Page 5

Max

I was never so glad to see the refs pulling players out of a fight and shoving them in the direction of the locker room. I’d been punched, kicked with a skate, and hit with more than one stick after play had stopped. I knew some of the Titans had friends on the other team but in my eyes, they were all assholes.

“You did great, rookie. Tomorrow night won’t be as aggressive,” Randall said as he walked by me in the tunnel.

“I hope not,” I said to his back.

“How was it?” Dexter asked as he walked in step next to me.

“It was good. I could have lived with one less puck to the face, but I’m thankful for my helmet, and glad it was over when it was,” I said.

“You were thrown into the deep end first thing. I know Coach wants to make sure me and Vanel are completely healed before he puts us in, but I might be ready to give it a go tomorrow night.”

“I’m not trying to replace anyone, if that’s what you think. I knew coming on as third-string I wouldn’t see much play.”

“I never thought that about you. You were the most qualified player we found, and this past year has been a pain in the ass for me. If I can’t get my sciatica under control, I’m not sure if I can keep playing,” he said as he pulled me off to the side to let other players by.

He wore an expression of resolve, and I wondered if I’d feel the same if I knew my career could end before I was ready. “I didn’t know,” was all I managed to say.

“No one does. But I am excited about possibly moving to the coaching team and bossing everyone around that way.” He smiled then and I felt a little of the tension between us settle.

“What about Vanel?” I asked, because I knew he’d injured his wrist, but I wasn’t sure how long he’d be out.

“They think he strained the ligaments. With a little more rest, he should be able to play next weekend. Which brings us to the next two nights. Are you able to play two more games?”

“Sure. I mean I’ll do the best I can, but I might need a day off afterward.”

“Good thing the team has the next day off,” he said. “Do you have anyone you’re looking forward to spending time with?”

“Nope, I’m as free as a bird,” I said, and tried to act like those words didn’t bother me. Joel and I had been together for around a year, but last week he’d told me he’d taken a job in Seattle and planned to move there. What he neglected to tell me was that he was leaving the next day. His mind was made up and there would be no changing it. He’d found his dream job, and I didn’t want to be the one that crushed it.

“Sounds like it’s time for you to meet someone new,” he said and patted me on the back. “Go get cleaned up, and, Max, I’d appreciate if you keep this conversation between us.”

“Of course.” I limped off to the locker room and tried not to show how much fucking pain I was actually in now that the adrenaline was wearing off. That puck to the face had rung my bell and I had a pounding headache to go with the pain that tore through my knee which almost made me forget all the other painful areas—almost.

“Max, I need to speak to you,” Coach said as soon as I entered the room.

“Sure, can I shower first?”

“Not yet. This will only take a minute then I want you to get everything checked out. You took some pretty good hits out there. How are you feeling?” he asked as he started leading me back to his office.

“I’m okay,” I lied.

He turned to me with a smirk as he opened his door. “Have a seat. I wanted to ask you how serious you are about staying with the team. I know we’re new and most of the guys we have will probably move on as soon as they get a better offer. But I want to keep a good lineup.” He sat in his seat and folded his hands on the desk as he waited for me to answer.

Ignoring the fact I was sitting in a chair that was way too small for all my equipment, I forced myself not to squirm. “I didn’t join the team with the intent to leave anytime soon. I like playing where I live, and I haven’t been able to do that for a while.” Playing out of state had been a great experience, but I was ready to be home.

“I was hoping you’d say that. I know Dexter spoke to you. I want to move him up to be an assistant coach position. He’s earned it, and he’s more than qualified. How do you feel about moving up to the second position?”

“I hadn’t thought about it at all. Are you sure that’s what’s best for the team?” I asked because I didn’t want to be the new guy that fucked everything up for everyone.

“After how you played tonight, I have no doubt we picked the right guy for the job. Vanel still needs more time to heal and until then you’re our guy. I’m going to put out some feelers for a third-string just in case. I don’t like to not be prepared.”

I sat there, not sure if I should go or stay, when he stood and held his hand out. “I’ll have them change the terms of your contract and you’ll want someone to look at it to be sure all the terms are acceptable. Now, go get checked out, and we have a tradition of going out as a team after every home game. Tonight is more special since it’s the first night in the arena and because we kicked some Canadian ass. I’d love for you to join everyone.”

“I guess. I don’t usually drink before a game, and since we’re playing again tomorrow, I’d be happy to stay for dinner but then I’ll probably take off early.”

“That’s fine. It’s important to get to know all the players off the ice too,” he said and escorted me to the door. “Can you send Dexter in? I need to speak to him.” I nodded and walked back out into the locker room.

Dexter stood talking to Randall who was covered in sweat and blood. When he noticed me, his eyes followed me as I walked over to them. “Hey, Coach said he wants to speak to you.”

“Thanks. Hey, go have Doc look at you,” he said to Randall before walking off in the direction I’d just come.

“I think he means you,” Randall said with a crooked grin. His brow was split, and he’d probably have a black eye, but he was amped up and excited.

“You look worse than I do,” I said.

“Have you looked in the mirror?” he said just as the doctor walked into the locker room looking overwhelmed but still hot. I didn’t typically like long hair but his dark curls and green eyes just worked.

“That puck must have hit me harder than I thought,” I grumbled to myself before shaking my head. I glanced in the mirror and Randall was right, I did look at least as bad as he did. But then I glanced at the doctor again, and yep, he was hot.