Page 37 of Face Off
“Um, going back to the bench. The second period’s about to start,” I say, pulling my arm from his grip to walk away before he pulls me back.
Ouch.
Asshole. Lighten up on the grip.
“You know what I meant. What do you think you’re doing messing around with Miller?” His eyes narrow me to my spot.
“I don’t know.”
“Don’t fucking play dumb with me, Hayley,” he snarls with distaste. “You’re fucking him, and I’m warning you now to back the fuck off.”
Is that jealousy I’m sensing?
“I don’t know what’s going on here, but if you touch me again, Doug… I’ll have your job,” I say, turning to walk toward the tunnel, tears burning the back of my eyes.
The Skipjacks pull off the win. Brooks walks away with scoring a hat trick, yet nothing can keep my mind from the nonsense Coach Stevens is spewing. I mean he isn’t wrong by any means. But who the hell does he think he is to make comment on what I do with my life.
“Mom,” Camden screams out, running toward me and breaking me from my thoughts. “I’m gonna stay with Gram tonight.”
“Oh, okay…”
“He wants to talk strategy with your father. God knows that boy won’t put down a hockey stick to save his life.” She’s right. “Plus, it will give you some time to go out tonight with Cassie.” She winks at me before pulling me into a hug.
I smile at what she really means. “Gee thanks, Mom. But that’s just a little bit inappropriate.”
She waves her hand at me. “Nonsense. Well, I’m going to go find your father. He was dealing with some bullshit from Coach Stevens… again. Cam, darling, meet me in your grandfather’s office when you’re done here.”
“Cam the man.” Brooks’ voice sounds from behind us. “You enjoy the game?”
“Uh, does a bear shit in the woods,” Camden responds, fist bumping Brooks.
“Language,” I scold. “God, you really need to stop hanging around your grandfather. You’re a sponge and will repeat anything he says.”
“Then I guess I shouldn’t tell you that he calls you a spinster. I don’t know what that means, but Gram smacked him for it. Said that he needed to stop interfering in your personal life.” Cam shrugs as I pull him into my side and kiss his head. “I’m gonna go find Gram now. See you tomorrow after school.”
I kiss the top of his head again before he fists bumps Brooks. “See you tomorrow, buddy.”
“So, I take it you’re available to go out with me tonight. A few of the guys are going out for drinks tonight. Would you like to join me?” He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close and burying his nose in my neck as he waits for my response.
I grip his arms, removing them from my sides. “Brooks, not here. It’s bad enough you kissed me before walking out of the tunnel in front of everyone.”
“Hey, you turned out to be my good luck charm. I think it’s going to be my new tradition.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips.
I gaze into his eyes, my core lighting on fire with desire for him. “Well, unless you want to answer to Coach Stevens every time you kiss me, you may want to keep this on the down low like we had agreed.”
My brows furrow as I replay my conversation with Coach Stevens. My hand instinctively rubs my arm, which is slightly tender from his tight grip.
“Hey, what’s going on right now? Did he say something to you?”
“It doesn’t matter. Let’s just get out of here. That way I can actually put my mouth all over you.”
“I like the sound of that,” he says, taking my hand in his and making our way to the garage.
???
“So, you two are kind of a thing?” Halloway says, drinking his third glass of whiskey.
I laugh as Cassidy takes his glass from him. “Slow down there. Don’t need you getting all banged up before the next game, Channing. And to answer your question…we’re being discreet.”
