Page 60 of Delayed Penalty

“Congratulations are in order then. Right, Mrs. Danielson?” he says to Avery, who looks shocked at his instant change in demeanor, but her little smile is cute.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the way that sounded. Mrs. Danielson looks good on her, but then, so do I.

Coach and Avery’s interaction almost makes me laugh because he can change his demeanor quickly, as long as he understands a situation. He’s a good man, a great husband and father, but the man fucking hates drama. So, when he thinks I’m causing problems by getting into fights, he’s going to be pissed. The one major thing him and I have in common besides our love for hockey is being protective over people we care about.

“Sorry for the way I went about this. You know I love you like a son, Danielson, so fuck, I was pissed when I thought you were out causing shit again, and I wanted to kick your ass,” Coach says, almost embarrassed. “I’ll say I’m proud of you for standing up for your wife, but next time try to tone done the theatrics. Or let her punch him, she looks like she could’ve taken that Bandits fan herself.”

“All good, Coach. Can I ask a question?” I say, not sure the best way to go about this. I don’t want to cause unnecessary problems, but at the same time, I need to know.

“Of course.”

“How did you get the video?”

He looks at me for a moment, thumb rubbing back on forth on his lower lip and I can see him contemplating my question.

“It was sent to me by an old friend who recognized you. It was a little shocking because it came out of the blue, but I also remember when you first joined this team, he listened to me vent every now and then about your nonsense on the ice. He just probably wanted to give me a heads up.”

I see Avery stiffen, her mouth opening like she wants to say something, but I asked her not to unless we absolutely need to. If Peter’s not actually going to make this a problem, then I don’t want to, either. As long as he leaves the two of us alone, I couldn’t care less what happens to him.

I nod and stand up, my hand out waiting for Avery.

“Thanks for meeting today,” Coach says with a smile. “It’s nice when things turn out to be the opposite of what you expected, a pleasant surprise.”

“It was nice to meet you too, sir. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again soon,” she says with a smile, and I can’t help but feel a sense of pride for how confident she seems right now. After everything that’s happened, after everything that she’s been through, I’m absolutely in awe of seeing her stand there and hold her ground.

It’s even hotter that she’s standing there protecting me.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Avery

Bring me back my dog.

He who must not be named

You don’t have a dog.

Then what exactly am I getting out of this marriage?

He who must not be named

That’s not very nice. Is that how you talk to someone you’re asking a favor from?

Pretty please? Can you check on her?

He who must not be named

I will on my way home. Last I heard she was doing great.

Lies. She’s not here, she can’t be doing that great.

Ellie

Hey, I added you to the girls group chat.

Thanks, it was fun with you ladies the other night :)

Ellie

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