Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88041 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88041 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“They are already distributed. It was like Christmas morning in the ward. Lots of happy faces,” she says and I know she’s smiling. “How many more games do you have to play before the official season starts?”
“There are five more games, but I’m not playing in any of them. So till the opening day I get to train and practice.”
“Good, get you ready for the big one. Okay, big brother, I have to go. Dinner next week?”
“Yeah,” I say, unlocking my door. “Let me know when you want to come by.” I dump my bag on the floor and hang up. Stanley comes to the door and goes through my legs, letting me know that she’s happy I’m home. “Hey there, girl, did you miss me?” I ask, rubbing her neck and listening to her purr.
I sift through my mail and go through my email discussing my photo shots with my agent and my endorsers. Adidas has just come on board, so I need to do that one soon. My kitchen table has seventeen boxes on it, all from Adidas. Most need to be signed, so I get myself set up and sign all the shit till my hand hurts. When I notice it’s past seven p.m., I get up, grab my gym bag, and head to the gym. Parking at the rink, I get out and make my way inside. Because it was a travel day, I know that no one will be there, which is even better that I won’t have to wait for someone or have to chit chat.
When I walk into the changing room, I see I’m right. No one is here. Dumping my bag and changing, I walk to the gym and I’m confused that the lights are on. Stepping in, I see blond fucking hair swinging while she uses the fucking elliptical.
“Seriously, what the fuck are you doing here?” I say louder than I had planned to.
Her head looks over and she’s wearing another getup, this one no better than the last one, but at least she isn’t wearing those crop top thingies.
“I think it’s pretty much self-explanatory as to what I’m doing here,” she says as she pants out. “But in case you didn’t understand, I’m working out.”
“Very fucking funny, Allison.” I crush the water bottle that I was holding in my hand.
“Listen, after last time with your temper tantrum I decided I would come at night, so here I am.” She picks up her pace and her chest heaves faster now.
“Isn’t there a gym that you can go to besides this one?” I ask, walking over to the treadmill. Turning it on, I start on a slow jog and she turns off her machine.
“You know what, I’ve fucking had it with your bullshit. I’ve tried to ignore it, tried to walk around you, tried to avoid you, and yet you always seem to fuck with me.” She puts her hands on her hips.
“Trust me, the last thing I want to do is fuck you,” I say, watching her glare at me out of the corner of my eye. The words taste sour in my mouth.
“Well, thank you for making that clear since I was at home doodling your name in hearts.” She walks away then turns around. “And for the record, I wouldn’t fucking touch you with a ten-foot pole and someone else’s fucking hand.”
I pick up my pace, turning to see her standing there. “Is that so, princess?” I smirk at her, knowing she probably wouldn’t touch me.
“You’re an asshole. You know that, right?”
“I’ve been told, many times.” I shrug my shoulders. “Yet here I am.” I put the speed a touch higher. “Playing in the same team your brother said I wouldn’t last in. Here I am even with all my rap sheets and convictions. So, princess, if you think I lose sleep over the fact that you don’t like me, you’re sadly fucking mistaken. You’re an afterthought.” I put my earphones on, letting her know this conversation is over. Pushing my body faster than I want to, I watch her turn and walk away. I run for over an hour. My legs buckle when I get off and walk back to the changing room. I sit down, drinking my bottle of water, and trying to get my breath under control. The scene from before plays in my head on repeat over and over again. I don’t even bother showering here. Instead, I hightail it back home where I shower and eat standing in my kitchen alone.
For two weeks, I make sure I’m never at the rink when she is. For two weeks, I avoid everything that is Allison Grant. The only time I can’t avoid her is when there is practice, but I come in and get on the ice and off. She travels with the team, so on those days is when I’m at ease. The rest of the time I’m like a ticking time bomb. But today is home opener. Today is the day the season actually starts and I’ll be fucking damned if I let her take over my thoughts.