Page 34 of Arresting the Hockey Player

He's persistent, calling immediately back. I hit ignore again and wrap up the game with the kids before the next class piles into the rink.

Unfortunately, it's not just the kids with their parents.

"Charlotte, a word." My father nods at me, and I grind my teeth together, my jaw tight.

He has impeccable timing. I don't know how he knew I'd be between classes and have a ten-minute break. It could be a coincidence, but knowing him, doubtful.

I refrain from asking him why he's here and what he wants.

He only ever comes around when he needs a favor. "It's good to see you, Char."

I purse my lips, fold my arms across my chest, and glance at the clock affixed to the wall. "I only have a few minutes until the next class starts."

"Yes, my assistant told me."

So, that's how he knew when to drop by uninvited. He made his assistant look into my schedule. I shouldn't be surprised, but it still fills me with disgust.

"What can I do for you?" I ask, because he's not here for chit-chat or to see me teach a bunch of kids to play ice hockey.

"There's a charity event that I need you to attend. It's for a good cause."

"Aren't they all?" I ask. My fingernails dig into my arm.

"I need you there in a show of support, Charlotte. I'll have my assistant text you the details."

"Of course, you will," I say a bit harshly.

He ignores my remark like he always does. Probably chalking it off to moodiness, which he swears I get from my mother.

"One other thing," he says, his jaw terse. "I've volunteered you to be part of the auction."

I'm sure that I'm scowling at him. "Am I showing off the prizes or something?" I ask, unsure what he's offered me to do without even asking me.

"You'll be the prize, dear. A date with my daughter."

I choke on his words. "No."

His eyes are frigid, making the arena feel even colder. "I'm not asking, Charlotte. It's just one date. It's not like you don't do plenty of that in college."

I scoff at his suggestion. "My own father pimping me out," I mutter under my breath. I don't need the mothers overhearing the conversation as they're helping their four and five-year-olds get their gear on for the next class.

He doesn't so much as blink or flinch at my words. "Just a tad dramatic, are we? It's one date. I'm not asking the world of you. Besides, it's for charity."

"Are you even going to tell me what charity this benefits?"

"It's a fundraiser to build a new wing at the children's hospital. Are you going to tell me you don't support kids with cancer?"

I growl under my breath. He seriously had to play the kids with cancer card? How am I supposed to say no, I don't supportthatcause?

"Fine, but I'm bringing my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

SIX

Noah

After dropping Charlotte off, I haven't heard from her in days. Not that I've exactly reached out to her, either.