Page 12 of Crossing Lines

Mindy crouched in front of me and asked a series of questions, then smiled at me. “All good here, Coach Finley.”

Thank fuck, I passed it. I was fine, really. Only my ego was bruised. I glared across the ice and the players running the puck to the asshole who’d checked me, still watching the play from the sin bin. Dude was going down the next time I got out there.

After a sorry-ass gamewhere we lost two to one, we showered, got a good talking to by Coach on how we handled the game, and packed our duffels for home. As I slid my joggers up my legs, I glanced up.

Coach Gibson stood at the end of the stalls, cupping his chin in his hand, his gaze locked on me. With a shake of his head, he ambled to the hallway.

Had he been watching me dress? My cock twitched. Jesus, that was hot and going to feed a few fantasies tonight after I studied and pulled my head out of my ass. I had to do better at our second game against Michigan tomorrow. I’d show Coach Gibson what I was made of.

CHAPTER FOUR

RYAN

Ishouldn’t have done that. Checking out a player while he was dressing was totally unethical behavior, no matter how much my dick was on board and he’d shown interest. Huffing a sigh, I strolled to the hallway leading to my office. Jonah was getting to me. This was the first time I’d ever considered having an affair with a player. But the discussion I’d had with him after practice had sparked something in me. Interest? No, more than that.

I dropped into my office chair and scanned the room, the head coach desk facing this one, both in dark woods. I was sharing with the head coach for now, but hopefully they’d give me my own space next year. My gaze ran over the whiteboard on the wall. All our best-thought-out plays seemed to have fallen apart tonight.

I sat back in my chair, then tipped my head, gazing at the ceiling. Coach Finley hadn’t been too upset about me talking to Jonah after his hit. He’d been irritated but had kept his mouth shut. I had to watch myself. Jonah wasn’t my player. But he’d looked so dejected after the hit…

Coach Patterson entered the office. “Any plans for tonight?” He hauled his laptop bag off the floor and slid his laptop into it.

“No.” I stood. I should leave too. “Unless you call having a drink to wallow in our loss plans.” I freed a ragged chuckle. I’d already made my excuses not to see Owen tonight. The guy had turned into a pushy bastard, texting and calling all the time, and I was seeing red flags everywhere.

Slipping his laptop bag over his shoulder, he shook his head with a soft snort. “No, and I’ll probably be doing the same.” He headed for the doorway. “Anyhow, have a good night and I’ll see you tomorrow. Hopefully, we can talk some fire into the guys.”

“Hopefully.” I up-nodded him, then picked up my bag. It was time to go home to my empty apartment and my bottle of Crown Royal.

After settlingin on my sofa with Chinese noodles and a two-fingered pour of Canadian whisky, my phone buzzed on the coffee table. Fuck, not again. I set my plate down and hauled my phone to my face.

Owen

What are you doing?

I’d already told him I was busy, but the guy never gave up. I should probably start ignoring him, but I wasn’t built like that. I was too nice. The perfect Canadian gentleman. With a sigh, I tapped on my phone.

Ryan

Working. Going over some game footage from tonight. I told you I’d be busy.

I hadn’t started viewing the game footage yet, but so what. I watched the three dots pop up on my phone. Of course, he wasn’t taking a hint. I’d only given in and met up with him oneother time since our hookup on New Year’s Eve, meeting up at his place for a second round of blowjobs. But fuck, he wasn’t doing it for me. Especially now that Jonah had my attention. And it wasn’t healthy to pretend Owen was Jonah when all I could see was his head bobbing over my dick. Speaking of which…

An image of Owen’s hard cock popped up on my phone, obviously taken in his bathroom judging by the white cabinets I’d seen at his place when I’d been there.

Owen

I’m thinking of you.

“Fuck.” I breathed out a sigh. Do I ignore him? Put my phone onDo Not Disturb, maybe? No, he already knew I’d read the message.

Ryan

That’s nice, but I really need to focus on my game footage.

Owen

What about tomorrow night? Can we meet up?

“Jesus, I already told you we could.” Now, I didn’t want to. In fact, I’d be happy if I never saw the guy again. I stabbed out my reply. He’d worn out his welcome.

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