Chapter Twenty-Six #2
When we hang up, I sit there for a second, staring at her contact photo on my screen. The one that synced over when I first saved her number on my phone.
I take in her green eyes. Her blond hair is pulled back, with loose pieces framing her face. The freckles dusting the apples of her cheeks.
I trace my thumb over the edge of the screen without meaning to.
Then I lock the phone and stand up before I start missing her more than I already do. She doesn’t leave my mind, though, as I get ready to head out or when I step into the hallway, joining several of the guys in rooms nearby.
We’re all carrying our gear bags as we head to the bay of elevators.
I pull out my earbuds and tuck them in my ears, drowning out the sound of someone arguing about dinner plans for after the game.
I don’t join in.
The elevator ride is cramped. I adjust the strap of my bag and roll my shoulder once, as we head through the doors leading out to the bus idling for us.
I climb on and take my usual spot. Everything looks different in Kolmont.
Leaning back, I close my eyes for a few minutes. In a couple of hours, the lights will be bright enough to drown out everything.
That’s what I’m counting on.
***
“You look like you’re feeling better,” Owen says, flashing me a smirk as he drops down onto the bench beside me. “You must’ve called her, eh?”
I roll my eyes and smile, shaking my head. “Yeah, I talked to her. You’re right. I’m feelin’ better now.”
He nods and starts taping his stick.
I’m halfway through pulling on my compression shirt and pants when I hear it.
“Rowden.”
I glance up to find Coach Dawson standing near the door. Talon and Owen both pause, likely wondering the same thing I am. What the hell could he possibly want?
“Coach?”
“Can I have a word?”
“Ye-yeah.” I nod, reaching for a pair of shorts.
“What the hell?” Talon mutters behind me, and I shrug.
We step just outside the locker room door. The hallway is loud with arena staff moving about, but it still feels too open.
He doesn’t waste any time before getting into it.
“We’re starting Matthews today.”
For a second, I just stare at him.
“Wait, what?”
“We’re starting Matthews,” he repeats calmly. “You’ll sit this one out and play backup if we need you.”
“What are you talking about? Why are you sitting me out?”
“It’s nothing personal. We like the matchup with him in the crease.”
“With the Kings?” I let out a short laugh. “I’ve played the Kings twice already. I’ve studied the tape. You actually expect me to believe this isn’t personal?”
“Cooper.” He shifts his clipboard from one hand to the other. “They’re heavy on right side shots. Matthews will position us well with your shoulder and all.”
“If you’re doing this because of my shoulder, I’m fine. I’m ready to play. I’d never put the team in jeopardy if I thought I couldn’t give it 100 percent.”
“This isn’t up for discussion. I’ve just pulled you out here to tell you.”
“I’ve played every game this season. You can’t tell me I’m not prepared to take on their offense.”
“And you’ve played a lot of minutes.”
“So I’m being rested, then?” I ask.
He holds my gaze. “I said this isn’t up for discussion.”
“I’m just asking a question.”
“And I’ve given you the answer.”
I feel the heat climbing up my neck.
“You’ve had distractions,” he says finally.
I let out a short breath. “You told me to stay away from her, and I have,” I lie.
His expression doesn’t change.
“I’ve done what you asked,” I continue. “Outside of seeing her broken down on the side of the road and helping her get home, I haven’t seen her. I haven’t gone over to her place. I haven’t even gone to the bar. And I made sure she moved off my family’s farm.”
I don’t tell him how the moving was done on her own and against my wishes, but still.
His eyes narrow slightly. “I don’t appreciate being lied to, Cooper. I told you what would happen.”
The words hang there.
So he knows that I called her? How?
If he knows that, what’s there to say he doesn’t know what was being said too?
“So you’re benching me because I helped your daughter who was broken down on the side of the road?” I ask.
“I’m benching you because I have to make decisions in the best interest of this team.”
I step closer to him. Close enough that there’s only a couple of feet separating us now.
“What is it you’re hiding? Why do you care so much about making sure no one knows your secret?”
“Cooper.”
“Just answer the question. Be honest for a change.”
“You’re letting your ego get in the way.”
I throw my head back, laughing now. That’s rich coming from him.
He straightens up, clutching the clipboard tight against his chest. “Get dressed and be ready. If we need you, you’ll go in.”
If we need you.
He steps back first. And then he’s turning to walk away down the hallway like this was nothing more than a lineup change.
I stand there for a minute, watching him until he disappears around the corner, before I head into the locker room.
Owen looks up the second I walk in. “What was that about?”
I shove my shorts off and sit down at my stall, picking up my leg pads. “Matthews is starting.”
I hadn’t realized anyone else was paying attention to our conversation or that I said it that loud until the room falls quiet for half a beat.
“Why?” Talon asks.
I shrug. “Coach’s call.”
Owen studies me, likely putting two and two together about the phone call. “You okay?”
I start strapping my pads on, tighter than usual. “Yeah.”
He doesn’t look convinced, and neither do I.
I roll my shoulder once before pulling on my jersey. It aches, but not enough to keep me from being ready to play.
If he wants to test me, fine.
I’ll sit. I’ll watch.
And I’ll be ready.