Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
MAC
“This is a different arena than last time,” I say as Fee pulls into a parking spot.
“Yup, it is,” Fee’s voice pitches up, and she gives me the same smile she gives people who suddenly glom onto her when they find out her sister is a Toronto Terror coach.
I make a circle motion around my face. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Why?” Her response is way too fast to be honest.
I stretch my arm across the back of the seat. “Why are you lying?”
She purses her lips and lets her head fall back against the seat rest and sighs. “Why do you have to know me so well?”
“I’m your boyfriend. It’s my job to know you.”
Her smile turns rueful. “It’s inconveniently sexy that you can read my tells. But can you hold the questions? I’ll explain shortly. I promise.”
She seems sincere, and not stressed, so I let it go. “Okay.” I reach for the door handle.
Fee grabs my arm and I turn back to her.
“Kiss please.”
I lean in and brush my lips over hers, but she curves her hand around the back of my neck to keep me close and parts her lips. I take the invitation and stroke inside, but I break before we get carried away.
Roman or Lexi usually attend Callie’s games and I don’t want to go in there overstimulated. Roman is already terrifying as it is. Last time Fee introduced me as her friend, and now I’m her legitimate boyfriend. It’s a significant distinction. Fee and I hop out of the car, and I lace our fingers as we approach the arena. The doors slide open, a gust of hot air mixing with the winter cold before we’re shut inside with the scent of ice and rubberized mats.
Fee's smile widens as she guides me to rink number three. “Where are all the kids? Are we early?” It’s just coaches on the ice as we push through the doors.
“Nope. We’re right on time.”
The group skates over as we approach the gate, and I almost trip over my own feet and my tongue. “Holy shit. Quinn Romero and Connor Grace? What’s going on? What are they doing here?”
She does a full body shimmy. “Surprise!” At my furrowed brows she explains further, “You’re going to practice with them.”
I’m excited for a second, but… “I don’t have my equipment.”
“I picked it up from your place earlier. Brody got it together for me. It’s in the locker room, waiting for you.”
I don’t have time to react because Connor, Quinn, and Roman reach the gate. My palms are suddenly damp and my mouth is dry. It’s one thing to meet them off the ice, but to practice with them? This is a dream. And Fee made it happen for me.
“Hey, Mac.” Quinn extends his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.” I can’t believe I’m shaking hands with Terror players like it’s completely natural. “It’s an honor.”
“It’s great to see you again, Mac.” Connor moves in to shake my hand.
Roman lifts a hand. “Why don’t you suit up and join us on the ice?”
“Okay. Yeah. That’d be great.” I look at Fee, who is absolutely beaming.
I want to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless, but I also don’t want to die at the hands of her brother-in-law’s hockey stick.
Her lips find my cheek and she whispers, “You can say all the things you want later. I’ll be rinkside with Lexi and Ariel.”
“It's like you know me.”
She holds her fingers apart a fraction of an inch. “Just a little. See you in a few.”
I head down the hall to the locker room. As promised, my gear is waiting. I suit up and try not to get up in my head. I’m about to practice with the most legendary goalie the league has seen, plus two awesome enforcers from the Terror. The only thing that could beat the high of this is scoring a contract once I’ve graduated.
After I suit up, I return to the ice. Fee is sitting on the player bench with Lexi and Ariel.
I skate over to say hi. “It’s nice to see you again, Lexi.” I wave at Ariel, who is dressed in a frilly blue tutu, hot pink leggings and yellow sweater. She seems to be a big fan of bright colors. “How you doing, little princess?”
Ariel ducks her head against Lexi’s neck but smiles.
“I’ll join on the ice in a bit,” Lexi says.
“That sounds great. I super appreciate you being here.”
“Of course, coaching is my happy place, and I get to spend some quality time with my sister.” She side-hugs Fee.
The family resemblance is obvious when they’re next to each other, despite Lexi’s dark hair and slightly sharper features. It must have been so hard when they lost their mother and suddenly Lexi had to step into that role. As an only child, if something happened to my parents, I’d be on my own. At least they have each other to rely on.