Page 94 of Coach's Temptation

Instead, I open the reply from Mike from earlier:Reno complete. She'll love it.

"You know, you're the first girl he's ever brought home," Mom says, reaching across to squeeze Natalie's hand. "I always told him, when you find the right one, you'll know. And seeing you two together..." She dabs at her eyes with her napkin. "I can't wait for grandchildren."

"Mom!" My voice is a sharp warning.

Natalie's cheeks flush pink as she almost chokes on a the last chunk of wagyu beef.

"What? A mother can dream!"

"Then do that. Dream like everyone else -inside your own head," I growl, twisting my wrist to check my watch.

"We need to head out." I check my watch again. "Blake's shoulder needs work before the game, and you've got prep to do."

Natalie dabs her lips with the crisp linen napkin. "Right, of course."

"Hunter James Brody, let the poor girl finish her wine." Mom shoots me her patented disapproving look. "For such a fine young gentlemen, you're being awfully bossy."

I stand, adjusting my suit jacket. "Mom, you know where your seats are tonight?"

"Yes, dear. Third row."

"No. That's not what I told you. Icehawks box tonight… remember?" Mom nods as I hold my teenage-like frustration inside. "And please… make sure Dad-"

"Sticks to light beer. I know, I know." She waves me off. "Good luck, sweetheart. You'll do great tonight."

I'm not exactly sure if she's talking to me or Natalie, but we both say thank you at the same time and slide out of our chairs.

As we head toward the elevator, my hand in the small on Natalie's back, a familiar voice booms across the restaurant.

"Well if it isn't Hunter Brody!"

My stomach drops. Coach Miller. My old juniors coach lumbers toward us like an overeager grizzly bear, his massive six-foot-four frame practically bursting out of his Bruins gear.

"Looking good, kid!" He claps my shoulder. "Saw the rumors floating around. Big things coming your way after this cup run, eh?"

Shit!

I grip Natalie's elbow, steering her toward the exit. "Great seeing you, Coach, but we're running late-"

"Team USA-"

I mash the elevator button repeatedly, almost willing the doors open with sheer desperation.

"Yeah! Go USA! Thanks, Coach." I cut him off, my voice carrying right the way across the restaurant. "Sorry, we really need to go."

The doors finally slide open and I usher Natalie inside before Coach can say anything else. My heart pounds as I watch her face, but luckily for me, she's focused on adjusting her dress in the mirrored walls.

The elevator descends, and I turn to Natalie, distracting Coach Miller's words with my own. "I've got a surprise for you."

"Another one?" She arches an eyebrow. "The dress wasn't enough?"

"That was personal. This is work stuff. You've been working non-stop with Blake's shoulder. So tonight, you're taking the night off."

"Hunter, I can't-"

"You'll check him before the game, then watch from the family box with my parents."

The elevator doors open to the lobby, and I guide her through the rotating doors into the crisp Boston air. "But what if someone needs-"

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