Page 184 of Hat Trick

And then I’d tell him about the girl.

The one he’s madly, hopelessly, irrevocably in love with who flipped his world upside down. I’d tell him about the life they have, the quiet moments late at night when she tucks herself into his side and the louder, brighter ones during the day when she’s giving him shit and making him laugh. I’d mention how perfect she is. How patient and kind and funny she is, and how every time he’s with her, his broken pieces put themselves back together. Because she’s the closest thing to an angel he’ll ever find on earth.

“Thanks,” I croak. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“This shit is never easy. If you want to bounce any ideas off of me, I’m around.”

“What’s with this new hospitality of yours?”

“Don’t know, but don’t push your luck by mocking me, Mitchell.”

“I’d never.” I stand and hold out my hand, smiling when he shakes it. “I appreciate you, Coach. And everything you’ve done for me.”

“Enough with the dramatics. I have another meeting in ten minutes. Your time is up.”

“Yes sir.” I give him a nod and file into the hallway. I know Lexi’s in the athletic trainer’s room, and I make my way there.

I don’t know what the fuck to do about this job opportunity. On one hand, it’s the chance of a lifetime. I’ve always had an eye for good skating, and getting paid to watch hockey is a goddamn dream.

But accepting it means I’m not ever going to put on a jersey again. And, as far-fetched as the idea seems, I’ve been selfishly clinging to the idea of getting back out there one day, if even for a ceremonial puck drop.

I push the door open to the training room, covering my eyes when I see Liam’s bare ass climbing off the treatment table.

“Jesus, man. Put a fucking towel on,” I say.

“I’m getting treatment done on my sore body because everything fucking hurts, dickbag, not parading around for all the world to see.”

“Treatment on what? Your balls?”

“You’re lucky I don’t have a free hand right now,” he growls, and I peek through my fingers to find him glaring at me with a palm over his dick. “Or I’d have you against a wall.”

“I’m telling Piper about your violent tendencies,” I say, and his eyes go wide. “And then you’ll be in big trouble.”

“Are you two done acting like you’re five years old and on the playground?” Lexi draws out. “Liam, you’re finished. Go get in the ice bath. I don’t want your muscles to cramp up, and I’ve had enough of your hairy ass.”

“Fine,” he grumbles. “And my ass isn’t hairy.”

“It’s definitely hairy,” I say when he leaves, and Lexi smiles my way.

“Hey. How’d it go with Coach?”

“Interesting.” I sit on the treatment table next to her stool then think better of it, imagining Liam’s bare skin rubbing against the leather. “He told me Minnesota wants to set up an interview with me.”

“Aninterview?For what?”

“Their open scout position.”

“What?” She stands. “Riley that’s… wow. What did you say?”

“I said I’d have to think about it. There’s a lot to consider.”

“It sounds like an incredible opportunity.”

“Yeah.” I touch her cheek and stroke my thumb over her jaw. “But it would mean moving away from DC. Having to do long distance with you.”

“Oh.” Her smile drops to a frown, and she takes a step back. “Right.”

“I don’t have to decide anything now. I just wanted to tell you what was going on.”

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