AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Family is important, son. Your brother could be the next big thing in hockey.”
“I’m not so sure about that, sir. He loves the game, but he has a big fear of the ice.”
“Maybe he just needs lots of exposure.”
“Yeah, maybe.” My gaze went to Harper, who was deep in discussion with Scottie and Mom over by the trophy cabinet.
“And Miss Dixon, do I need to be worried there?”
“She’s a good friend, sir.”
“A friend,” he muttered. “I’ve heard that one too many times in my lifetime. Just a word of warning, Mason, son. She’s Coach Dixon’s daughter. I don’t know all that’s gone on between them, but something doesn’t quite add up. That said, he’s still my assistant coach, and you’re still my player. I can’t afford to have the two of you butting heads this season.”
“Won’t happen, Coach. You have my word.”
“Good.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re a good kid, Mason. But it’s time to work out what you want from life, son.”
His parting words sank into me, weighing heavily on my chest.
Everyone kept saying I needed to work out what I wanted like it was that simple. Like I only had myself to think about.
“Mase! Mason brother, look at this.” Scottie pointed at something in the trophy cabinet, and I went to join the three of them.
“What did you find?” I asked.
“It’s the Frozen Four trophy.”
“Pretty neat, huh?”
He nodded, fixated on the trophy behind the glass.
Harper caught my eye and smiled. We hadn’t talked about last night; we hadn’t talked much at all.
After I’d left her dorm room, I’d gone back to the house and lay awake mentally trying to come up with a list of reasons I couldn’t go after her. But the problem was, the more time I spent with her, the shorter that list got until there was only one name left.
Coach Dixon.
He couldn’t stop me from dating his daughter, but he could make life pretty damn difficult for me. Maybe for her too, given that I sensed deep issues already existed between them.
“He’s so happy,” Harper said as we wandered back out into the hall, ready for the unofficial practice part of Scottie’s tour.
Noah and a couple of the guys had agreed to come in and give him and Mom a little demo.
“Yeah. I was talking to Coach, and it sounds like he’s interested in making this a regular thing for the kids at the center.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up. “They would love that.”
“You think?”
She nodded. “Kids like Scottie and the other kids at the center just want to feel included, Mason. They all have hopes and dreams too. Sports, especially physical games like hockey, can really help with development and focus. Jet will be stoked for the opportunity to work with the team.”
Her excitement radiated around her like the sun, and I couldn’t help but gravitate toward her.
“Mason,” she breathed, eyes wide with surprise as she stared up at me. And I realized I’d backed her up against the wall.
“Shit.” I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her lips, the urge to kiss her overwhelming the fuck out of me.
