Page 21 of Skating to Him

“Okay then, talk to you soon. I’ve got paperwork to look over.”

“Sure, talk to you soon.” I ended the call and swiveled to stare at Myles and Ace, who were watching me.

“So?” Myles jogged to me. “What happened?”

“I’m meeting with a Blackhawks scout in thirty minutes.” My mouth went dry, and I gaped. I had to clear my head somehow.

Ace ran to me, picked me up, and spun me around. “Good job, Hodge. You got this.” He dropped me and laughed.

Rowan walked in from the direction of the elevators, stopped, and furrowed his brows at us. “Hey, what’s going on?” He stepped to me, looking me up and down. “Everything all right?”

Ace gave his shoulder a quick slap. “He’s great. He’s meeting with a Blackhawks scout pretty soon.”

With his eyes growing wide, Rowan said, “Oh shit, congrats, man.” He wrapped me in a warm hug. “I’m proud of you.” He freed me.

“Thanks.” My head spun. I had to get out of here and pull my head together. “I’m going to shower and change.” Glancing at Myles and Ace, I walked away from them all.

Half an hour later,I sat in my blue suit in a small hotel conference room with Coach Hammett sitting across from me at a long wooden table. He said, “You earned this, Hodge.”

“Thank you.” I swallowed thickly and poured water into a plastic glass from a pitcher that had been set up before we’d gotten in here. I sipped my water, willing my nerves and stomach to settle.

Coach Henderson and another man with graying temples and thick black glasses entered the room.

I stood and held out my hand. “Hello. I’m Tyler Hodge.”

The man stopped, tucked his laptop under his arm, and smiled at me. “My pleasure. I’m Brian Tucker.” He shook myhand and dropped into a seat next to Coach Hammett while Coach Henderson took a chair next to mine.

“Let’s get started, shall we?” Mr. Tucker opened his laptop and hit some keys. “We’re looking for a good defenseman to work with Matt Gaines, and we think you’ve got the right stuff.” He glanced at his screen and flicked his gaze to mine. “I take it you know who he is.”

Matt Gaines? He was the big up-and-coming player from the rookies they took in last season. The guy was explosive on the ice. “Yes, sir. I’m a big Blackhawks fan. I watch all the games.” I rocked once.

“Good. We’re looking for someone who can match his pace and intensity, and after reviewing your game footage, well, you’ve got it.” He locked his gaze on me. “Your coaches tell me you’re levelheaded and professional. I’m sure your father instilled that in you.”

“He did, sir.” I nodded. This would mean leaving everyone here behind. But I always knew that would be the case. I’d prepared for this my whole life.

He shut his laptop and leaned back, eyeing me. “So, what questions do you have for me?”

“Uh…” My thoughts jumbled through my brain. With everything going on, I could barely focus. I knew what the steps were in getting on an NHL team. I’d seen my brother go through it, and Dad could recite it all to me. But… “If you like what you see here today, would I be traveling to Chicago anytime soon?” Then, at least, I could see Mom.

“It would be the next step.” He nodded once. “I know your family is there, so if you want, we could give you some time with them too.”

“Thank you, sir.” I sank my teeth into my lower lip and sweat dampened the back of my neck. All I wanted was out of here. “I think that’s all, sir.”

“Okay. Play well out there tonight, and we’ll be in touch.”With a quick grin, he stood and stretched out a hand. “It was a pleasure.”

After standing, I shook his hand and glanced at my coaches, watching me. Obviously, they all had more to discuss. “Thanks again.” I released him and left the room.

After getting back to my hotel room, I shut the door.

“How’d it go?” Rowan’s voice filled the small space.

I spun around. Of course, he was in here resting before the game. “Uh, good.” I stepped to my bag at the foot of my bed and rummaged through it for my sweats.

“You seem flustered.” He sat up straight from his headboard, climbed off the bed, and then crouched next to me. “You okay?” He rested his warm hand on my back, his face close to mine.

“Yeah, I’m just, uh…” Where the hell were my team sweats? I fumbled through my clothing. The meeting had only taken fifteen minutes, so I had a good forty-five minutes until I had to put this suit back on, but damn if I wasn’t going to be comfortable for a little while longer.

“Here.” He reached in and pulled out my sweatpants. “Looking for these?” With a soft grin, he held them up to me.

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