Page 98 of Banter & Blushes

I nod. “Sure thing.”

After I leave his office, I walk through the locker room on my way out. The place is deserted. I blow out a relieved breath that none of the guys hung around to give me a hard time.

I’m almost to my car when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Part of me hopes it’s Mia reaching out again, but I’m still not sure whether to respond or let it go. Not until I know if the rumor about the team is true.

But I don’t have to worry about it because it’s the guys blowing up my phone.

Elias: I apologize in advance for saying anything. (Eye roll emoji)

Mathéo: So, it was a bust with the bunny? (Bunny ears emoji)

Wade: E, my sister’s in town next week. I could fix you two up. But if you touch her, you’ll need a wheelchair.

Payton: It’s clearly a trap, Ethan. Say no.

Ethan: Give it a rest, guys. I’m fine.

Elias: You weren’t fine at practice.

Ethan: Well, I’m fine now.

Wade: Good, because there’s no way in hell I’m letting you near my sister.

CHAPTER 12

MIA

“All right, class. Let’s line up for recess.” I stand by the door with my hand up. Of course, Iris is the first to jump into place in front of me. And I mean literally jump like a bunny, which is her favorite animal this week. I suspect she’s trying to talk her parents into getting her a pet bunny and has decided acting like one will help speed that process along.

Once my last student gets in line, I lead them down the hall toward the exit door leading to the playground. Even though it’s not officially summer, the early afternoon heat and humidity make it feel like it is. As the kids tear off toward the swings, the jungle gym or to chase each other around, I find a shady spot under a tree to observe.

A flash of red and yellow catches my attention. I squint my eyes to get a better look because I’m almost certain that’s a Sun Kings jersey, but I can’t tell who’s wearing it. And it’s not just the jersey. I recognize the dark blue shorts, the red gloves dangling from one hand and a pair of ice skates from the other, not to mention the stick tucked under his arm.

A gasp slips out of my mouth when he gets closer. It’s Ethan. And he’s at my school.

I duck behind a tree. Why is he at my school?!? And in his hockey uniform.

“Ms. Popov?” Iris tugs on the hem of my shirt. She almost nailed my name this time.

“Yeah, sweetie?” I bend over so I’m eyelevel with her.

“Why are you hiding behind the tree?”

I pinch my lips together, scrambling for a good explanation. Iris may be young, but she is definitely not stupid, so I go for a redirect. “You know what? How about you and I check out those swings? I think one’s free right now, and I saw you waiting your turn.”

She takes my hand and walks in that direction with me. “Were you hiding from that hockey player?”

“What hockey player?”

Iris points over her opposite shoulder in a half-twist. Neat trick while walking. “The one that was just right there.”

I glance over my shoulder, but thankfully, Ethan’s not there. But that means he’s inside somewhere. Again, why is he here?!? What if I run into him? And if I do, what do I say?

“I don’t see anyone, sweetie. Look, a swing is free.”

She tugs me to a stop. “I need to go to the bathroom.”

Leaning over, I drop her hand. “Are you sure? You might lose your chance at that swing.”

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