I look around at my beautiful, crazy siblings, and an undeniable warmth spreads through me. “Yep, I’m a lucky girl.”
If only I had someone to share my life with.
Chapter 34
I’d never sleep with a teammate’s sister.
Trainingcampisgoingwell. The Brewers hold theirs a little earlier than most of the league because they always play an exhibition game for charity in August.
This year the charity is actually Lorna’s Home, a local shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Ma works there now as a counselor, and I’m so damn proud of her.
At the end of practice on a Thursday, Coach Albertson calls me into his office at the practice facility. My intestines knot up, remembering the last time I was called into a coach’s office.
“Coach Al,” I greet, using the nickname most of the team uses.
“Have a seat, Swain.”
Déjà fucking vu.
I sit, and the man runs a hand over his balding head. He has one of those monk-like hairdos with a half-ring running along the back of his head.
“I had high hopes for you when we made this trade,” he begins, and I swallow hard. This sounds ominous. Hell, I thought I’d been killing it out on the ice the past couple weeks.
“I hope I haven’t disappointed you, sir,” I say politely.
He lets out a chuckle. “Disappointed me? Hell, son, I’m goddamn thrilled. You’re playing the best hockey of your life right now, and you’re making me and Mr. Carmichael look like fucking geniuses for this trade. I just wanted to make sure you’re happy here. I know moving to a new place with a new team can be difficult.”
“Oh. Well.” I shrug, a bit surprised at the turn this conversation has taken. “Everything’s good, Coach. Baylor has been a great resource for pretty much everything, and the team and staff have made me feel very welcome.”
“Good. That’s good, Swain, because we want to keep you. And Ward is a good lad. Nice family too. Have you met them?”
“Just his little boy. Baylor brought him to skate with us one day. Cute kid.”
Coach chuckles. “Training them young. I like it. Just stay away from his sisters. He’s very protective of them.”
I hold up my fingers in a Boy Scout salute. “Don’t worry about me, Coach. I’d never sleep with a teammate’s sister. I’m aware that’s a big no-no.”
“Alrighty. Just thought I’d warn you. I also wanted you to know I have you in the first defense pairing for the exhibition game and for the foreseeable future. As long as you continue to put forth the effort I’ve seen from you in this camp, you’re our top defenseman.”
“I’m… thanks, Coach. I’m honored.”
Yeah, I know I’m a great hockey player, but I’d kind of assumed he wouldn’t give me a starting position the first game since I’m new to the team.
“Well earned,” he says gruffly. “Now don’t get the big head and start slacking off now. Keep that fire.”
“I will,” I promise, rising from my seat and shaking Coach Al’s hand.
As I walk down the hallway of the practice facility to get geared up for the afternoon practice, I wish I could call Juliette and tell her my news. Then I laugh to myself. She probably doesn’t know the first thing about hockey.
Chapter 35
Wait just a damn minute.
Ifuckinglovehockey.
Standing in the first row at Brewers Arena, I inhale the scent of the ice mixed with popcorn and sweat. I’m wearing a dark-blue jersey with red-and-white trim and the number twenty-seven emblazoned on the front and back. Along with my brother’s last name.
“We have got to find some open ice hits tonight,” I say to Holly, who gives me an amused grin. “And the Brewers need to use their superior speed and agility because that’s how they’re going to beat these guys. Have you seen number five for Oklahoma? He’s slow as fuck, and he can barely skate backward without falling down.”
