Page 86 of Icing the Play

How was everyone so confident about my prospects for the NHL but me? “Maybe. We’ll see.” My gaze flicked to the sliding glass door as Cooper and Dad stepped into the house.

“Are you still talking to your mother?” Dad raised his brows.

“No, I’m talking to Ethan now.” I faced my brother. “Hey, I should go. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Sure. Tell your boyfriend I said hello and he better take good care of you.” Ethan pursed his lips.

“Don’t you worry about that. He’s in excellent hands.” Cooper stood behind me, patting my shoulder. “Why did you remove the ice pack?” With a scowl, he put the ice pack back on my knee.

“It was on there long enough.” I shoved the pack off, throwing Cooper a mock glare.

“Listen to him, bro.” With a sharp laugh, Ethan stood, the doorway to the kitchen coming into view behind him. “I’ll talkwith you soon and let me know when the Kraken scout gives you a contract.”

“Sure.” Shaking my head, I let a grin creep over my lips. “Talk to you later.” I hung up the call and set the phone on the coffee table.

“What the helldid you talk about out there?” I twisted to peer at Dad and Cooper, grabbing waters from the refrigerator after they walked in. I hadn’t wanted to interrupt them, so I stayed inside and let them talk.

“Sports, what else?” Cooper handed Dad a bottled water. “Your dad’s going to stay and watch the game with us.”

“Oh.” I finished my whiskey and set the glass on the table. I should call Dean next.

A bottled water appeared in front of my face. “I already texted Zoma, and he’s going to take the tickets for the game. He’s going with Leo,” Cooper said, shaking the bottle in front of me.

I grabbed the water and twisted the cap off. “Thanks. I’m going to call my agent now. He’ll need to know what happened.” And then maybe Coach?

“Sure.” Cooper sipped some water. “We’ll keep quiet.”

“How are Zoma and Leo getting the tickets?” Zoma would probably walk into the house at any minute.

“I emailed them. They’re digital.” Dad dropped into the end of the couch with his water in his hand. “What do you boys want for dinner? I’ll treat.” He flashed a smile at Cooper.

“Thanks, Allen. How about we order some Thai? There’s an excellent restaurant close to here.” Cooper sat at my feet.

“I’ll let you two work it out.”

I plucked my phone from the coffee table, dialed Dean, and held the phone to my ear. He would probably be sorry he signedme. Hell, what if he unsigned me over this? I swallowed through the dryness in my throat.

Cooper and Dad watched me.

The phone rang a few times and clicked. “Hi Myles. What’s up?”

“Hi, Dean. I have, uh, some bad news.” I teased the hem of my athletic shirt. He’d sounded so cheerful when he picked up. I was about to ruin his day.

“Okay. Lay it on me,” Dean said.

“A guy on a scooter ran into me on campus and I sprained my knee. I’ll be out for about a month.” I tensed my mouth. “I can’t play for the scout from Seattle.”

“Damn, that’s too bad.” He huffed a sigh. “Well, I’ll let him know. I’m sure he’ll keep in touch and we can arrange another time for him to see you. He was, uh, pretty excited about your skill set.”

“He was?” I gripped the phone tighter. I really messed this up. How had I not been able to dodge the fucking scooter?

“He was. Keep me informed about your progress.” He inhaled. “Myles, it’s not the end of the world. There’s still plenty of hockey season left. These things happen, albeit usually on the ice.” He chuckled.

My pulse relaxed. “Sure, thanks.” He was being so kind about this.

“Talk to you soon.”

“Yep, talk to you later. Bye.” I hung up the call and tucked my phone into my pocket.

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