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 noticed.” Thomas rubs his chin. “Those girls are all tight.”
“They are. It’s nice to know my sisters have people looking out for them, especially when so much of our job takes place outside regular hours.”
“It gets easier when they’re older,” Boxer assures me. “And it’s good that your sisters get to see you in action. I bet it’s real inspiring to see you behind the bench.”
“Thanks, Boxer.” It’s nice to have affirmation from my colleagues, especially Boxer, since he and I work together so often.
The guys file off the ice and onto the bench, ending that conversation.
First period puts us ahead by two after Madden and Stiles score a goal apiece. Defense is playing tight, and Roman shuts out Tennessee, giving us the win. It feels good, like the extra practice is worth it. And not just because it means more time with Roman.
Fee, Callie, the girls, and Tally’s boyfriend come down to meet us while the team showers and changes. Callie is bleary-eyed, having fallen asleep during the third period. “I’m tired, and my tummy is sore.” She wraps her arms around my waist and buries her face against my stomach.
I stroke her hair. “Too much candy?”
“Maybe.”
Dred mouths, Sorry.
“Bet it seemed like a good idea at the time.” I rub her back. I can’t be angry at her for having a good time, or Fee and Dred for not noticing. At least she’s happy and had fun, even if the aftermath isn’t so pleasant.
“Some of the guys from res are at the Brass Taps, and Braydon is on the door, so we can get in no problem,” the boyfriend mutters to Tally.
She gives him a look. “Can we talk about this after?”
“It’s Friday night, Tally. I’d like to hang out with some of my friends,” he grumbles.
“Just give me a minute, okay?” Her irritation is obvious.
He sighs but continues typing on his phone.
Tally gives us all hugs and tells Fee she’ll see her tomorrow afternoon, then turns to me, expression apologetic. “Can you tell my dad I said bye and that I’ll call him tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
The guys come out of the locker room as the boyfriend follows Tally down the hall. Callie, who was falling asleep standing up moments ago, perks up when Connor appears.
He gives her a hug. “How’s my number-one fan?”
“I’m good. You were great out there tonight. And no penalties!”
“I was keeping it clean just for you.” He winks. “Is it still cool for me to come to your next game?”
“Only if you’re not busy.” Callie twists her fingers together.
“Never too busy for you. One more hug?” He opens his arms, and she wraps hers around his neck.
“See you later, Coach.” He gives me a chin tip and continues down the hall.
Callie’s eyes light up all over again as Roman approaches. My ovaries get all excited about him in a suit, and my heart turns mushy when he crouches in front of Callie. His brow furrows. “You look like a tired little girl.”
“I ate too much candy,” she admits.
He opens his arms, and she snuggles right into him. “It’s hard to resist, isn’t it?”
“I couldn’t say no to the gummy bears. They’re my favorite.”
“I have trouble saying no to those, too,” Roman commiserates.
“Can you come to my game again this weekend? Dred said she can come, and Connor is coming, too.”
“If Connor can make it, I’m pretty sure I can.”
Callie smiles hopefully. “Really?”
“Yeah, I need to support my favorite goalie,” he says with the utmost seriousness.
“I’m your favorite?”
“You are.”
“Sometimes we go out for chicken fingers and french fries after. You could come with us, if you want.”
“That sounds perfect.” Roman winks at me.
The rest of the group make plans to go to the Watering Hole, but I need to get Callie home. Otherwise she won’t get enough sleep, which could make tomorrow’s game tough. She always wants to play her best, especially when Roman or Connor comes to watch.
“You want me to carry you to the car?” Roman asks Callie.
“Yes, please.”
“See you all later,” Roman tells the rest of the group.
Dred hugs me and whispers, “Stay strong.”
Roman picks Callie up and she wraps her arms around his neck. She rests her head on his shoulder.
“This is too cute.” Hammer pulls out her phone and snaps a few pictures before she hugs me and kisses her dad on the cheek.
“Did you have a good time with the girls tonight?” Roman asks Fee as we head for the car.
“The game was so good! Tally and I were talking about next year, because I applied to the same program she’s in. I know she’s a year ahead, but it would be so cool to know someone on campus already. Especially since we love the same things.”
“I think that’s great. Peggy loved university.”
“Tally says it’s the best!” Fee exclaims. “And like, the people in my art program this semester are so fun, and I’m making better friends now.”