Page 53 of Ice Princess

Chance seems to appreciate that because he nods at Renthrow.

“What’s important is that you came through.” Theilan pats Chance on the back. “And even if you didn’t, we would have still had your back.”

Chance blinks a bit as if he’s trying not to get emotional. He opens his mouth to speak and then clears his throat instead.

I silently move toward him and squeeze his shoulder in support.

The entire team gets up to give Chance a hearty smack on his shoulders, chest and back. Rumbles of ‘it’s okay’ and ‘you’re good, man’ fill the entire locker room.

Watson breaks the sober moment by teasing, “Enough with the sappy stuff. Go take a shower, McLanely. And don’t worry. This time, wewon’tsteal your clothes.”

Guffaws break out as we all think about our prank on Chance when he first got here.

He smirks. “Hey, I promise I’m not stealingyourclothes either.”

I chuckle and head over to my gym bag, extracting a pair of sweatpants, underwear and a fresh jersey.

After I’ve showered and changed, I walk out of the locker room with Chance. The other guys are going to The Tuna to celebrate and Renthrow is, of course, going home to his daughter. So we’re the only two heading up this way.

The stadium is completely empty except for Bobby who’s running the Zamboni. He waves to us from the ice and congratulates us on the win.

“Thanks, Bobby!” Chance yells.

I lift my hand in acknowledgment.

“Are you and Rebel hanging out after this?” Chance asks, checking his phone. Probably to message April.

I shake my head.

“Do you want me to ask April to invite her to the Tuna tonight?” He grins and nudges me with an elbow. “I can sacrifice a date night to help you out.”

I’m considering the idea when I hear a familiar voice call out, “Gunner.”

Rebel walks toward me, her ponytail swishing behind her. My gaze tracks down her body as she gets closer, taking in her slender figure swallowed up by my jacket and her long, long legs in the gray leggings and sneakers. I’ve never seen a woman in Lucky Strikers merch and tennis shoes look so enticing in my life.

I’m so occupied with Rebel that I don’t notice her eyes twitching weirdly to the side. When I finally do, it’s too late.

My mother emerges from the shadows like a villain in a low budget film. Her eyes are as hard as marbles and she lifts her chin stiffly.

“Hello,son,” mom says, her voice sending a shiver down my spine.

“Hi, Gunner,” Victoria says, walking beside mom. “Great game tonight.”

I swallow hard.

This can’t be good.

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

REBEL

Chance readsthe tension in the dark, empty lobby right away and makes a break for it, mumbling about being late for a date with April.

I wish I could follow him.

But I’m stuck here.

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