Page 38 of Here and Now
“We can. Let me get my gear.”
I head to the side area, and Penny is standing there, having moved from the stands. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She smiles and my chest tightens.
Fucking hell. I really need to get it together or I’m going to look like an idiot. Well, more of an idiot than I do at the end of each practice.
“Everything okay?”
She nods. “Yeah, just wanted to see if practice was almost over? I have to get to work.”
I glance down at my watch. We’re already five minutes over. “Shit. Sorry I ran a little late. We’re almost done. I was just about to start their favorite part of the day.”
She grins. “Ahh, it’s when you stand in the goal and they just continue to hit you with pucks?”
“That’s it.” I start pulling my gear on, not that it helps, because the fuckers always manage to find an open spot.
I wasn’t a goalie, but Doug was, and I’m using his stuff—only he’s a good four inches shorter than me, so I have some exposed areas.
“Well, I’ll let you get to it. I’ll just need to grab Kai as soon as I can. I would take him now, but I’m pretty sure he’ll never forgive me.”
“If you need to go, I can bring him to you.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, no, that’s okay. I can call Hazel.”
“Penny, it’s really no big deal. I’ll get the boys done and bring Kai to you. I’ll even share my location with you so you can watch us drive to you.”
She pulls her lower lip between her teeth. “I don’t know ...”
“I’ve had about six thousand background checks between the marines and the schools. I have been left in command of thousands of kids, and I’m just an overall good guy. I promise, he’s safe with me. Eloise would never leave Ethan with me if I wasn’t capable.”
I normally don’t have to beg to let me help them. In Ember Falls, it’s usually the other way. I have to say no, because otherwise I’d be a damn nanny all summer. Which is what I think Eloise has basically decided I am.
There’s a flash of panic in her eyes; then she closes them, inhales, and blows out a long breath. Glances down at her phone and then to me. “All right. I really can’t be late. I know Hazel is great, but I can’t push it. You’re sure?”
“I promise. What’s your phone number?”
Her brow lifts. “Is this a ploy?”
“Completely,” I confess. Only half joking. “No, it’s so I can share my location, remember, that was part of the deal?”
“Right, part of the deal.”
I flash my signature smile, but before she can agree, which I’m pretty sure she’s going to, one of the impatient children decides to ruin my game.
“Coach Miles! We’re ready!” Joe yells. No doubt Ethan put him up to it.
“Relax, I’ll let you have an extra three hits if you don’t ask again.”
“Each?” Ethan does speak up this time.
I swear, that kid is going to be the death of me. “If you behave!”
I go back to Penelope, who is trying to suppress her grin. “Now where were we?”
The laugh she was holding back comes out. “Sorry, I just ... now I don’t know that I want to leave and miss this.”
“I won’t go out there until you’re gone.”
