Page 260 of Playing the Pucking Game
“Aw, come on. We’ll take it easy on you.”
I want to stand my ground. But when he looks at me with those puppy-dog eyes, it’s hard to remember what my point is, let alone why I’m arguing with it.
“Casey has full gear in the closet with the kids’ stuff.”
“Oh no, I’m not?—”
“We wouldn’t want to hurt you, babe.”
“Then maybe I should stay right here.”
He quirks a brow.
“It’s been years since we were on the ice together.”
“Yeah, and you’re even better than you were back then. I don’t stand a chance.”
“Linc, you doing this or what?” Handsy barks.
He holds up a gloved hand.
“Trying to convince Donnelly to join us.”
Kodie and Monroe head over.
“You play?” Monroe asks.
“She used to play with Casey,” Kodie fills in.
“Then you should definitely join us. Casey is incredible.”
Kodie beams at Monroe’s words.
“Some might say she’s better than you.”
Monroe scoffs.
“Well, what are you waiting for. Go and grab some skates and let’s goooo,” Monroe says, pushing away from the boards and skating backward to join the others.
“So…” Linc prompts.
“Fine,” I hiss, pushing to my feet. “But if I break anything, you’re telling Jarad and Grady why their guys’ favorite trainer is out of action.”
“Not going to happen, babe. You know I’ve got your back.”
Kodie glances between us with a knowing look in his eyes.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I mutter before turning my back and walking away from them.
There are whoops and hollers on the ice as I head toward the storage closet, where I’ll find everything I need.
It takes me longer than I ever remember getting dressed. The protective equipment is heavy and uncomfortable, but in a weird, familiar kind of way.
Once I’m sorted, I stand on my skates and glance in the cracked mirror that hangs in the empty visitors’ dressing room I’ve made my own. I give myself a double take.
It’s been years since I saw myself dressed like this.
It feels like another lifetime.
