe you’re notjusta brainless hockey player.”

Rowdy’s laughter busted out. “And you’re not just a pain in my ass.”

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