Page 120 of Cold As Ice

“I know it’s going to take some time to adjust to not having Connor.” Coach went on, “But if we want to go all the way to the Frozen Four, we don’t have forever to get our shit together. Okay, good game. Hit the showers and get out of here.”

I grabbed my towel and toiletry bag and headed for the showers, but while my teammates were eager to meet their girls and celebrate, I was only thinking of one thing.

The blonde with sparkling blue eyes that I’d walked away from.

* * *

Sometime later, I followed the guys out of the arena to the small group of fans waiting in the parking lot.

I was hardly surprised to see my sister, Dayna, Ella, Harper, and Scottie. But I was surprised to see her practically growling at the group of puck bunnies hanging around.

One of them flashed me a playful smile, but I ignored her. I wasn’t in the mood. And I sure as shit wasn’t in the mood to tangle with a bunny.

Aiden broke rank first and moved ahead of us teammates, making a beeline for his girl. He pulled Dayna straight into his arms and kissed her.

“Whew, did it just get a little hot in here,” Rory said.

Aiden flipped us all off over her shoulder, and they laughed.

I didn’t feel much like laughing, though.

“Where’s Connor?” Ella searched the crowd for him.

“He’s in with Coach Tucker,” someone said.

“Is everything okay?” She chewed on the end of her thumb, clearly nervous.

“Think he’s getting an earful for not staying in his seat,” Mason said, Scottie already glued to his big brother’s side.

“He’s not hurt, though, right?” Ella asked.

“Relax, El,” I said. “Your guy is good.”

A second later, Connor appeared, and she hurried over to him. He hauled her close, lowering his head to kiss her deeply.

Somebody wolf-whistled, and everyone laughed again.

I remained silent, something akin to regret curdling in my gut.

“We heading to TPB?” Noah asked, hands all over my sister like I wasn’t fucking standing right there.

“It’ll be full of bunnies,” Rory pointed out, nose wrinkled with distaste.

“Can’t we get food and then head to Zest? I told Jordan we’d stop by.”

“It’s the first game back. We’ve got to put in an appearance at TPB.” Aiden hugged Dayna to his side, whispering something into her ear. “We can eat at TPB, then join you at Zest later on.”

“Fine.”

They discussed the finer details of the plan while I watched Connor and Ella. Lost in their own world, whispering sweet nothings to one another.

I’d never wanted that. Not for one second. And yet… No, fuck that.

A girlfriend was a complication I didn’t want or need. One I was almost certain I couldn’t handle.

So why the fuck couldn’t I stop thinking about Madison?

Wondering if I’d made a huge fucking mistake.

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