Page 84 of A Whole New Trick

Dane was polite enough when I gave him his first modified meal plan, but it was obvious he didn’t see the need to change his diet.

I don’t know if Dane made the trade request after learning I was the new nutritionist assigned to him, but even if he did, he and I were hardly on good terms. Through my coworkers, I’ve learned Dane wasn’t the only player unhappy with the organization’s shake-up in training and nutrition plans. I’m sureDane isn’t the only one who questioned whether the team would still be a good fit.

But that was weeks ago, and things have been going well for Dane and the team, barring the last two games.

Does Dane still want to be traded?

He’s not from Texas. Both he and Eli told me Minnesota was their favorite team growing up. And his family lives there. I couldn’t blame him if he wanted to move to be closer to them, especially given his mom’s health.

But what would that mean for us?

It’s a selfish thought, but I can’t imagine doing long distance, not even with someone as incredible as Dane. We’ve only been dating for a short time, and I’m already struggling to imagine my days without him.

I’d squashed the insecure thoughts that tried to rear their ugly heads when I saw that picture of him and his friends. I knew he was coming home to me. I trusted he wouldn’t do something to ruin what’s between us.

But what would happen if we lived in separate states?

Would I be mature enough to see my long-distance boyfriend out on the town with beautiful women after weeks, or even months, since we last saw each other?

I hate to admit it, but I don’t think I would.

If Dane decides to push for a trade or the team opts to do it themselves, it will only be a matter of time before we’re over.

I want to ask Dane about it, but I remember the drama we’re in. He has enough on his plate with his family and now the problems with the team—problems I feel responsible for.

I don’t know what our future holds, but I know I can’t create more drama for Dane by asking about it—not now.

Then when?

I don’t know.

I really don’t know.

27

DANE

Today should be a great day.Morgan is taking me to lunch with her family.

Miles and Mason will be there, and it will be cool to see them again. They and their oldest brother are good guys. We got along well in New Mexico, but that was before their sister and I became a couple. I anticipate a few pointed remarks about treating their sister well, but otherwise, expect to have a nice time.

I’ll also meet Morgan’s parents today which is exciting. Not just because they’re the people who raised the woman I’m currently vying to be with as long as possible, but because her dad is WarrenfreakingCaldwell.

I told myself I wouldn’t get star-struck, but my mind has been spinning with potential conversations I could have with the college hockey star the entire drive to Rose Hill.

I debate if I should bring up that I had his rookie poster plastered in my bedroom or if I should ask him to come to the next playoff game we have at home. That’s the only reason I didn’t immediately notice something was off with Morgan as she drove to the small town on the outskirts of Dallas.

Now, seeing how tightly she grips the steering wheel and the worried gleam in her eye when she looks out the passenger window before making a left turn reveals the obvious.

“Everything okay, Morgan?”

“What?” She stiffens. “Of course. Why wouldn’t everything be okay?”

I snort.That’s a no.

“Are you nervous about me meeting your parents?” I level my most charming smile on her. “Don’t worry. I’m great meeting parents. They’ll love me.”

“I’m not worried,” she replies, turning down a one-lane road that I belatedly realize is a driveway when I see a white-brick home at the top of the hill.

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