Page 203 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“Good morning,” Coach says, making a point of looking at each of us as Fletch slips into the space beside Handsy. “You all know Cooper Nash, right?” There’s a mumble of agreement and a couple of hellos, mainly from the rookies who are apparently unaware of the tension rippling through the room.

My teeth grind, anger shooting through me the second Nash’s dark eyes land on mine. I’m immediately taken back to that moment his big body collided with mine, sending me tumbling and causing a pain to shoot up my leg that I instantly knew was bad news.

I’ve spent way too much time thinking about ways to get him back for that hit. It’s immature of me, but hockey is my life. I gave up everything for it, including my family, and for him to be able to take it away so easily …

My fists clench where they rest on my thighs; it’s a movement that doesn’t go unnoticed by Nash.

When he lifts his head again, I see something flash in his eyes. Regret, maybe? An apology? But no sooner have I seen it than it disappears, and he moves onto the others in the room. I’m pretty sure every single person in here holds their breath when he finds Kodie.

Nash swallows thickly and quickly diverts his eyes.

Whatever happened between the two of them, they’re gonna need to find a way to deal with it, because we need to be on the same page if we’re getting anywhere close to the Cup this year.

They either need to get it out of their systems, or we may as well admit defeat now.

If anyone was expecting him to say anything, then they’re disappointed, because no sooner has he said his silent hello to everyone in the room, than he turns his back on us and drops his ass into an empty chair.

This isn’t the first trade we’ve experienced, and it won’t be the last, but it’s certainly the most controversial I’ve lived through, even more so than Rett joining us. Our GM has made a move here that could make or break us, and I guess only time will tell how it pans out.

Our meeting runs longer than it usually does, but I can’t say I’m surprised. The guys have three more games before going into the Christmas break, and everyone wants to ensure we bring home three Ws. It’ll put us in an incredible position going into the new year.

Once Coach dismissed us, the guys went to get dressed for practice, and I went to find Darcy, who was desperate to know how things went this morning.

I gave him the little information I had on Nash’s first appearance as a Viper, and we got to work. Of course, that wasn’t the only gossip Darcy wanted. He also demanded an update on my love life.

“Have you bought her a gift yet?”

“A gift?” I ask, my brows pinching.

“Oh my God, it’s worse than I thought,” he mutters quietly to himself. “It’s Christmas next week. You’ve bought her a gift, right?”

“Oh, right. Yeah, of course.”

Darcy’s lips press into a thin line as he sees through my lie.

“She’s going to her parents for Christmas, so I thought I’d give it to her after.”

“Before,” he counters.

“What?”

“You need to give it to her before she goes. Show her you’re thinking of her.”

“I am. Constantly. To the point I worry it might be an addiction,” I confess.

“So show her.”

I drag my hand down my face.

“Do you have any ideas?”

I’ve never bought a gift for a woman before. Well, aside from my mom when I was kid, but this is very different.

“I’m sure I can figure it out.”

“Jewelry, perfume, a day out, something sentimental. Do you have anything from all those years ago you can surprise her with, prove that she’s never been far from your mind?”

Ideas spark, and a smile twitches at my lips. “I’ll figure it out.”