Page 37 of Hot Rucking Canadian

In my ignorance, I sat back and let people howl their displeasure.

Mallow had spent many, many, many hours teaching me the intricacies of the game. At first, he rewarded me for getting things right.

Soon he started rewarding effort when I got it wrong.

Eventually he gave up trying to teach me, and we spent all our spare time in bed.

Most days, when not practicing, he taught physical education at a local school. He’d neglected to mention he’d somehow obtained a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. All by the age of twenty-five.

Plus a professional rugby player. Which didn’t pay nearly as much as it should have, given the physical punishment of the game.

Carsyn gripped my arm.

No, Carly. Right. Carly.

“Is he going to be okay?”

“Well, he’s walking off the field, so I suspect so.” Johnnie wasn’t even limping, so I took solace in that.

“He’ll be fine.” Becca spoke loud enough for everyone in three rows to hear. “He’s a tough bastard.”

“Mom.” Cassandra appeared mortified, given her red cheeks.

I chuckled to myself because, not twenty seconds earlier, she’d been one of the spectators howling about thebad calland thecrappy refereeing.

The girl amused me to no end. And since tomorrow was her twelfth birthday, Isaiah and I had a gift for her.

My man knew the birthdate of every child of every teammate. Written down on a huge calendar, thank God.

Francine, the trainer, continued to work on Johnnie’s knee.

“He might be out for the rest of the game.” Becca blew out a breath. “He’s the best hooker. Theyneedhim.”

I didn’t laugh. Came close…but managed not to.

Suddenly, there was a loose ball.

Okay, scrum time.

This part amused me to no end. A bunch of guys huddling and pushing against each other while another guy tried to get the ball, and—

Bam, they were off.

The sideways tossing continued until Roger crossed the line.

Cheers, hoots, and hollers went up from the crowd.

Roger held the ball aloft in triumph while Cassandra whistled. Then she shouted. “Way to go, Dad.”

Louder than anything her mother had done so far this game.

Finally, the match ended. Vancouver won by ten. And Johnnie hadn’t returned to the game.

To my relief, and shame for the relief, he grabbed Carly, and they headed out. If they were going to get drinks, good for them. If they were going to have sex? Yeah, whatever.

Becca and Cassandra went home, so I was invited to join the crew at the local brew pub.

I noticed I was the only guy. “What about the wives and girlfriends?” I nudged Isaiah.

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