Page 48 of Whiskey Wednesdays

“Nope. And so you know, I already told your dad.”

“Well, fuck,” I muttered, picturing that awkward conversation.

“I didn’t tell him I wanted to do that, but he’s a smart man.”

I was saved from having to answer Connor when Elodie and my traitor dad walked in.

Chapter 13

Before the home game that Sunday, the players seemed hyped. Nervous energy crackled in the locker room. I was taping up an ankle when Coach Bailey walked in.

He called for everyone’s attention. “Listen up, team. This is our first home game of the new year, and I expect you not to leave anything on the bench.”

I sat in the back of the locker room, zoning him out as he continued giving his uninspiring speech. I glanced over and noticed Titus still had his earbuds in.

Jackson stared blankly at the coach, his knee bouncing nervously. Wyatt was putting lotion on his tattoos.

When Coach Bailey paused, I patted Mikael’s knee, the Swedish player I’d been taping up. ”Does that feel all right? Not too tight?”

He shook his head and smiled. “Nej,it’s good. Thanks.”

Coach Bailey shot me a dirty look from across the room, then he continued droning on. Finally, he finished up and the players continued getting ready.

Wyatt came up after Mikael walked off, his pants only half done up.

He smirked. “Hey, Isa. I’d like you to wrap something for me. I’d like you to wrap your mouth around–” His head snapped forward.

Titus had swatted the back of Wyatt’s head, and he growled low. “Shut your mouth, asshole. I’ve already warned you. You may be a decent left wing, but you’re a fucking moron. Quit harassing her.”

Wyatt turned around to confront Titus, but I tapped his arm. “Hey.”

“What?” Wyatt snapped.

I kept my voice low. “You’re a professional. You need to act like one.”

He gave me a dirty look. “I’m just teasing. It’s not a big deal.”

“Itisa big deal if Coach Bailey decides not to let me finish my rotation, or he decides you’re not worth the risk and lets you go.”

Wyatt laughed. “Let’s me go?”

“You never know. And Titus is right, you’re kind of a moron to risk it.”

Wyatt glanced back at Titus, then rolled his shoulders. “You might be right. You’re not worth it.”

I shook my head. If he thought his words offended me, he was in for a sad surprise. “You’re right. I’m not. Now, do you want something besides that little thing in your pants wrapped?” I tilted my head toward his crotch.

Wyatt smirked. “I’m good.” He bumped Titus’s shoulder as he went back to his locker.

Titus gave me a small nod, then finished getting ready. I let out a quiet breath and hoped Connor never heard about this.

Ben and I watched the game from the end of the front row, close to the team. I fidgeted and my leg bounced. Hockeywas physical, fast-paced, and a little nerve-wracking. And, I reluctantly admitted, exciting to watch.

The first time Jackson checked an opposing player against the plexiglass, I jumped out of my skin. Ben laughed.

“What? It surprised me, that’s all.”

He smiled. “Uh-huh. Have you ever been to a hockey game before?”

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