Page 33 of Stick Side
“And this lifestyle,” Coach McGuire stated, letting the thought hang heavy in the air for a moment before adding, “it’s not what I would have wished for Melody.”
Ben nodded his head. It wasn’t easy dating a career athlete. During the season, he traveled as much as he was home. When he was home, he spent long hours on the ice, in thegym, reviewing tape, and generally prioritizing his career. There wasn’t a lot of time left over for anything—or anyone—else.
Ben started to nod but stopped when he took in Coach McGuire’s expression. Based on the look in his eyes, Ben didn’t think lack of time was what his coach was referring to. It took a moment, but Ben realized his coach was alluding to the infidelity and party culture that ran rampant through pro sports.
Ben held back a heavy sigh. He couldn’t deny there was something about being an athlete that seemed to encourage a fast and loose lifestyle, but that wasn’t him.
Ben had grown up with strong values. His mom and dad had been high school sweethearts. He’d witnessed disagreements between his parents, but he’d also seen their unwavering love, trust, loyalty, and friendship. With role models like that, puck bunnies didn’t hold much appeal.
In college, when his hormones might have swayed him, one of his NCAA teammates had gotten a little reckless with his partying and gotten a random fangirl pregnant. Within a few short months, Ben had witnessed his teammate’s life fall apart. He’d lost his scholarship, his spot on the team, and any shot of advancing to the NHL. That had served as motivation to keep his pants zipped.
Somehow, Ben didn’t imagine Coach McGuire would care for a guided tour down memory lane. As such, he kept his response simple. “I know you don’t really know me, but I’m not that kind of man,” Ben stated honestly.
“Perhaps not,” Coach McGuire conceded, “but, after all of my years of coaching hockey, I’m sure you understand my skepticism.”
“I guess I’ll just have to prove it to you,” Ben stated in a tone as earnest as his sentiments.
They stared at each other for a long moment, each trying to get the other’s measure, Ben suspected.
Coach McGuire was the first to look away.
“I won’t try to stop you from dating Melody,” Coach McGuire assured as he resumed eye contact. “It’s her right to decide who she does and doesn’t wish to get involved with, but those are my concerns.”
“I understand,” Ben acknowledged. He didn’t have any children of his own, but he could guess at a father’s protective instincts. And heaven knew he’d witnessed enough cheating and derelict behavior to know Coach McGuire’s concerns weren’t unfounded.
“One more thing,” Coach McGuire said.
“I’m listening,” Ben answered.
“If you and Melody choose to get involved and things don’t work out between you . . .” Coach McGuire lifted a silencing hand when Ben moved to interrupt him. “Ifyou go out with Melody and things don’t work out—and I’m not saying things couldn’t work out—I would try not to let it influence the way I treat you. I would still try to be a good and impartial coach.But. . .”The word hung in the air, heavy with meaning. “Hurt her and I can’t promise how I will react—no matter my best intentions.”
Coach McGuire’s eyes bored into Ben’s, leaving him with no doubt his coach spoke true. For a man he outweighed by a solid twenty-plus pounds of pure muscle, Coach McGuire managed to be surprisingly intimidating.
“I have no intention of hurting her,” Ben relayed sincerely.
“I believe you, but romance is a tricky thing. Two good people could as soon make a horrible match as an excellent one. It’s all a matter of dynamics.”
Ben chose his words with care. He was wading into awkward waters and wanted to minimize whatever potential discomfort he could—for both their sakes. “I know that, but I really like her. And the only way I’ll know what could be is if I put myself out there and give us a shot.”
Coach McGuire’s lips curved into a begrudging smile. “As much as I might prefer it were otherwise, you’re making it really hard for me to dislike you,” he stated with clear reluctance.
Ben smiled, pleased by the admission. It wasn’t a ringing endorsement, but it was more than he’d dared to hope for at this stage.
Coach McGuire cleared his throat. “I do appreciate your coming to talk to me. We both know you didn’t have to do that, but I respect the fact you did.”
“Of course, sir.” Ben could only imagine how poorly it would have gone over if Coach McGuire had learned about him and Melody through a gossip site or something of that nature. This conversation might be awkward, but it was far better than he predicted that would have been.
Ben didn’t think more words would help here, so he just nodded for what felt like the dozenth time in as many minutes and stood up to take his leave. There wasn’t really any more to say at the moment.
Ben felt certain Melody was worth whatever challenges there might be, but he felt like he should prepare himself for the probability there might be some rocky patches to move through.
Why was it that all great rewards seemed to come with such great risks? He could only hope that things worked out between him and Melody because, if they didn’t, not only might he be stuck with a broken heart, he’d lose the one ally he’d thought he’d found on the coaching staff.
Chapter 13
Melody
Melodysteppedoutofher bubble bath feeling pleasantly languid. The subtle scent of jasmine clung to her skin as she dried off and pulled on her warm terry cloth bathrobe.
