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He signaled to Rafe and Valen, my fastest wing man, both on and off the ice. They hunkered in, chatting softly.
Coach glared at them, then turned back to me, running his hand over his salt and pepper hair, grumbling to himself. “You fuckers don’t touch LIttleton. You understand me? I won't be bailing you out. You can spend the night in a cell for what you’re planning. I’m not going before the Dean for you.”
“Course you will, Coach. You love us,” Gage called, blowing kisses.
I grinned, leaning back with my eyes closed and this time, I didn’t get slapped. “Nah, won’t happen. Too many late night missions under their belts.”
“I’ll pretend like you didn’t just say that.” Coach sighed, and I heard him walk away. “Clean up and get out.” He snapped to everyone else. “Training. Five AM. Anyone who turns up drunk or late does cross training with me off the damn ice for the week.”
Goans filled the room. Eventually it cleaned out, leaving me alone. I shucked off my own gear, cautious of my neck and anything else that clicked or flared in a way it shouldn’t. as they all shuffled off, and finally, I was left alone.
Weary muscles creaked and groaned as I pushed away from the lockers. The energy gel had taken the edge off, but I was seriously exhausted. The remnants of the shower held a dubious amount of hot water, though at least being a home game, I got a decent one with pressure.
I bundled everything into my bag, slung it across my chest and strode through the underbelly of the arena with far more confidence and energy than I actually had.
I peered about for Willow, but the place was empty, except for the few staff who cleaned and maintained the arena after the game finished.
Biting back my irritation, I picked up the pace, heading from the security office.
Willow sat alone on a chair. Jason stood somewhat awkwardly to one side. Willow watched me approach, her fingers woven together in her lap. Her shoulders strained a little, beginning to curve inward in the slump of someone too long in the seat.
It was the pose of a woman who was used to waiting on others, and I hated that I had done it to her.
“Hey,” I murmured, coming to a halt beside her. “Thanks for staying.”
She stared up at me and for a moment, the peaceful facade cracked. Fury and fear warred for prime real estate. After a long moment, she managed to draw in a shaky breath. “I’m glad to see you’re all right. I wasn’t allowed in. “
“Nah. Locker room is a bunny free zone.” Her head jerked up and I stretched out my hands, palms out. “No wait. That came out wrong. PYou’re not a bunny. It’s just that we don’t have the puck bunnies in there with us and…” Eff, I was mangling this. “Anyway. I’m clean, and I’d love to take you home.”
Her eyes widened. I checked myself and came up short. Of course that sonded like a freaking invitation to fuc k after the one sided bunny conversation.
“Uh, I might-”
“Please, Willow. It’s been a shitful day. I’d like to spend the rest of the night forgetting for now.”
“All right.”
It came out as a whisper.
Jason moved behind her, his bulk reminding me of this morning’s events. I nodded to him and extended a hand to Willow.
She rose in a fluid, graceful movement, sliding her arms around my waist. Her sigh was audible against my shirt as she sank into my body.
I folded my arms around her and held her tight. “Damn but you feel good.”
“So do you.” Her breath warmed me through my long sleeved tee.
I held her against me for a long moment, then finally released her, kissing the top of her head. Loathe as I was to move her, I needed to get us both up and to somewhere warmer and more comfortable.
“Willow, Princess. Let me take you home.”
Please stay with me.
But that sounded too much like begging, and I didn't have the energy for that.
She lifted her face, flushed from hiding beneath her hair, to mine. Dozy eyes stared back at me, her ice blue molten into a lake of fucking sexiness. “Do we have to?” she asked, her voice slightly raw and husky, though all we’d done was hug in a brightly lit, deserted hallway.
Damn, but this girl will give me trouble.
