Page 366 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
“I will,” I promise, cutting off whatever threat was about to spill from his lips. “I swear, I fucking will.”
His scowl slowly turns into a smile. “I know. I just felt the warning needed to be said. I’m not sure I could say I’m a father without it.”
“God, I’m already dreading the day I’ll have to give that very same speech to some asshole.”
Coach laughs. “It comes around all too quickly, Rivers,” he states, clapping me on the back as we begin walking again. “Enjoy celebrating tonight. Make sure you’re all at my house at six tomorrow evening.”
“We’ll be there, si—James. Thank you.”
Just before I duck into the dressing room to grab my things, I catch the genuine smile on Coach’s face.
I know Casey was worried. But there really was no need to be.
He’ll support her to the end of the earth as long as she’s happy. It’s exactly what I hope to do for Sutton.
The second Fletch and I walk into The Fractured Compass, a cheer erupts. Everyone who’s waiting for us raises their glasses. I scan the familiar faces and see that every member of the team has come out tonight.
But I don’t want to see any of them.
I want Casey.
My heart races as I search the sea of hockey players before me.
She’s here—I know she is. She messaged to say that she and Parker were getting a lift with Linc.
There’s movement along the left-hand side of the bar, and I spot a flash of blonde hair hiding behind Marilyn.
My fists clench at the thought of anyone but me getting close to my girl.
I surge forward, shoulder-checking a couple of the guys in my way.
The second my eyes land on her fully, everything inside me relaxes.
She’s sitting on a stool but leaning back against the wall behind her with a cocktail in her hand and a soft smile on her lips.
Marilyn is talking, but she’s paying him zero attention. Instead, her eyes are locked on me.
Heat floods my veins, my body buzzing with desire, my need for my girl growing with every step I take.
At some point, Marilyn must realize he’s lost her, because he turns, looking over his shoulder.
He rolls his eyes the second he finds me, but I quickly look away again, focusing on who I really want.
“Hey, Trouble,” I say as I step right up to her, nudging her knees apart with my thigh so I can step between them. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve been here and wished I could do this?”
She tilts her head to the side in thought. From the flush of her cheeks, I’d say she’s already had a few drinks. “It can’t be many, because you never used to come out with the team.”
My lips twitch into a smirk.
“From what I’ve heard, nor did you,” I counter.
Yeah, okay, so I may have done a little detective work of my own about Casey Watson.
“Of course not, because unlike you, I was a rule follower.”
“That sounds pretty boring, don’t you think?” I muse, sliding my hand up her arm until I’m cupping the side of her neck.
“Yeah, it was awful. I much prefer breaking all the rules.”
