Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
I didn’t want him to find out I was hockey obsessed and think I’d slept with him so I could use him for his contacts. So instead of letting him take me out for one last coffee like I’d promised, I’d snuck out of the hotel room on Sunday morning and flown back to Niagara without saying goodbye.
I meet his eyes and slip my hand into his waiting palm. Goose bumps rise along my arm, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“It’s such an honor.” It sounds like I swallowed a frog.
I drop his hand after a moment and clasp mine in front of me so I don’t hand talk. I can’t read his expression.
“It’s a big move from the Ontario to the National League,” he notes.
“Alexandria has a great resume.” Vander Zee seems like he’s reassuring his star goalie.
“I’m sure you do. How long did you coach in Windsor and Niagara?” Roman acts like this is the first time we’ve ever spoken. Like he didn’t wrap my braid around his fist and whisper dirty things in my ear while he fucked me from behind.
Get your head out of the gutter, Lexi.
“I was in Windsor for two years and Niagara for a year.” I took the position with the women’s team because my mom and stepdad were killed in a boating accident and my half-sisters were suddenly parentless. They lived in Niagara. Moving them to Windsor with me would have taken them away from their friends and everything familiar.
Not that me taking this job didn’t do the same exact thing. But it’s been a year since the accident took their mom and dad, and this is my dream job. I hope the move won’t be too hard for them to overcome.
“The women’s team in Niagara dominated in the finals last year, didn’t they?” Roman asks.
“They did.” I poured my heart and soul into that job. I needed the distraction from all the loss and grief. “Our team went from being in the bottom third of the league to second overall.”
“They must have been sad to see you go,” Roman says.
“It was a difficult decision, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”
“No, I imagine you couldn’t.”
“Roman, buddy, they have the salted-caramel dip and green apple slices you like.” Phillip “Flip” Madden, one of the players, slaps him on the back. “You should grab some before they’re gone.”
My eyes flare. We had salted-caramel-dipped fruit the first night we spent together. A lot more than fruit was dipped in the sauce.
“I don’t want to miss out on those,” Roman agrees. “Welcome to the Terror, Coach Forrester.” He gives me a curt nod.
“Thank you.”
He heads for the buffet, and I can finally breathe.
Flip Madden wipes his hand on his pants and extends it. “I’m Phillip. Most people call me Flip. It’s great to have you on board. Very excited to have a shot of estrogen on the ice with us.” He cringes. “That did not come out right. I just mean it’s great to have a fresh, new perspective on the team.”
I smile and shake his hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you.” I’m not naive enough to believe there won’t be growing pains as the first female assistant coach in the league, but the Terror has a good balance in management, so I’m hopeful.
Vander Zee introduces me to a few more of the guys, but my mouth feels like it’s full of cotton. I grossly underestimated how challenging working with Roman would be. But he doesn’t remember me. And it’s better if it stays that way. Besides, he’s in the last year of his contract. I can handle anything for a year.
There’s a lull in the introductions, leaving Vander Zee and me alone for a moment. He tucks his thumbs into his pockets, expression serious, which I’m learning is typical. “I know this is all pretty new for you, and I get that you might be a little starstruck with some of the players who have had long, legendary careers, but never let them see that, Alexandria.”
“I understand, sir.” It’s better that he thinks I’m starstruck than find out the truth.
“Professionalism is imperative. If you can’t handle them, you’re no longer an asset to the organization. Do you understand?”
“Absolutely, sir.” I worry about how transparent I seem to be. I can’t afford to show weakness, not with Vander Zee, the other coaching staff, and especially not with any of the players.
“You should grab something to eat. I know you still have unpacking and settling in to do.”
“Okay. Thanks.” I’m grateful for the dismissal as I move toward the beverage station. Food sounds like more poor decisions and I've already made enough of those.
“Don’t let Vander Zee scare you,” Ralph says, somewhat reassuringly, as I reach for a glass. “His bark is mostly worse than his bite.”