Page 61 of Dirty Pucking Player

Even after all the time we’ve spent together, she can’t get past that.

I squat down in front of her and fight the urge to reach out and touch her. I can’t be doing shit like that in public. “You know, Coach, I told you before, and I’ll tell you again, as many times as it takes, I’m not a bad guy.”

She recoils slightly. “I don’t think you’re a bad guy.”

“Oh no?”

Her blond hair flutters around her as she shakes her head. “No, I think you’re a decent guy who does bad things sometimes.”

How is that any different?

Russell heads toward us with the skates, and I chuckle and push to my feet.

“Here you go.” He hands them to Greer and moves over next to Nancy.

I drop next to Greer on the bench, open my bag, and tug on my skates. Greer probably would have preferred to use her own, but that would have given away where we were going. And I like seeing genuine reactions from her.

Greer does her damnedest to hide her feelings, but she’s a shitty liar, especially when she isn’t anticipating something. Like last night…and today.

We lace up and follow Nancy and Russell onto the ice with the gaggle of kids. Russell ushers them together and whistles to get their attention. It takes a few minutes for everyone to gather and settle down, like herding cats.

We stand in front of them, staring down into innocent, wide-eyed faces.

Nancy holds up her hands. “Okay, everyone, we have two very special guests today. How many of you know who the Scorpions are?”

I fight a grin as two-dozen little hands shoot into the air.

Eager group. And so adorable.

“Hockey team,” one little boy calls with a proud smile.

Russell nods. “That’s right. They’re the professional hockey team here in town, and we have the coach of the team, Coach Waterson, and one of their players, Sebastian Fury, here today.”

The kids all “ooh” and clap.

Nancy motions toward Greer, who stands somewhat awestruck. “Coach Waterson played in the Olympics. Does anyone know what the Olympics are?”

One little boy raises his hand. “It’s when teams from all over the world play against each other.”

Russell nods and smiles at the eager kid. “That’s right, Kenny, and Coach Waterson has a bunch of medals.”

I glance at Greer out of the corner of my eye and find her grinning from ear to ear.

And to think she didn’t trust me.

Even she enjoys having her ego stroked.

* * *

GREER

Who would have thought that the laughter of children could bring so much damn joy?

And it’s not just me feeling the warmth of their delight at being out here.

Bash looks…different.

That grin that’s been plastered on his face since we got onto the ice isn’t the same one he gives me or the one he flashes after he smashes an opponent during a game. It isn’t full of swagger and self-satisfaction.

---