Page 42 of Sin Bins and Second Chances
Coach blows his whistle and circles his arm, signaling practice is over. “Head to the showers. Some of you need to add another leg day to your routine.” He shakes his head.
A smile covers my face. I’m not normally in a hurry for practice to be over. I’ve always lived for this game, but all I can think about is hurrying to get back to Daisy.
Am I obsessed? Abso-fucking-lutely.
“Ethan, nice shot.” Andrew raises his goalie helmet from his head.
I nod and skate my way across the ice.
“Who’s in to check out that new place down on Eighth Street?” Jude yells across the locker room. “They’re supposed to have extra pool tables and food too.”
There’s cheers all around as everyone seems to want in on the team fun.
“Did you want to go out? I’ve got work to do at the ranch in the morning and wasn’t planning on going out tonight..” Andrew walks up behind me.
“I’ve got plans.”
He clears his throat. “Your truck has been on the ranch an awful lot lately.”
“I’ve got a lot of years to make up for.” I turn to my locker and sit on the bench, removing my skates and the rest of the gear.
He nods. “Don’tbreak her heart, but more than that, don’t let her push you away again,” he speaks quietly.
“I love her,” I admit.
“Does she know that?”
“I’m not letting her push me away, not again. We finally talked about the breakup when her dad was sick.”
“Good. I wanted to tell you back then, but it wasn’t my place. She’s family.”
“I respect that, even if I disagree with her decision.”
“Since you’re going to be around more, we’re pushing cattle the day after tomorrow. More hands make less work.” His eyes narrow.
I know it’s a test, not that I mind. I’ll happily help them out at the ranch. It’s been ages since I’ve ridden a horse. I can’t remember the last time, probably one of the last times I was at the Miles Ranch before college. They would be my family too, soon enough, I would always help.
“You just let me know what time.”
He nods and walks across the locker room.
Eager to get out of there and back to Daisy, I move quick to the showers. Moving at a record speed to wash, towel off, and change into clothes.The guys tease me as I tie my shoes, but I don’t care. They’re not going to pressure me into going out with them. Not when I know she’s waiting for me. I told her I’d pick up dinner tonight, and she didn’t argue.
Nobody is wasting time hanging around, so it doesn’t surprise me when I hear a few of the others behind me as I walk fast down the hall and to the outer doors. I push open the heavy metal doors and squint as the sun gets in my eyes.
I make my way towards my truck, holding my hand up to block the sun. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight outside. My body freezes at the sight before me. The most gorgeous girl leaning against my truck.
“Mine,” I whisper as I pick up my pace.
Daisy breaks out into a smile and runs toward me. I catch her as she jumps into my arms. Her lips crash into mine and her legs wrap around my waist. My arms envelope her as I kiss her back, my lips refusing to leave hers. There’s nothing but heat and need building between us.
Whoops and hollers sound off around us, cheering us on. I smile against her lips.
“I don’t need to see this,” Andrew groans fromnearby. “Dude, we rode together. Daisy, give me your keys. Y’all can ride back home together.”
She gestures to my truck, where I’m guessing her purse is sitting. I’m too focused on keeping her in my arms. Pulling back, I rest my forehead on hers and wait until I hear Andrew jingle her keys and walk to the other side of my truck, where her little bug is probably parked. I’m sure that would be a sight to see, tall as he is getting into her tiny car.
“Fuck, I missed you.” I dip my head and capture her lips again.
