Page 80 of Ice Rebel

“Do you want to see her again?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then find a way of letting her know that has nothing to do with you being possessive. Just be Cole, the kid who used to pick flowers for his mother just to make her smile. As far as hockey, if you think either your mother or I will be angry if you choose another career, you’d be wrong. We will support you and your choices, including whoever becomes your wife or your mate. Family is most important. More than money or power, more than notoriety or friendships. You’ll always be able to count on family.”

I’d seen my parents go through so many difficulties in their lives, worried about money while never allowing us to know. The sawmill had almost gone under twice yet they’d kept up a charade so the three boys could play hockey, and the baby sister could attend college. They’d do anything for their kids.

“Now, about hockey. If the only reason you’re playing is to make us proud, don’t. That’s only going to cause you pain and eventually resentment, even if you don’t think so. Play because you love the sport, the rush that you always told me you enjoyed. Play because you can’t think of doing anything else. Play for the camaraderie even if by doing so you can’t be friends off the ice. Most of all, play because your heart and soul are fulfilled by doing so. If not, you’ll have your answer and like I said, we’ll support you in whatever the endeavor. However, right now your team is counting on you, Cole. And in truth, you need them as much as they need you. Concentrate on the games. Then take some time for yourself. The rest will work itself out.”

My father had a way of putting everything succinctly. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll keep everything in mind.”

“One last thing. No matter what women might tell you, they do enjoy a man going to great lengths to show how much he cares. They might not admit it, but they do.”

“I guess it worked.”

“You bet. After some serious groveling. Let me know how it all works out, Cole.”

“I will.” After ending the call, I let out a deep, heavy breath. Pops knew me far too well.

I certainly wasn’t going to accomplish anything by sitting out the game. Grabbing my duffle and keys, after locking the door I took a few seconds to head toward the bus where the coach was still waiting.

I would take what my father said to heart. I could remember a time when there had been nothing else in the world but hockey. I’d lived it in every aspect of my life. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. I’d shown up at the rink even before it had been open. I wasn’t certain what had changed, but I needed to figure it out.

As soon as I approached, he glared at me. Roxanne also stepped off the bus. Instead of glaring, she was smirking.

“Nice of you to make it, Kendrick.” Coach Stryker was in a mood and I couldn’t blame him. His expression was a clear indication he’d seen the crap floating out there on social media. The faces of several team members studying me with amusement from the windows were a warning of shit to come. They’d never let me live it down.

“Sorry I was late, Coach. I had a few things to take care of.” I hoisted my bag, searching the row of windows for Jagger’s face.

“Yeah, I guess you did. You know when I mentioned you should consider settling down, I didn’t mean right away.”

“She’s really just a friend.”

“A friend?” Roxanne interjected. “I remember when I said that about Jake.”

Jake owned a cool bar in North Bend, the small town about thirty minutes away from where my family had lived for several generations. Jake just happened to be a shifter and Roxanne was very human.

“Don’t egg him on. In and of themselves, the pictures aren’t anything to be concerned about. However, relationship or not, keep it away from the team. I told Jagger the same damn thing. Don’t make me regret making you co-captains. We leave in five minutes.” The coach lifted a single eyebrow.

“Yes, sir.” I watched him climb onto the bus. Roxanne remained. “What can be done?”

“I guess it depends on whether this girl really does mean anything to you or not.” It was another moment I wasn’t certain any answer was the right one. “She does.”

“Yeah, I guess she does. You need to keep her name out of this.”

“I did some searching when I was made aware of the situation,” she offered. “So far no one has discovered her name since the pictures really don’t show her face. Unfortunately, Jagger is the wildcard here. Plus, you have twenty-one other players on the active roster and given his big mouth, they all know you’re dating his sister.”

“Fuck. Asshole. I’ll tell him to shut the fuck up.”

She gave me the same look Samantha did when I was being an idiot. “He’s hot right now. Maybe you should both stay in your respective corners until after the two games. Then you have a nice, long chat in the privacy of a locked cage. Maybe we’ll do a cage match.”

“Very funny.”

“Who’s kidding? For now, we just concentrate on hockey and the fact the Wild will win these two games. Maybe if you do, this single article and a couple grainy pictures will take a backseat. But if you’re approached, tell the press you don’t talk about your personal life and I’m certain they will ask. Just try and keep your cool.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She stopped me as I was headed to the bus. She was definitely the coach’s daughter.

“Just remember. Jagger is hot.”