Page 75 of Crossing Lines

Shaking my head, I said, “I don’t know.” I huffed a breath. “But he’s threatening to tell Coach Patterson about us.” My gaze darted over Jonah’s face.

He dropped his mouth open. “We could just deny it. I mean, so he’s seen us together. What does that prove?”

“It doesn’t look good.” I glanced at the door. And here I was, maybe making yet another mistake. I released his hands and rounded my desk, then dropped into my office chair. It seemed my brain didn’t function around Jonah. “Finley has had a few choice words for me as well.” I tented my fingers over my desk.

“He has? Like what?” Peering at me, he planted his hands on his hips.

I sat back, tilting the chair. “He’s made comments about meleaving his players alone. And by players, he meant you.” Had I read too much into it, though? Maybe it was Finley’s coaching style or something. “Laurent thinks I’ll lose my job here if this gets out.”

“No, you wouldn’t. How would he even know?” Jonah paced across the office floor. “You’d probably get reprimanded, but that’s about it. There was no foul play involved here. It’s not like you have a say over my time on the ice, or when I’m played, or my training.” He stopped and swept his gaze to mine. “You’re notmycoach.”

“Yeah, fuck, I don’t know.” I came forward, setting the chair upright. “Let’s just get through the next few weeks and be careful, okay?” I rose from my chair. Some of the staff might start filtering in pretty soon. “Anyway, when can we get together?” I strolled past him to the door.

“How about Wednesday night? I have a paper I have to finish up before then.” He ambled to the door, then placed his palm on my cheek and pressed a lingering kiss on my lips. “I’d like to see you tonight, but I should probably give my head a few more days to clear up before…” He cupped my balls through my team joggers. “We fool around. And wearefooling around the next time we’re together.” He wagged his brows at me.

My dick tingled and swelled. Jesus, it had been too long. “I agree.”

The door popped open and hit Jonah’s shoe.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t see you—” Finley poked his head around the door. “Boehm? What are you doing in here?”

Stepping back, Jonah scratched his cheek. “Uh, nothing. Just came to see if you were here, but I found Coach Gibson instead.” A stuttered chuckle sprang from his throat.

Shit, that was close. I strode to my desk and looked over my laptop. I should probably leave for a bit. “Yes, he had a visit with the team doc, but I’ll let him tell you about it.”

“Oh, okay.” Finley walked inside the office. “So, you out for the games this weekend?” Wrinkling his brows, he side-eyed me.

“I am. But I can get some low-impact training in.” Jonah snuck a peek at me.

I picked up my laptop and left the room. In case Owen did go to Patterson, I didn’t want to give Finley any more reason to believe him.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

JONAH

Shit, that was close. After answering all Coach Finley’s questions about the status of my concussion, I walked through the hallway at the rink. The guys were starting to arrive for practice. It felt like a million years since I’d been on the damn ice. I hated the thought of not being out there with the team this weekend and especially not spending time with Ryan.

Archer strolled to me with his duffel in his hand, then ticked his head at me. “Hey, how’d the check up go? Will you be with us this weekend?”

“Naw, I’m benched.” I shifted on my feet. “I’m going to hit the weight room, though, and get some stretches and shit in.” I was going to be ready for our first game in the Frozen Four for sure.

“Shit, that sucks, man.” He patted my shoulder, then leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Guess you won’t be sneaking around the hotel room this weekend?” He let out a soft snort.

“Yeah, but you’ll have a new roomie.” I smirked at him. “Who you gonna pick?” The rest of the squad members were already paired up.

“No fucking idea. Maybe I’ll get a room to myself for once.”With a chuckle, he walked away from me and waved behind him. “Later. Have a good workout.”

“Thanks.” Time to hit the gym.

By Wednesday,I’d gotten caught up on my assignments and was feeling pretty good, except for the occasional headache or fatigue. I’d parked at Ryan’s place and now stood at his door. We were eating dinner in tonight. I knocked.

The door swung open, and Ryan beamed at me. “Jonah.” He threw his arms around my neck and dragged me inside, planting kisses on my cheeks and lips. “God, I missed you.”

With a soft chuckle, I said, “I see that.” I pushed the door shut behind me and threaded my fingers through his as he let me go.

“How are you feeling?” He led me past his kitchen and into the main room of his apartment.

“Much better.” I let him tow me along and pull me down into the corner of his couch. “I heard from Archer you’ve been a real bear at practice.”

---