Page 106 of Breaking Point
GRAYSON
Gold digger much?
BELLA
Stereotype much?
With a smile plastered across my face, I throw my phone in my locker and lift my head, my eyes catching on a wise old pair across the locker room, one that takes in the high energy of the team and slides to me.
Then Coach Anderson dips his chin at me.
I don’t feel an ounce of shame in knowing I’m groveling and doing everything in my power to stay on this team. Especially not when that acknowledgement from Coach means more to me than anything.
Whether it’s my pep talk, the talent and dedication of the team, or Coach’s ability to lead, we’re winning.
4-1.
With only the last period left, the clock ticking down, our opponent, Trinity Blue, calls a timeout as they scramble to come back from an imminent defeat.
Skating over to the home bench, my eyes instinctively lock on Bella in the crowd. Her cheeks and nose are flushed from the cold, the IceHawks beanie and scarf bundled around her features making her look soft and innocent.
Yet with her quick-witted mouth, I know she’s anything but.
She should be a distraction, the feel of her gaze on my back while playing something to divert my focus, but it’s done the opposite. The team has played amazing, the defensemen brutal and vicious, but what truly makes my heart soar is how in sync Kieran and I have been tonight.
The devil twins are on full display once more.
A cocky grin spreads across my lips at the thought of Bella seeing me play in all my glory. It seems the extra training sessions and one-on-ones, on and off the ice, are certainly helping.
That, and not getting wasted every night. I have my AA meetings to thank for that.
A click of fingers in front of my face draws me back to the present.
“Beautiful slap shot, Crawford. Keep it up,” Coach says and I greedily drink up the compliment.
He’s walking us through plays in rapid-fire delivery, the team huddled around him, but something twists in my gut. The eyes I’ve been feeling glued to my back have vanished, the weight of them shifted.
Despite needing to listen to Coach, I can’t.
Lifting my head, red-hot fury slices through me as I spot Bellashaking her head with a nervous giggle as the man beside her leans in—too fucking close.
I must have cursed, must have said something under my breath, because the entire team stops to look from me to Bella and to something above my head.
“Ooh shit, Crawford,” Valenti drawls. “He’s coming for your girl.”
Following Caleb and Kieran’s line of sight, I damn near have a heartattack as I see Bella’s beautiful face, straight long brown hair and gorgeous brown eyes, splashed across the Jumbotron.
And alongside her is the asshole leaning in with the wordsKiss Camflashing above their heads.
Chapter 28
Bella
BELLA
holy shit!
you’re on fire tonight!
