Page 35 of Ice King

“Because they’re disgusting animals. That’s why!”

While I hadn’t started a fight in a very long time because quite frankly, Hoffman had all but beaten the spunk out of me, I guess the emotions were a lot like riding a bike. I crowded her space, taking several long strides until she almost tripped on the curb leading to the sidewalk. When I spoke, I wasn’t shouting, but I was very clear and full of intent with my tone.

“Lady, I don’t know who you are, but I can tell you’re a bigot and I very much refuse to tolerate bigots in my life. As far as the men on this team and my guess is in every other sports team on this planet, those who are shifters are human beings first and foremost. They eat, sleep, fuck, and are injured just likeeveryone else. They have families and children, enjoy barbeques and holidays. They laugh and they cry. They have empathy and fears. They own businesses, all of which humans frequent. They are doctors and lawyers. Just like humans.” I tossed her some clear shade with my gaze, throwing a nasty look all the way to her toes. “Well, maybe notallhumans. So why don’t you take your petition and go… somewhere else?”

The rest was implied and she got my meaning immediately. You bet I was on fire.

I was finished with playing Miss Nice Guy. No longer.

When I was rewarded with a shocked expression, I grinned, even rewarded with several people applauding.

“Well,” the woman huffed. “I never.”

“And you won’t either,” I shot back. “Because you’re such a… nasty person, you’re going to miss out on just how amazing they are in bed.”

Ha. Take that, you witch.

When her face turned beet red, I huffed and spun around, pushing my way through the rest of the people, barely paying any attention to the applause coming from behind me.

With anger stiffening my muscles, I stormed into the building, moving from one corridor to another. Was that really the type of garbage that shifters had been dealing with? Obviously, I’d been on another planet and for far too long.

That’s when I realized what I’d spouted off loudly enough the entire crowd had likely heard, including the part about hot sex. What was wrong with me? What?

I passed by a few players, who jumped out of my way. There were a couple of whistles and I threw my hand back at them. Let them know I was a tough woman. That would suit me just fine.

Three days.

Three grueling days of dealing with attitudes and innuendos.

And questions.

Lots and lots of questions.

Maybe more now after dealing with that horrible woman. I was cursing under my breath as I slammed my hand on the double doors coming into the players’ area.

Maybe I was tenser than normal based on the dream I’d had the night before. Dream. The erotic fantasy had felt very real, especially since I’d remained on the couch and when I’d awakened, I’d noticed dirt between my toes. I wasn’t a sleepwalker, but logic would say I’d walked outside at some point. As if I was running like Little Red Riding Hood as Ford had required.

Oh, God. I’d never be able to look him in the eyes again.

“Georgia. Can I see you for a minute?” Coach Stryker stuck his head out his office door, his face more pensive than I’d seen.

He lifted his eyebrows when a deep and very ragged breath escaped my lungs.

It seemed lately I wasn’t very good at checking my emotions. I chose to blame Ford, his curt attitude continuing at the same time heat had exploded between us.

“Sure.” I headed inside, checking my watch as I did. I was running late, my car battery giving me a fit that morning. “I do have a full day ahead of me though.”

“This won’t take long.” He closed the door but sat on the edge of his desk instead of moving to his chair. “Did something happen?”

For a few seconds, I thought he was talking about the dream. Then I quickly realized I probably looked harried from dealing with the woman outside.

“Just a freaking interaction with a holier than thou woman trying to get me to sign a petition. I told her what for.” Now I was huffing and puffing.

“A petition for?”

“Against shifters in sports. How freaking ridiculous. Granted, I don’t know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I can only imagine shifters are tormented on a regular basis. They have feelings. They have amazing attributes. Right?” I shook my head, shocked that I’d rattled off my statement with steam oozing from every pore.

“Wow. Okay, then. Maybe this conversation won’t be so difficult. Roxanne was over for dinner last night and mentioned you two had a long chat the other night about Ford and a few other members of the team. Honestly, I thought you were well aware of the existence of shifters. I didn’t mean to bring you into a situation that would make you uncomfortable.”