Our guys took it like the champs they are. Only Linc ended up being coaxed into a fight. Not surprising, really. It isn’t a Vipers game if Linc doesn’t punch at least one person.
The whole time, Sutton stands beside me, shouting and screaming, cheering her dad and his team on as if the day before hadn’t happened.
Kodie was reluctant to let her come, preferring she stay at home in the quiet, resting. But she wasn’t having any of it, and in the end, he had to concede. Despite the brutality of the match, I’m glad he let her. It’s safe to say that the arena is her happy place. I’m pretty sure the smile on her face hasn’t slipped since the moment she walked toward me, as if us sitting together now is just how it’s going to be.
I can’t lie. The thought of spending the rest of the season celebrating wins and commiserating losses with this little pocket rocket makes it even more exciting.
It’s late by the time the game ends, and despite Sutton’s argument, Kathleen stands her ground and takes her home. Sutton wants to see her dad. I get it. Hell, I remember it well. But she should have been in bed long ago.
“Wait,” Sutton cries when they’re a few steps away from where Parker and I are still watching as the guys lap up the attention.
Her little feet pound down the row before she crashes into me and throws her arms around my waist.
“Night night, Coach C,” she says.
Reaching out, I smooth my hand over soft hair.
“Night night, number fifty-five.”
She beams up at me as warmth fills my chest.
“See you at practice,” she cries after she releases me and rushes back to her gran. Kathleen gives me a little wave, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“Well, would you look at that,” Parker muses from my side.
“What?”
“You’re stealing all the Rivers’ hearts.” I can’t help but laugh. “Come on, I want a drink with my bestie before she leaves me for a man.”
“I’d never leave you for just any man,” I tease.
She shakes her head. “No, a hockey god,” she muses.
“Still think you’re jealous,” I tease. “You could have one of your own if you wanted, you know.”
“Not interested.”
“Monroe could be fun. He’s got the same amount of energy as a Labrador puppy.”
“Ew, no, thank you. If I’m hooking up with anyone, they at least have to have enough experience to get me off twice at a minimum before they blow.”
“What’s to say he can’t have experienceandenergy?”
“Is he even old enough to graduate from college?” she deadpans.
“Just about.” Monroe has the pretty boy next door look, but he is older—and who knows, maybe more experienced—than he looks.
“Yeah, thanks but no thanks.”
“Handsy, then? Killer? Oh, you could be a bad, bad girl and take advantage of your brother’s best friend.”
“No, no, and hell no,” she practically shrieks. “Just because you’re happy bouncing on Rivers’ hockey stick, doesn’t mean that I have to follow suit. I’m more than happy with my current situation.”
“First, keep your voice down,” I hiss. We’re surrounded by people who could either tell Dad or, worse, the media. “Secondly, I call bullshit that you’re happy with your current situation with your vibrating boyfriend.”
Parker glares at me. “The fuck did you just say about keeping your voice down?”
I bark out a laugh as we get closer to the family suite.
