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)
“Thanks, and no penalty minutes,” he says cheekily, but then his expression shifts. “You know your sister is probably the reason for that.”
“She said you work together a lot because she’s the defense coach.”
His voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. “What else has she said about me?”
Callie looks to me, as if asking permission.
I tip my head in encouragement.
“That you’re one of the top defensive players in the league and she’s excited about being able to help you harness your potential.”
His eyes flare in surprise, and lift to me. “You really said that?”
“Yeah.” I smile. “I did.”
“Thanks, Coach. That—” He clears his throat. “It means a lot.”
“Lexi’s a great coach.” Callie beams.
“She is,” Connor agrees.
“Right, okay.” I wave the compliment away and nudge Callie. “You have something for Connor.”
“Oh! Right! I made you a card.” She thrusts it at him and ducks her head as he takes it. “I traced you. I’m not that good of an artist.”
“I don’t know if I’d agree with that. Tracing or not, this is pretty darn awesome. And I love the glitter.”
“I wanted it to look like there were sparks coming out of your skates because you’re so fast,” she explains.
“I think you did a great job. Is it okay if I put this in my cubby in the Terror locker room, so I can look at it before every game?” Connor asks.
And oh my God, my heart melts a little. If more people saw this side of Connor, wouldn’t things be different for him? I tuck this moment away, because this is the connection Roman has been talking about. No amount of time on the ice can compare to a human moment like this.
“Oh yes! That would be great.” Callie nods enthusiastically. She rolls her bottom lip between her teeth and looks up at me.
I give her a thumbs-up.
She twists her fingers together. “Would you sign my jersey?”
Another smile spreads across Connor’s face. “Of course. I just need a pen.”
“I have one!” Callie fishes it out of the pocket of her pants. It’s maroon metallic, which I didn’t even know existed until she showed it to me. Connor signs her jersey while Callie stares up at him with stars in her eyes.
When he’s finished, he passes back the marker and holds up the card. “I’m going to put this in my car to keep it safe.”
“Okay. It was really great to meet you. I’ll come see you play this season.”
“I would love that. Thank you for the card, Callie.”
“You’re welcome.”
He gives me a chin tip and a small smile before he heads for the door, waving to a couple of the rookie players as he leaves.
“I can’t believe he signed my jersey.” She’s all smiles and happiness. “Can you introduce me to Roman Hammerstein now?” She points across the room. “He’s right there.”
I swallow, force a smile, and battle against the way my heart races when I’m about to deal with Roman—especially after what happened in the hotel gym. I swear, if he hadn’t walked away I could have made an untake-back-able mistake. “Of course.”
She grabs my hand and tugs me toward Roman, who’s standing with Hollis and Ash and Dallas. His gaze moves over me in a way that’s all too familiar before it shifts to Callie a devastating smile crosses his beautiful face. I’ve been on the receiving end of that smile in the past, and the things I was willing to do to see it again would make my great-gran roll over in her grave. I still wouldn’t take it back.
“You must be Calliope,” Roman says, and just like Connor, he crouches so she doesn’t have to crane her neck.
Callie’s eyes are saucers. She’ll probably talk about this day for weeks. “How does everyone know my name?”
“You’re a goalie, right?” Roman motions between them. “Goalies know goalies.” He glances at the number on her shirt. “And you’re a Grace fan.”
“He’s good at helping protect the net. And he’s not afraid to get into it with players if it means they don’t score,” Callie says, almost defensively.
“That’s absolutely true. He’s a talented player,” Roman agrees.
Callie’s smile is radiant. “You’re my second-favorite player. Fee and I watch all your games. Even when I was a New York fan because of Connor, I still watched your games, too. My dream is to be the first female goalie for the pros.”
“That’s a fantastic goal. You have to be really dedicated, don’t you?” Roman asks.
“I have practice Monday through Friday, and games on Saturday,” Callie informs him. “But I’m going to come and see you play on a weekend if I have an early Saturday game.”
“Maybe I can return the favor, if your sister is okay with that.” His eyes lift to mine, questions there. And maybe an apology.
“That would be…great.” Callie’s whole team will lose their minds. I’ll have to sit next to him for an hour. It would be the most amazing torture.