Page 77 of Goalie Goal
Chapter 17
Goose
“Goose, get your shit!You’re with me this afternoon.”
My head popped up from where I sat, tying my shoes at my stall in the locker room, freshly showered after practice.
Maddox was in the doorway, arms folded, the usual scowl gracing his face.
Rising to my feet, I shrugged on my leather jacket. “Sorry, Coach. I’m off the clock.” When I crossed the room and reached where he stood, he didn’t budge, blocking my path to exit.
“It wasn’t a request.”
After yesterday, I wasn’t in the mood to be chummy with him. “Care to show me where it states in my contract that I have to spend time after-hours with a guy who insulted my girl right to her face?”
His head dropped back as he blew out a heavy breath. “That’s why I’m taking you out. To apologize.”
“Oooh, shit! Is Coach paying?” Jenner’s voice rang out as he stepped into the main locker area from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist.
“Is your name Goose?” Maddox shot back.
“No, but as his captain, I feel as though I should step in and act as a moderator while the two of you hash this out.”
“You’re a pain in my ass,” our surly coach grumbled under his breath.
I threw my arms wide. “I’m right here. Say what you need to say.”
“Wish I could.” Maddox rolled his eyes. “But I have to show proof.”
Raising an eyebrow, I asked, “Why do you need proof?”
Braxton chimed in, “Because his wife’s got him sleeping on the couch, and his old man bones can’t handle it for a second night in a row.”
Not gonna lie. That kind of karmic retribution had my spirits rising.
“Interesting.” A smile crept onto my face. “What kind of proof does the lovely Bristol require?” Maddox murmured something unintelligible, so I coaxed, “Don’t be shy, big guy.”
“A photo! Okay?” The frustration in his voice had me smirking.
“Oh yeah? What kind of photo? One of you kissing my ass?”
His jaw clenched so tight that a muscle in his cheek twitched before he gritted out, “Don’t push it.”
I stepped closer, getting into his space. “Oh, I’m gonna push it. Because if memory serves, the last man to talk badly to your wife had his face rearranged. You’d be getting off easy puckering up against my smooth, tightly toned ass.”
“Goose does have a hell of a nice ass. You could do worse, Coach.” Jenner’s glee couldn’t be contained.
Throwing his hands up, Maddox turned to walk away. “You know what? This isn’t worth it. I’ll suffer on the couch.”
Having played with him enough, I decided to grant mercy, even if he didn’t deserve it.
“Hold on. Wait!” I called after him.
Maddox peeked over his shoulder from halfway down the hall. “I’m done fucking around. You either let me apologize, or I’m heading up to my office to watch film.”
“I’ll let you take me out.” The tension in his shoulders eased, and when he spun around to face me, I added, “On one condition.”
“Great, can’t wait to hear this.”
