Page 82 of Unraveling Rain
“That’s very generous of you,” the dad says. “All the kids on the team are Red Wolves fans—but especially fans of The Beast.”
I smile at the compliment. “That’s awesome. I didn’t know there was a hockey team in town. Where do you play?”
“Right now, the kids have to go to Spruce Pine, a nearby town,” he says. “But we hope we can get our own ice rink someday.”
I nod thoughtfully, already imagining the possibilities. Maybe the Red Wolves would be willing to do some outreach events here, like we’ve done in the towns near Raleigh. Something to give back.
“Well, keep practicing hard, okay?” I say, holding out a fist.
The boy grins and bumps it. “Can’t wait to see you again back on the ice, Xander.”
I know I’ve been consumed by Rain lately, but the fact that I’m ready to return says a lot about my discipline and the incredible work the entire team has put in.
I’m leaving soon, but there are things I need to take care of first.
The next kid is already stepping up for a picture, puck in hand. Joss graciously offers to act as photographer and line coordinator. I lose count of how many kids I meet, but every wide-eyed smile and eager autograph deepens my motivation. I’ll finish therapy strong and get back to the ice to give it my all.
“Thirsty, Hotshot?” Rain’s voice floats over.
I look up and see her walking toward me with a sly smile.
“For you? Always,” I murmur low, just for her ears.
When I lean in to kiss her, I catch the faintest blush coloring her cheeks.
“Did I just make you blush, Cherry?” I tease.
She swats my arm. “Shh,” she says, tilting her head toward her mom.
Joss is watching us with a Cheshire cat grin.
I just smile and slip an arm around Rain’s waist, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I saw you were busy earlier. You were in the zone.”
“Oh yeah, the booth has been packed all day. I’m afraid we’re going to be sold out soon,” she says as we walk back. Joss is already washing up and pulling on an apron, ready to help.
“Is there anything you want to eat?” Rain asks, and then narrows her eyes. “And don’t sayme, you dirty talker.”
I bark out a laugh. “You took the words right out of my mouth.”
She rolls her eyes.
“Your mom said I should try your berry lemonade. What else would you recommend?”
Before I finish the question, she grabs me and pulls me behind the booth. The back is pure organized chaos—four teens filling orders, two more running out food. Joss and a familiar face from the diner juggle the order slips.
Rain hugs her mom, and Joss gives me a grateful look.
Rain makes her way back to me with the woman from the diner. “Xander, this is Blair—my sous-chef. Blair, this is Xander.”
I shake her hand.
“Nice to meet you,” Blair says with a grin. “I’m sure Chef will hate me for this, but I’m so glad you two met. Chef needed to get out of the kitchen and enjoy life more.”
I glance at Rain and wink. “I’m glad I met her too.”
Rain groans and points at me. “Now I’ll never hear the end of it. You’re making his ego bigger.”
“He’s a hockey player. His ego is already big, Chef,” Blair adds.
