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I press a kiss against the tip of her nose before pulling her closer. “You don’t need to say anything.”
And then I do what I’ve been aching to since I woke up twenty minutes ago and make love to her.
CHAPTER31
RYDER
Irap my knuckles against the frosted glass door before poking my head inside the cramped space. The muscles in my gut constrict. It’s almost comical that there was ever a time when sauntering into this office and plunking down on a chair felt normal.
Enjoyable, even.
Now?
It’s anything but.
I fucking hate getting called in here. If it were possible to avoid Reed Philips for the remainder of the season, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
I clear my throat. “You wanted to see me, Coach?”
He glances up from the computer before waving me in. “Yeah.” Then he points to the chair parked in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”
It takes effort to force my feet into movement. It feels like those last couple steps are a slow march to my impending doom.
My gaze slides over the interior, mentally taking note of the changes since Coach K packed up all his shit and left me high and dry. There are photos of this new guy with the NHL teams he played with. Framed articles, memorabilia, awards, along with a smattering of family photos.
One in particular catches my eye. It’s a glossy eight by ten of him with a dark-haired woman who looks to be around the same age and a petite younger girl wearing a glittery skating outfit. All three have their arms wrapped around each other as they beam at the camera. The girl holds up a gold medal that hangs from a thick ribbon around her neck.
He has a daughter who’s an ice skater?
Interesting.
My gaze slides back to him as I drop onto the vinyl chair.
Unlike with Coach K, there’s zero camaraderie. He’s just a guy who’s come in and blown my world to shit. I can’t help but wonder if he even realizes the catastrophic damage he’s inflicted with his mere presence.
Better yet, would he care?
Doubtful.
It only makes me dislike him more.
I just want this season over with and then…
I guess we’ll see where the chips fall.
With a frown, he drums his fingers against the metal desktop as he continues to stare. The uncomfortable silence that stretches between us is brutal.
Just when I begin to squirm, he clears his throat. “You know, when I took this job, I spent hours talking with Coach Kasminski. He gave me a rundown of all the guys. Even the new players he’d recruited the previous year. He knew exactly where everyone in this program fit in. And I respected that.”
Yup, that sounds exactly like Coach K, and it only makes me miss him more.
His serious gaze bores into mine. “You were a big part of those plans.”
Unsure what to say, I fold my arms across my chest and remain silent. Kind of sounds like he’s going to launch into one of thoseI couldn’t be more disappointedspeeches. Quite frankly, after the rough season I’ve had, I don’t need it. All this guy has done since day one is fuck with my head.
“And I watched enough of your game film to know that he wasn’t wrong. You’re a talented defenseman. I can understand why Chicago wants you.”
I’m sorry…what?
