Page 77 of Ice Cold Rival

Coach clapped me on the shoulder, reminding me we still had to deal with what happened before the game. “Good work tonight, Reece. You’ve really grown into a fine captain.”

I winced. “I should probably tell you I was seconds from punching Kane myself earlier. Mase was just faster, as usual.”

“He deserved it. I’ve been wanting to teach that punk a lesson since last year—and if you repeat that, I’ll deny it. Why do you think I waited as long as I did to intervene?”

I raised a brow. “Youwantedone of us to get suspended?”

“Legally, I’m required to say no. I was never fond of letting him transfer, but sometimes, the good of the team outweighs my personal feelings. In this case, I think I maybe should have gone with my gut. I heard the rumors about Kenzie?—”

“Kane started those rumors, and he set her up in the first place. If anyone should be on probation, it’s him.”

Coach turned to stare at me. “He is.”

“He is what?” I asked, confused.

“On probation. If you’d let me finish… After your scuffle, I received word from the dean that Tobias Kane is no longer eligible to play. He’s been suspended pending an investigation, but if the video going viral is any indication, he’s done at TU.”

I frowned, having trouble following the conversation. “What video?”

Coach pulled out his phone, scrolled a bit, then held it out to me. I watched Kenzie confront Kane about the trouble, watched him manhandle her, and watched her smack him down so thoroughly I wasn’t surprised he was pissed when he got to the locker room. She was amazing, and I wanted to kill Kane for touching her.

I might still, but I was smart enough not to broadcast my intentions to Coach. At the end, he was clearly audible admitting his role in her trouble and threatening her. Once again, I was glad I’d sent Mase to stand guard.

Kenzie didn’t seem aware she was being filmed though.

“Who took this?” I asked, handing back his phone.

“I don’t know, but your girlfriend is all over the internet. At least the people at large are defending her this time. It was sent to several members of the administration, and they received a call demanding an explanation for why they were investigating the wrong person. Hence, the call to me when they changed course. Kane is on probation pending criminal charges, so he can’t play. You’ll get your wish after all—Rafe is taking his spot.”

I was excited for Rafe, and for Coach listening to me, but I was more excited for Kenzie. The dread I’d felt at the prospect of going home melted into anticipation. “Can we discuss roster changes tomorrow? I need to head home.”

“Do you?” he asked with a sly smile.

When I sent him a questioning look, he nodded at the stands behind me. I spun around to see Kenzie plastered against the glass separating us, smiling and waving. She wore my jersey over black leggings, her hair was in a simple ponytail, no makeup, and I’d never seen a more beautiful sight.

Coach’s hand dropped to my shoulder. “We can talk tomorrow at morning skate.”

I gave a distracted nod and rushed to Kenzie with a wide grin. The glass prevented us from touching, but I flattened my hand over hers.

“Meet me outside the locker room. I have things to say to you.”

Kenzie laughed. “Always so demanding.”

“Please,” I growled at her.

“Since you asked so nicely…” She blew me a kiss. “Don’t be long.”

Behind her, Avery, Marco, and Eva watched with zero shame. They surrounded her like an entourage, and amazingly, she needed one. Fans stopped her constantly on the way out. From her smile, I’d say they were giving her messages of support. Finally.

I turned and raced through the guys chatting in the tunnel, slapping Cole in the arm as I passed him in the locker room. “Great game,” I shouted at him. “Mase is safe at home.”

He nodded, and I took the quickest shower in my life. Kenzie was waiting, but she deserved more effort than my stinky ass after a game. I threw on a shirt and sweats that smelled clean, then rushed out into the hallway in my socks, leaving all my gear in a pile in front of my locker.

Kenzie smiled when she saw me, then jumped into my arms. “You played so good tonight. I saw Mase before the game, and he told me what happened.”

I closed my eyes, and my shoulders finally relaxed. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

“I wasn’t, and then Eva kicked my butt into doing something about my situation instead of whining and making dumb decisions. Besides, I promised you I’d be at all your home games, cheering, possibly with tears in my eyes.”

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