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It’s an offer for me, but it’s extended to my dad clearly. And as much as I wish that I didn’t, my head turns, and I wait for the subtle nod of his head before swallowing what little is left of my pride.
“That sounds nice.”
Chapter 13
Toren
I’d rather spend Saturday mornings doing basically anything else, but two weeks into the semester I’m at the community rink, standing while Max Koteskiy examines me like a piece of art he’s deciding whether to purchase.
I’m very aware of the way the NHL Hall of Fame defenseman feels about me—the deep well of hatred I’m sure exists just beneath his suit and tie. He doesn’t hide much from his face either.
“Harris explained it all to you?” he asks.
I nod, tucking my hands into my black jogger pockets. “Yep.”
“And you understand the rules? No roughhousing. No cursing—”
“They’re, like, five- and six-year-olds right?”
Mr. Koteskiy’s nostrils flare with his quick ire. “They’re the scholarship class. They’re all ages. Is that going to be a problem?”
My head shakes side to side quickly, and he nods in response. “Good. Lace up and I’ll introduce you to the other instructor.”
He disappears quickly, as if he can’t stand even breathing the same air as me, and I blow out a breath.
Sitting on the too-small plastic chair, I open my bag and pull on my skates, lacing them quickly. Just as I start on the second one, a smoky chuckle interrupts my peace.
“This is who they got to replace me?” Pristine white figure skates land in my vision, before the low voice continues. “Damn, this place is really going downhill.”
Sadie fucking Brown. Spitfire figure skater with a famously bad attitude and the other lovesick half to my golden-boy captain, Rhys Koteskiy. She used to teach the Learn to Skate sessions with Rhys—had even organized all of us to come volunteer over the holiday. Though I don’t want to admit it, it was . . . fun.
I smirk devilishly and stand to my full height, plus my skates, towering over her. “Bigger and better always wins.”
Sadie rolls her gray eyes at me, before looking over at Max as he starts rushing over.
As if her just being near me puts her in danger. Like father, like son.
“Is there a reason this isn’t your domain anymore?” I ask, before he makes it to us.
Sadie’s eyes drop slightly, her voice quiet. “They wanted me to take a break. Relax this semester, so I can actually pass.”
It’s a slightly vulnerable confession, which I’m sure I’ve only received because of what I did for her last semester. Little does she know punching her coach in the face was more cathartic for me than for her. I’d give anything to do it again, right now, picturing LaBlanc’s face instead. Maybe I’d hit harder this time.
“Ready?” Max asks, stepping slightly between us. At first, I can’t tell who he’s asking, until he drops his voice to a calmer, sweeter timbre. “I just need to introduce him and then we can go, if you still want a ride back to the house.”
Sadie nods in thanks, sitting down in the spot I just left, unlacing her skates slowly. “Take your time. I’m good to wait.” Then she turns her eyes to mine, her smile wicked in the way I know she can be if she wants. “Be nice to the new girl.”
“I’m always nice,” I smart back.
Max looks somehow more irritated with me for speaking to his son’s girlfriend, so I shut my mouth and follow him into the icy cold rink, down the ramp, and onto the empty ice. He checks his watch—something outrageously expensive—before looking back at me.
“The kids will be here in about fifteen minutes. And you’ll have a partner with you every week.”
“Does she play?”
“Hockey?” He frowns. “No. I don’t think so. If I remember correctly, she had nice, shiny figure skates on. So, maybe a figure skater?”
I nod, my face barely reacting, before he snaps his fingers in my face, the Russian accent suddenly ten times stronger. “Absolutely no flirting or dating your partner.”
