Page 97 of Banter & Blushes

“I said nothing to talk about.”

His eyes widen with my tone. “Message received.”

Most of the guys are on the ice now, including Coach Markelson, who’s about to blow his whistle to get our attention. I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated that whistle more than right now. Practice means staying focused on the drills and skirmishes he has mapped out for us today. We can’t be jawing about my failed date.

That doesn’t mean I don’t get some looks from Elias when we partner up. I’m guessing he said something to Mathéo because he’s also studying me as if he’s trying to figure out what happened.

After we nail the first drill, Payton skates near, giving me a sympathy pat on the back as he passes. And I’m pretty sure the last shot I made into the net was a pity goal from Wade.

I don’t believe I’ve ever been happier over practice ending than I am today. The guys must get I’m in no mood for their chirps, so they steer clear as I get cleaned up. And just as I think I can make a clean getaway, Coach Markelson steps into the locker room.

“McKennan, a word, please?” Brows raised, he waits for me to follow him into his office. And shuts the door once I’m inside. Never a great sign.

He gestures at the seat in front of his desk as he sits down. “Look…”

Yeah, when someone starts with that, it’s never good.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Shoot, Coach.”

He rubs a hand over his mouth. “My daughter Kaia’s doing a presentation about hockey for her fourth-grade class.”

“That’s cool.” No idea where this is going, but I have my suspicions.

“She loves coming to the games when it isn’t a school night.” He hesitates. “And you’re her favorite player.”

I splay my hand on my chest. “Me?”

He smirks. “Yes, you. She asked me if you’d be willing to help her.”

“Why not you? You’re the coach.”

“Her presentation is titled ‘The Dynamics and Dangers of Ice Hockey.’ She plans to walk the class through all the gear—with visuals.”

“And she wants me to be her personal hockey mannequin.”

He nods. “Would you mind?”

“No, not at all. Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.”

His relief is palpable. “Great. Thanks, Ethan. I really appreciate it. I know Kaia will, too.”

“Sure, no problem.”

Coach jots down the details on a notepad, then tears off the sheet and hands it to me. “She wants you in full gear. You can put your skates on there.”

I tuck the slip of paper into my pocket as I stand, but I don’t leave. Elias said Jack told him not to talk about it, but there’s a part of me that’s not ready to give up on Mia. But if the team gets relocated, there’s no point pursuing anything with her.

“Coach, I heard a rumor that they’re moving us to another city. Is it true?”

His brows shoot up again, clearly surprised, but I can’t tell if my question caught him off guard or he doesn’t know about it.

“Who told you that?” His expression turns stern.

“One of the guys overheard Jack on a phone call.” I’m not going to say who, and hopefully, Coach won’t ask.

“Let me get back to you on that, okay?”

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