Page 105 of Scoring Lessons

Truth was, with how involved I’d been with Olivia as of late, I hadn’t. Partly because I was avoiding it, and also, since Coach had switched around the lines, I thought we were headed in the right direction.

“Have the Strikers said anything?”

He let out a long, annoyed sigh. “You gotta let it go, Hayes. These things happen. I think the Strikers are moving in a different direction. With Sullivan, maybe.”

“Sullivan’s benched,” I said.

He reared back, his jaw ticking as though he’d almost been caught off guard. “I haven’t had time to watch any games. I didn’t know.” He grabbed a pen and started tapping it against his calendar. “They got you playing in the first line again?”

“Yup.” I leaned back as I bounced my leg. “When is Vancouver expecting an answer?”

“We’re in February already. The sooner you make a decision, the better.”

I tilted my head, studying him. It was no secret that Michael could be a sleazy bastard sometimes. But I wasn’t about to bend over to his needs either. “I thought you said they’re willing to fight for me?”

He frowned. “Yeah, so?”

“So they can wait, right?” I asked, my voice light.

His jaw ticked again. “I wouldn’t try to push it if I were you.”

I clasped my hands then rose to my feet. “Well, I’d like to push it anyway.”

“Hayes,” he growled, frustrated. “They are offering a lot of money. You’d be stupid not to take it.”

I tapped my knuckles on his desk twice with a click of my tongue. “It always comes down to money with you, doesn’t it?”

He raised his hands in mock defeat. “That’s what keeps the world moving.”

“Too bad you work for me. Not the other way around.” I settled him with a cold stare. “I’m not making any decisions until I know for sure my time with the Strikers is over.”

I didn’t bother waiting for a reply.

There were too many things keeping me in Chicago.

I loved living in the city. I loved working for the Strikers. I loved living close to my friends. But the most important of them all?

Olivia.

Just like the uncertain career I’d been fighting for, I’d fight for Olivia, too. I’d fight for a chance and show her we were more than whatever games we were playing at.

KA-CHOW KINGS CHAT

Parker

To whoever recommended this book, I’d like to have a word.

Anderson

It was Hayes’s idea to read this for our first book club meeting.

Owens

I haven’t read it.

Donovan

I’m only halfway.