Page 39 of Breaking the Ice
Hadley waves at me, leaning against the gray cinderblock wall and chatting with another girl.
Is Evan’s family here? I glance around, but no one is wearing jerseys with his name on the back, no one has features that jump out with a resemblance. From what he’s said, they aren’t close, but my heart aches, knowing he doesn’t have anyone waiting for him to congratulate him on his great game.
I straighten my spine. Maybe he does.
My pulse kicks up a notch as players start streaming out of the locker room, freshly showered and hauling large duffle bags full of hockey gear. I can’t help it—my insides have a spontaneous party when Evan appears.
“Isabella, hi!” His eyes light up and a slow, sexy smile spreads across his face. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
“Oh, you know me. Big hockey fan.” I try to school my features and gesture to my friends. “You remember Ariana and Nessa?”
“Ladies.” He smirks and tips an imaginary hat to them. “Thanks for coming to support the team.”
“You were really great.” Vanessa sidles closer to him, putting a hand on his arm. “Congratulations on the goal you scored.”
I don’t think she’s making a move—she’s just a touchy person. At least that’s what I tell myself as a pang of jealousy churns in my belly.
“Thanks,” Evan says, adjusting the duffle on his shoulder. It’s a deft move that removes her palm from his body, and he takes a step towards me. With a casual air, he slings his arm across my shoulders and faces them. “What was your favorite part?”
He keeps me there, tucked against his side, while they answer. He nods his head while they talk but taps his fingers against my bicep. Something that feels like hope soars in my chest.
“So, ah, the team usually goes out after a win to celebrate. Do you guys have any plans?” Evan asks, raising a brow.
“We’d lo—”
“Unfortunately, we’re busy.” Ariana nudges Vanessa, cutting her off. “We, um, have homework.”
Vanessa turns to her, mouth open, but must see something in her gaze, because she nods. “Yep. We’re busy. But I think Isabella is free.”
“Oh, um, I’m—”
“Bella!” My dad’s voice is sharp, slicing through the conversation. “I didn’t expect to see you. Is your mother here?”
She doesn’t usually wait outside the locker room these days, saying that he knows she was watching and will catch him at home.
“I think she already left,” I tell him, stiffening under Evan’s arm. My dad clocks the easy affection at the same time, his eyes narrowing.
“Evan, I think Coach Boucher needed to talk to you.” He jerks his head back towards the locker room. “You should go find him.”
Evan’s arm slides off my shoulders, leaving me cold. “Sure, Coach. Thanks.”
He winks at me and my friends before turning around the way he came. “And thanks again for coming tonight. It means the world to me.”
I’m pretty sure if my dad wasn’t standing there, Ariana and Vanessa would swoon or squeal. As it is, they send me heart eyes and goofy grins.
“So, are you going out with him?” Nessa asks, her tone eager and excited.
My dad glowers, standing up straighter and puffing up his chest. He clears his throat. “Bella would never date one of my players, let alone that one.”
“Dad.” I try to keep my voice even and I manage not to roll my eyes like a moody teenager—but how dare he? He’s my dad, sure, but I’m an adult. A senior in college. “It wasn’t a date. He invited us as a group to go out and celebrate with the team.”
“Regardless.” My dad puts his hands on his hips. “You will not be going out with the hockey team.”
I want to defy him, to tell him that I can do whatever the hell I want. But things have been going well between us, so I bite my tongue. “I wasn’t planning on it.”
“Good.” He sighs, and his posture softens. “They aren’t bad men, Bella. But no dad wants his daughters—” his glance encompasses Vanessa and Ariana “—dating a hockey player.”
I think about arguing, but I just nod. It’s easier to keep the peace this way.
