Page 38 of Ice King

I lifted my head, refusing to kowtow to him. Why was he pushing me so hard? “Since you’re so interested in my work, perhaps you should investigate what it will take to become an accredited massage therapist since at the rate you’re going, you will need another career.” I was hesitant to tell him I was about to sign off on releasing him.

Maybe there was a side to me I’d yet to have the opportunity to explore.

He certainly didn’t like to have anyone push him. His eyes flashed and for a split second, I was taken to the night before. Had he been in the woods watching me? Stalking me?

We were caught in a moment where he lowered his head, breathing labored, heart rate soaring. When his lips were less than an inch away, I arched my back involuntarily. His scent roared through me, the man himself a powerful aphrodisiac.

Laughter from behind jerked him from the shared moment. His upper lip curled into a snarl as he stepped away.

“Hey, lover boy,” the dark voice chided. “The coach was looking for you.”

I peered around Ford’s arm, nodding to Finn Roth. I was only beginning to learn a few names.

“I’ll be right there, buddy,” Ford said without taking his eyes off me. “Just finishing up with something.”

“Sure thing.” Finn continued to laugh as he walked away. “Let me know if you need help.”

Ford stayed, the two of us locked in a mindset with one refusing to give into the other.

“Go,” I told him, trying to step away.

He placed his hand on the wall beside me, preventing me from moving. “I can’t play until you tell me I can, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t pay attention to the game. That’s something you should do as well. How about coming out with me tonight? I’m sure we can find a repeat of the sucky ass game two nightsago. I’ll teach you a little about the game itself and the violence you’re worried about.”

The last thing I should do was to mix private time with one of the players, especially this man. I wasn’t entirely certain from the expression he wore whether he was hopeful or taunting me. He had a way of getting under my skin unlike any other man I’d known.

As much as I wanted to keep him at arm’s length and believed I could, when he looked at me with such a soulful expression, I was thrown off kilter. However, I had a job to do and knew him well enough to realize he would do anything so he could play.

“I think it’s best you continue working on healing, Mr. Kendrick. Who knows. Maybe all your hard work will come to fruition. But only if you’re a very good boy.”

His jaw clenched, hardening his features, but that only had the effect of adding another layer of masculinity that could turn a girl into a puddle right before him.

“Then I guess that will have to do. For now. You should know I don’t take no for an answer. From anyone.” He backed away, offering a nod that clearly indicated a challenge.

Why was it that every time he was even in the same room my pulse spiked to a dangerous level?

As I headed into the massage room, I backed away to where he couldn’t see me. What was it about the man that drove me so insanely crazy?

* * *

“Alright. Gather around,” Coach Stryker said after the team had finished practice.

We were in the locker room, which was filled with buff men crowding out every inch of space. Roxanne joined me, already taking photographs for whatever social media she’d make.

I had my fingers crossed that my recommendation was the right one. Maybe if I’d had more time, I could have investigated shifter anatomy or found an expert somewhere. But the team’s future was on the line. Apparently, so was Ford’s.

There was some new franchise about to be approved on the horizon, which could mean Ford finally being able to move into the NHL. I wasn’t going to try to convince anyone I understood the difference but seeing him leaning against the wall with his arms folded, looking very much the petulant child I’d seen in him, I was beginning to understand the intense drive all the players experienced.

In their various massages, they’d all expressed excitement about the possibilities, touting their accolades as if I had any control over whether they made the big leagues.

Ford had been quiet during his session, barely mumbling a few words and only when prompted.

“Listen up. As you all know, we’re down to our last game of the season and this is make or break it. We’re up against the Manitoba Tyrants and I don’t need to remind you what happened the last time we were up against them.” The coachlocked eyes with every player while the assistant coach chuckled in the background.

While a few players groaned as if on cue, others were clearly furious about the match up.

With my brow furrowed, I turned toward Roxanne who promptly rolled her eyes and mouthed ‘I’ll tell you later.’

“As you know, we’re going to have some protestors tomorrow night, so I also need you to be on your best behavior and you know exactly what I mean.” The coach pointed his finger to one of the players I’d yet to spend any time with.