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He hadn’t been called down like this since he was a rookie. Mikah took a seat. He crossed his arms over his chest and his knee over his leg. “Lay it on me.”
Coach leaned against the edge of his desk. “She’s the one, huh?”
That took the bluster out of him. Yes. The truth had spun just outside his conscious for a while now. Piper was the one. He loved her. Straight up. Mikah grinned and nodded.
Coach took a step closer and squeezed his shoulder in support. “What are you doing in here with me then? Go get your girl.”
Mikah headed to the door.
“Czerski.”
Mikah turned back.
“Expect to be heavily fined.”
“Worth it, Coach.”
* * *
Despite Coach’s stellar advice, Mikah had an issue he had to wrap up first. Dad. He drove home, went up, and tossed his keys on the end table. He strode forward. Dad and Zee sat in the living room in a silent stare-off that was way more Mikah’s M.O. than favorite son Zee’s. Everyone else had gone to bed or were making themselves scarce.
Dad pointed to the couch beside Zee like they were kids again and had taken the boat out without permission. “Take a seat, Mikah.”
Mikah did not want to deal with his crap. Every inch of energy he’d stored up for the third period coursed through his body in erratic pulses. And every heartbeat of longing he’d experienced missing Piper pushed him to go to her. Still, he knew he had to wrap his family drama up so he could go to Piper with what? A more open heart? He sounded like the hearts and roses cable channel. But he knew he’d been garbage at opening up to her before. The confrontation with his father was a major step toward being able to make that happen. He sat beside Zee.
“What you did tonight. Unacceptable on every professional level.” Dad’s face showed his total incomprehension.
That was Dad’s core problem. He’d never love a woman more than the game.
Dad shook his head. “Mikah, leaving the ice for a girl. And Zee, why the hell were you even involved?”
“Francesca and I broke off our engagement.”
Dad nodded. “Good, get your years in, then start your family.”
Damn, cold shit. Dad even liked Francesca. Couldn’t he stir up a sprig of concern? Mikah rose. “Look, Dad, we can talk hockey tomorrow. I’m all ears. But I’m done listening to relationship advice from you.” He couldn’t let it go. “After Wednesday, the crap you pulled at my workplace dinner with the dancer…I think you have your own work to do.”
Dad paled and crossed his arms over his chest. He said nothing.
Mikah turned to go to his room. Zee had been stuck in the middle. Not fair to him. And Zee had his own relationship issues to deal with. He went back and squeezed Zee’s shoulder like Coach had done for him in a supportive, sympathy move. The motion felt clunky and unpracticed, but right too.
* * *
Saturday morning, Piper rolled out of bed with new hope in her heart. Mikah had stood up for her. She was going to him this afternoon to talk out their situation and explain Calista’s early Christmas surprise. Honesty and heart, that’s what Mikah was getting today. If he couldn’t handle her love…no, she shook that thought off, she believed in him.
Breakfast and more details from her sister first. She tied her hair up in a messy knot and went downstairs in her cream pajamas with gold crowns scattered over the front. The smell of bacon came from the kitchen, and there was a clatter of cutlery on the patio. Her family was already up and having breakfast. She poured a glass of orange juice and took a refreshing sip.
The doorbell rang.
Piper put her glass down, pivoted toward the foyer. She checked the peephole.
CHAPTER 37
Mikah.
Piper opened the door.
Mikah stood, holding a blue team gift bag like the ones she had filled for their away games. “Hi.”
