Page 82 of Arresting the Hockey Player
It’s one hundred percent Charlotte Grace.
Even when I don’t want to have feelings for her, she’s still in the back of my mind, still pushing her way past the barrier.
“I ought to take Zayn home and get him to bed,” I say, heading into the living room.
“He’s welcome to crash here. You know we have enough beds for guests,” Kyler offers.
“Thanks.” While I appreciate his offer, I’m trying to get Zayn into a routine and want his new home with me to feel like home.
* * *
It’s been a week since the charity event. I haven’t heard a word from Charlotte. I sent her flowers to try to smooth things over between us.
I texted her, which meant unblocking her number. However, I’m not sure she doesn’t have me blocked.
I haven’t heard a word from her since the event.
She’s probably pissed at me. Coach Malone wasn’t too thrilled when he found out what I’d orchestrated, and the reason behind it had seemed to tick him off even further.
But he’s over it. He knows benching me isn’t good for the team, and as long as I perform up to my usual standards, he lets shit slide with me.
He’s like the easy parent, the one you go to when you want to stay out late or need money. The parent who doesn’t ground you for your fuck ups, and I’ve had my share of them.
Although looking back, I’m not sure, at home, I ever had an easy parent. That’s probably why I like Coach Malone so much. He’s a decent father figure, unlike my old man.
“I expect you to play your best and keep it clean because we all know they won’t, after the stunt you boys pulled last week on them.” Malone doesn’t have to remind us about the charity event.
We’re playing against the Island Bruisers tonight on their home turf, and I’m not looking forward to it. I love hockey, the game, the atmosphere, the excitement when the puck is dropped—all of it. But knowing that Grant Brass is still out there and an idol to young kids has me wrenched inside.
“They’ll want their revenge,” Aiden says with a laugh. “Let themtryand have it.”
“Don’t be cocky, Blake,” Coach Malone shoots Aiden a look. “That’s what gets our asses handed to us. Go out there and show them that you’re the best. That the city loves you because of your talent.”
“You mean it’s not because of our swagger?” Owen jokes.
“I thought it was because Jasper and Kyler ripped their shirts off that the ladies loved them,” Chase jokes.
The guys chuckle and laugh, nodding in agreement. The team grows more rowdy by the second.
“That could be it,” Jasper says. “The ladies want a real man in bed.”
“That’s enough, boys!” Malone scolds us like we’re teenagers, although, for the record, some of us still act like it. “Get your gear on, your head in the game, and kick some Island Bruisers ass.”
“How’s the new nanny working out for you?” Kyler asks as we head out of the locker room together.
“Good. She’s with Zayn at home.” I had contemplated bringing the kid to a game, but I thought better of it with Grant playing opposite us. The last thing I want is to traumatize the kid.
Truthfully, I was just as much concerned he’d see Grant, feel more familiar and connected with that monster, and all the time that we’ve built moving forward would be like two steps back.
I’m a little uneasy when it comes to raising a kid. I’m sure it’s like a bike, I’ll fall off and have to get back on to try again. I’ll make mistakes, it’s inevitable, but I don’t want any of those screwups involving Brass.
“I’m glad one of my recommendations worked out for you.”
“Yeah, she’s good with Zayn. Seems to know what he needs before I do.” However, she spends much more time with him than I do now. It’s tough with the hockey season, and I can’t take a break from practice or games to raise my kid. I need the money.
“You’ll figure it out. She’s just there to help you, more so right now. It’ll get easier in the off-season."
I hope Kyler is right. He’s been a single father forever. Right now, he has his fiancé who helps with Bristol, but they also have a nanny.
