Page 69 of Breaking the Pucking Rules (LA Vipers #1)

CASEY

I let out a sigh as I sink into the bathtub full of bubbles and a little too hot water. Soft music fills the air along with the floral scent of bubble bath I found waiting for me on the counter.

My body ached for this when Kathleen described it, but if anything, this is better.

She didn’t hold back on the hotel room—it’s massive and luxurious. I should feel guilty over accepting it, but as the warmth seeps into my muscles, I’m having a hard job feeling anything but relief.

I haven’t had a bath since that day with Kodie, I’ve stuck with showers in the hope of banishing the memories. Instead, I’ve glared at my tub with disdain and self-loathing.

My pulse picks up when I think back to our brief exchanges earlier. The way he begged me to stay. How he told me that he was sorry before explaining how scared he was.

Just being in a room with him and Sutton like we were some kind of family was a big enough headfuck. But hearing him say all those things?

Fuck, it messed with my head.

I want him. Nothing has changed for me there. But despite it being my fault, he hurt me when he walked away from me.

He isn’t the only one that’s scared.

I’ve learned since that night at the ball that when it comes to Kodie Rivers, it’s impossible not to fall for him.

Hell, I’m pretty sure I’ve been falling for him from afar since I was a teenager. Convincing myself that I could have a one-night thing with him and then move on was the biggest lie I’ve ever told myself.

He’s too…well, Kodie Rivers for that.

He commands attention, adoration, and awe.

I never stood a chance.

I just get comfortable, losing myself in thoughts of what could be, when the music cuts and my cell starts ringing.

Anxiety twists me up inside because I already know who it is.

I didn’t reach out to him after our game. In my defense, I was a little busy with Sutton.

I don’t doubt that he knows all about it, seeing as Kodie was whisked away by Kathleen the second they touched down.

Nerves wrack through me as I prepare to answer his questions before I swipe the screen with a bubbly finger and put it on speaker.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hey, Care Bear. Is everything okay?”

I let out a sigh that I’m sure says a thousand words.

“Yeah. It’s been a tough day, though.”

His own sigh lets me know he understands.

“Seeing one of your players hurt is one of the hardest things to go through as a coach. How is she?”

“She’s good. Mild concussion. I think her ego is bruised more than anything,” I explain.

He chuckles. “Typical hockey player.”

I can’t help but smile.

He’s right—and not only is she a hockey player, but she’s her father’s daughter.

“You were no different, you know that? ”

“Dad,” I warn.

“I’m serious. The first time you were injured…my heart stopped dead for a few seconds, I swear. It was awful.”

“Dad,” I whisper, emotion crawling up my throat.

“I ran onto that ice faster than I’ve ever moved in my life. I beat the EMTs. I was so fucking scared. But a couple of seconds later, you opened your eyes, looked up at me, and asked if anyone had managed to score.”

An emotional laugh falls from my lips.

“That’s the day I knew for sure that you had hockey in your blood. I also knew that your mom was going to kill me.”

My eyes burn with tears at the mention of her. She supported me wholeheartedly, but that didn’t mean she liked watching me play a sport that was so violent. She never said the words, but I’m sure she’d have been much happier if I’d wanted to be a ballet dancer.

“I tried calling Rivers, but it’s going to voicemail,” Dad suddenly says.

“He’s with her,” I explain. “She was sleeping when I left.”

“Casey?”

“Mmm.”

“Where are you?”

My silence says everything I don’t.

“You’re still there, aren’t you?”

“Sutton asked me to stay, and I was worried about her, so?—”

“Do you want me to come and get you?” he offers.

“No,” I say in a rush. “I’m sure you’ve got more important things to be doing than chasing around after me.”

“I’m never too busy for you, Care Bear. You know that.”

A contented sigh slips past my lips. I do know that. He’s the best father in the world. But right now, I really don’t need him turning up here to take me home.

“It’s fine. I’m having a night in a hotel. I’ll head home in the morning.” I say the words as lightly as possible in the hope he doesn’t read into them.

They have a game tomorrow, I know he’s about to offer again, but he doesn’t have time to come and rescue me.

If I can’t get a ride with Kodie—obviously my first choice—then I’ll just call an Uber.

“Casey—”

“Honestly, Dad. It’s fine. I’ve got an amazing room with a massive tub. I’m going to call room service and spend the evening working.”

My heart flutters with other possibilities for my evening, but I attempt to shut it down.

That is not how my night is going to go.

“Call Parker, she’ll come and get you. I don’t like the idea of you being in an Uber with a stranger for that long.”

I shake my head, a smile playing on my lips.

It doesn’t matter how old I get; he’ll still try to protect me like the little girl I was.

“I’ll be fine. And I’ll be back well in time for your game.”

“That’s not what’s important.’

“Of course it is.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come? I can leave right now,” he asks, trying again.

“I’m sure.”

“Okay,” he concedes. “Message me when you’re back tomorrow.”

“I will,” I promise.

“I love you, Care Bear.”

“I love you too, Dad. Have a good evening.”

“You too.”

Dad cuts the call, plunging the room into silence for a beat before my music returns.

Reaching over, I ignore my cell but grab the glass of wine I have waiting beside it.

I may have told Dad that I was planning on ordering room service tonight, but the truth is, I already have.

I hum in delight as the cool, fruity liquid hits my tongue.

Resting the glass on the edge of the tub, I sink a little lower in the water.

This might not have been planned, but it’s very much needed.

Do I wish I had some company in the form of a sexy-as-hell hockey player? Hell, yes. But a little me time is almost as good.

I stay in the tub until the water is cold and my wine glass is empty.

My skin is soft and my muscles are loose as I lift myself out, letting the bubbles race down my body.

Reaching for the thick robe hanging on the back of the door, I snuggle into it before stepping up to the basin to remove what’s left of my makeup.

Relaxed and ready for a quiet night, I pad through to the bedroom, grabbing my laptop from my bag as I go before settling in the middle of the huge bed.

Time drifts by as I continue working on my overhaul of the Polar Bears’ Instagram.

I’ve taken inspiration from the Vipers’ account, and I’ve been working on creating eye-catching graphics that I know resonate with hockey fans. My team might be small—in both size and stature—but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve for the world to know who they are.

Our girls are talented, and if just one thing I post allows others to see that and helps to carve out their future, I’ll be thrilled.

I have a whole grid designed with both headshots and action shots of the girls.

I have quotes from them about how much they love their sport, their team, and their coaches.

I have video content that I’m going to turn into reels, but that’s going to be a project for another day.

It’s all coming together beautifully, and I’m proud of what I’ve managed to achieve so far. I just have to hope others are, too.

I add a few things to the to-do list before opening up the room service menu to select something for dinner.

I’m about to place my carb-heavy order when a noise outside the door catches my attention.

My eyes shoot up a beat before my heart jumps into my throat as someone lets themselves in.

What the fuck ?

Heavy footsteps move my way as I stare in horror. I should be saying something, but shock and fear have me frozen.

But then, everything changes in a heartbeat when Kodie stalks around the corner.

The second his eyes land on me, his brows pinch, and his chin drops.

“Casey?” he questions as if he’s seeing things.

“Hey,” I say awkwardly, aware that I’m sitting here with the front of my robe gaping open while he’s fully dressed and clearly not expecting to have company. “Is everything?—”

“Little witch,” he hisses, although there’s a smile playing on his lips.

“What?”

“We’ve been set up,” he says with a laugh before holding up a hotel keycard. “She told me this was for the room she’d booked for me and her.”

A smile spreads across my mouth, hope and warmth flooding through my body.

“Ah.” I knew I liked Kathleen.“How is Sutton?” I ask.

Reaching up to rub the back of his neck, he scans the room.

“Yeah, she’s good. Mom refused to let me spend the night in the chair by her bed because of the game tomorrow and sent me here. She’s going to stay with her.”

“Good. That’s good,” I say, closing the lid on my laptop and pushing it across the only bed in the room.

“I can go and get another room,” Kodie offers, although it’s weak at best.

“Is that what you want?” I ask, shuffling to the edge and swinging my legs over.

“Uh.” He combs his fingers through his wild curls, his eyes holding mine firm. “We should talk.”

“Yeah,” I agree, pushing to my feet and stepping closer to him.

He’s not wrong; we really do need to talk.

But right now, he’s standing before me looking lost and confused, and I’d rather show him what I want—what I need— instead.

Pressing my hands against his chest, I slide them up.

His breath catches as his eyes shutter at my touch.

“I missed you,” I confess. “I’m sorry for not telling you about coaching Sutton. I?—”

“I missed you too.”