Page 23 of Wicked Minds

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Because, through all of this, I’ve only fallen harder for Riley. I’ve fallen for her quiet strength. Her bold resilience. She’s sweet and tough, pliable yet unyielding.

Even the fact she’s putting her foot down and standing up to us gives me a boner. It’s messed up.

She’s a paradox of contradictions.

And I’m pretty sure I’m in love with her.

That I have been since the first time she leveled me with her smile. Or when she looked at me with pride after I got a B on that first test. Or blushed when I surprised her with a pumpkin spice latte. Or showed up at my game. Or made herself come while I watched.

Hell, there are a hundred different moments in which I fell in love with Riley James.

And I’m fucking terrified that she doesn’t feel the same.

Especially after everything we put her through.

Fucking hell. I drugged and kidnapped her, and looking back on it now, I cringe, my self-disgust pushing me faster across the ice until the world becomes a blur.

I cut the ice up, lost to my thoughts and oblivious to anything around me until my name is bellowed. Snapping my head up, I find Coach watching me, and based on his expression, he’s been calling my name for some time now. “Practice ended two hours ago.”

“Just wanted to get a little extra in.” I gesture toward the net I’ve been slapping pucks into like they’re balls being shot from a cannon.

On the ice is the only time I can successfully fight the urge to go to her. It’s the only time I can push thoughts of her aside and focus on the game. Which is ironic, considering she’s been influencing my game since I first set eyes on her.

Some stupid part of me thinks that if I can improve my game and earn that NHL contract, maybe I’ll be worthy of her. If I can make it, guarantee that salary, and offer her a life she’s deserving of…, maybe she’ll giveusa second chance.

I just want to make up for turning my back on her, even though I know she doesn’t give a shit about my money. Nevertheless, I don’t know how else to say I’m sorry. To show her that I’ll have her back from here on out.

“Well, there’s someone here who wants to meet with you.”

For the first time, I properly take in my coach, noticing the tiny smile on his lips. I perk up, skating over to him. “Who?”

“Guess you better get your ass in the shower and come find out.”

I’m already bounding toward the locker rooms when he calls out, “Meet us in the conference room.”

Twenty minutes later, freshly showered and my hair still damp, I walk into the conference room where Coach is sitting with a tall, broad-shouldered man with cropped brown hair and perfectly straight, white teeth.

The man gets to his feet, holding out his hand as he approaches. “Ah, you must be Logan, I’m?—”

“Neil Hanoman. Manager for the Pacific Penguins.”

He gives me that perfect smile of his as I shake his hand, glancing at Coach before returning my attention to the manager of the motherfucking Penguins.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Sir.”

“Please, call me Neil, and the pleasure is all mine, Logan. I’ve been watching you on the ice this season, and, well, you’ve impressed me. Not an easy feat to achieve.”

“Thank you, Sir. I mean, Neil.”

He beckons to an empty chair, reclaiming his own but keeping his attention on me. “I came out today to have a chat with your coach here, and he’s had nothing but good things to say about you.”

“He’s the real star. Without his support and guidance, I wouldn’t be half the player I am today. The odd cuff around the head helps, too.”

Both men laugh. “I’m glad to hear it,” Neil says before growing serious. “The truth is, Logan, I think you’d make an excellent addition to the Penguins roster. You’re a shark on the ice, but your moves are smart, calculated, and you have no issues passing to your teammates if they have an opening. Teamwork is what this game is all about.”

“I agree.”

“Good.” He gives a sharp nod before getting to his feet. “Well, I wasn’t expecting to meet you today, although it has been a pleasure.” With a final handshake, he says, “You can expect to hear from us soon, Logan, and I hope I’ll see you in the fall wearing Black and White.”