Page 97 of Test the Ice

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“Easy, killer,” I echo. “Everyone knows that Daisy is off-limits.”

Reese too.

The locker room clears out as we all make our way to the bus. I finally grab my phone, eager to do exactly what Emory suggested.

And what do you know, I already have a text waiting for me from her.

Reese

Malaki.

That’s all it says. Just my name. I grin because I know what’s coming next. She’s just waiting for me to respond.

Me

Dimples.

My phone vibrates as soon as I sit down, and I’m so excited to see her response my heart rate spikes.

Reese

Did you forget to mention that, in addition to an alarm system being installed, you had a crib delivered too?

Me

It was a two-in-one deal. Buy an alarm system, get a free crib. Since I know a baby, it would be crazy to turn it down.

I chuckle to myself.

Reese

That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Buy an alarm system, get a free crib?

Me

I don’t make the rules.

We pull up to the hotel, and I shove my phone in my pocket to exit the bus. Coach Jones and Assistant Coach Crawford garner my attention, along with a few other defensive players, Rhodes included.

“You got plans? We’re having dinner at the hotel restaurant and want to discuss some defensive strategies for the playoffs. The standings were just released. One more home game and then it’s go time.”

They immediately have my attention. “Who are we playing?”

Rhodes, in his gruff voice, answers, “Coyotes.”

“Shit.”Talk about a hard opponent.

Coach Jones raises his brows, waiting for my confirmation of attendance. The whole ‘you got plans’ wasn’t really a question, though. It’s implied that I sit my ass down and talk strategy.

“Let me go take my stuff up to the room, and I’ll be down,” I say.

I step on the elevator and wait until I’m away from my teammates to open my phone again.

Reese

I can’t accept this crib.

I knew that was coming.

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