Page 58 of Breaking Point
Anythingwould have hurt less than those words.
“I’m getting my life together,” I admit softly, putting every ounce of my ego aside. I don’t care if I have to beg. “I’m putting the work in. I’m working outside of training hours, I’ve been sober for a week, and I am doing everything in my power to be ready for this season, Coach.” My voice is hoarse as I confess, “I am doing everything for IceHawks to want me again…to be good enough for the team.”
The room grows silent.
Coach leans forward slowly, his gaze searing into mine. “I’ll be damned. This is the first time I’ve believed any of your bullshit as of late.”
I snort. “It’s not bullshit this time but I understand I’ve given you reason to not believe me.”
“What changed?”
My gaze roams the wall behind Coach, the mounted photos of my family, my team. Many of the photos contain myself, some of which are of us holding the Stanley Cup.
“This team is my family. I’ll do anything to not lose them.”
And I’m not sure why, but Bella’s face comes to mind.
If I get traded, she won’t move to where I’m relocated for an assistant job, no matter the high pay. That would be ludicrous. However, I am confused as to why the idea of losing her has had me on edge this entire week. Not to mention how crazy her avoiding me is making me feel. I’m checking the damn Ring camera app every day like a stalker just to catch a small glimpse of her.
“And there’s a woman,” I blurt before I can take it back.
Coach’s bushy eyebrows rise nearly to his gray-peppered hairline. “A woman?”
I can’t help it, the corners of my lips twitch. “Yes, sir.”
This is all part of Lucy’s plan, right? I’m just laying the foundation down, hoping Coach will make a few calls and say how I’ve settled down.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Bella would rather chop off her own hands, it seems, than pretend to date me. But Coach doesn’t need to know that.
I’ve been dragging my feet this week anytime Lucy has sent me “candidate” applications. God knows where she is finding these women, but none are Bella. I don’t want anyone else. Even the thought of wrapping my arms around someone besides her and smiling for photos makes dread coil in my gut.
I just want Bella.
I want her smiles, I want her laughter, and I want to be the one creating them. The woman’s gone and put a hex on me for all I know. I’ve never been this enamored with a woman before and I’m surprised to say I don’t care.
She makes me nervous. It’s the only reason I’ve been allowing her to avoid me because the nervousness strips away with every note I write. And I haven’t found any in the trash can yet, so something tells me she may enjoy them as much as I like writing them.
I stuck one to the front door so I could watch her reaction on my camera. It was absolutely worth feeling like a stalker as a glorious smile spread across her cheeks, lighting up her face as she read it.
Coach clicks his fingers in front of my face. “Jesus, there actually is someone.”
“What?” I ask, my cheeks heating at the dubious look he sends my way.
“When did this start?”
I go with honesty. “Nearly two weeks ago.”
He dips his chin. “Well, if she has anything to do with you trying to get things back on track, I’m glad. Grateful, even.”
“Thanks, Coach.
He smiles, a large cheesy grin as he winks. “Can’t wait to meet her at the first game of the season.”
“I’m so fucked.”
Kieran slaps my arm as he passes me in the kitchen. I’ve just relayed my and Coach’s conversation and all I got was a snort. “Why would you tell him there is someone when there isn’t?”
