Series: Torn and Bound Duet Series by K. Webster
Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
He laughs, skates backward, and then swivels around, his body tensed and ready to play. I hate that the entire move turns me the fuck on.
“It’s cold in here,” Mia whines.
“I’ll keep you warm.” I kiss the top of her head, keeping her tucked against me.
It’s strange how different a hockey game and a swim meet are. At the swim meets, the moist air is warm and thick with a chlorinated smell. Here it’s sharp and crisp.
“He’s a beast and they’re just warming up,” Mia mutters, pointing at Brayden. “I can’t wait until the game starts to see him in action.”
I hate to admit it, but he’s a natural on the ice. The other guys are good, but there’s just an inborn ability Brayden seems to have. We’re both mesmerized and focused on him when someone comes to stand right in front of us, blocking our view. I lift my gaze and cringe. Mia, snuggled into my side, immediately notices.
“Ashton,” Travis says. “How’s it going? I tried to talk to you this morning at the pool, but you ran out of there like your ass was on fire.”
I grind my teeth together. “I’m just fucking dandy.”
“Still a grumpy asshole, I see,” Travis sneers. “And no longer gay.” He nods at Mia.
“You’re still the same annoying motherfucker,” I spit back at him.
“You didn’t think I was so annoying when I sucked your dick.” He shoots Mia a nasty glare.
“Get lost, freak,” Mia snaps. “You’re in the way.”
“Nah,” I grind out, unable to ignore his barb. “You weren’t annoying when you were slobbin’ my fuckin’ knob, but you got annoying real quick when you turned me in to Coach Summers.”
“Drugs are bad,” Travis says, grinning. “I thought you knew.”
“So are bitter assholes with fragile egos.”
What did I ever see in this guy? It only took a few dates to learn he was a whiny prick and it was a bad idea to see someone from my swim team. Travis and I were cool until he realized he was second best on the team, and instead of working his ass off to beat me fair and square, he did me dirty by planting shit in my bag that wasn’t mine.
“Does your girlfriend know you’re a pothead?” Travis taunts, knowing damn well I don’t do drugs.
“I know you’re about to get your ass kicked,” Mia warns.
Travis scowls at her and then nearly jumps out of his skin when something slams into the glass behind him. He swivels around, coming eye to eye with Brayden. Travis is safe behind the glass, but when Brayden taps it with his stick in a threatening way, he steps back.
“Run along, fuck boy,” Brayden says, his menacing stare locked on Travis.
Travis shoots us the bird before stalking off. The tension leaves my body the moment he’s gone. I hate that Brayden notices. I also hate that it wins him points in my book. The arrogant prick knows it too because he winks at me before heading back to his team.
That stupid wink from the enemy has me sweating in this stupid ice rink.
“You okay?” Mia asks.
“Yep.”
“I know what will make you feel better.”
“All the hockey players stripping for us?”
She giggles. “Next best thing.” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a package of M&Ms. “Candy.”
“This is why you’re my favorite person in the world.”
“I know.”
“Eyes,” I announce, walking into the locker room. I’ve only been coaching these guys for less than a week, but they already know when I say that single word it means I need their attention. They all stop talking and look my way. “Nothing in this world comes easy. When we think we have it all figured out, life throws us a curveball. Coach Garrison should’ve been here for this game, but life’s a bitch and dealt him a shitty hand. But I guarantee he’s at home watching. I know I’m not Coach Garrison, but I’m here and I’ll be with you guys every step of the way.”
The guys nod in understanding. To say it’s been a rough week would be an understatement. Some of these guys have been with Coach Garrison for the last three years. They didn’t want him to go and he didn’t want to leave. But it is what it is and now we need to focus on what we’re here for. To win.
“Tonight, we’re going to be playing Western Michigan.” The team boos and grumbles. Western Michigan is our rival school, and one of the hardest teams to beat. “They’re good,” I admit. “But you guys are better. You’re stronger. You lost your coach unexpectedly, and for some, that would mean the end of the season before it even began, but each and every one of you still came to play, and every day at practice you’ve busted your ass.”