Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“But when you’re gone, this place will still be mine.”
“I am aware.”
His eyes are hard as he pushes off the wall. He holds my gaze, not looking like the boy I knew but like a man I’d give my left tit to know. “So, I think you should follow my lead. In the end, this place is mine, and I’ll be the one running it.”
And then, just like most men, he’s opened his big mouth. I don’t disagree with him, but his delivery has my eyes narrowing. He’s acting like I’m someone who doesn’t know how to run this rink or help it grow. I’m an asset, but he wants me to follow his lead. When, obviously, he’s done nothing with the figure skating program. He must see the fight blazing in my eyes because he stands a bit taller, almost as if he’s preparing for battle.
My voice is menacing as I demand, “Why isn’t figure skating taking off?”
He balks at my question, his eyes searching mine. “I haven’t had time. Phillip and I have been looking for someone to take it over.”
“So, you need me.”
Indignation flashes in his eyes. “I don’t need anyone,” he tries, but he’s so wrong and we both know it.
“Eh, but you do,” I correct, turning to face him. “I am one of the most sought-after figure skating coaches in the country. I not only know how to coach, but I know how to build a program. And I don’t know if you realize this, but a lot of what I suggested over the years, my grandfather was implementing.”
He presses his lips together. “I recently learned that.”
“So, you know I’m good at my job and that I know what I’m doing.”
“I never said you didn’t—”
“No, you suggested I should follow your lead, which blows my mind because you’ve worked with me. You know my work ethic. I don’t follow anyone’s lead, and I won’t be following yours.”
“Fable—”
“I know it seems like my grandfather is making me stay here for Kitty, and I’m sure that was his main concern, but he knew what I can offer. What I can provide you with. The figure skating program is trash and undeveloped. Why is the pro shop devoid of anything figure skating? Why are only three girls signed up? Who is coaching them?”
“Chelsea Cutler.”
I bring in my brows. The only reason I know that name is because I saw it listed under the hockey coaches on the website. The website doesn’t even have a figure skating section. “She’s a hockey coach, not a figure skater.” I let out a frustrated breath. “I realize that you feel betrayed, even blindsided by my grandfather’s decision. But after seeing what I’m seeing, I know he did it this way to help you in the end. Don’t fight me on this.”
His eyes are pure fire as he stares down at me. Anyone else would be intimidated by him, and I now know why they call him a grumpy ass. He fits the part perfectly. But I know Jett Cook. I have landed on top of him because he wouldn’t allow me to hit the ice. He may be upset, but he wouldn’t hurt me. Through gritted teeth, he mutters, “I could figure it out.”
I shrug. “Sure, but that’s not an option.” His eyes narrow, and I don’t dare look away from his heated gaze. “We can work together, pretty boy, or we can clash. The choice is yours.”
Silence stretches between us, his jaw ticking, and I notice his fists clenching by his armpits.
“I don’t have a choice.”
“I guess you don’t,” I say with a nod. “So, I’ll see you bright and early Monday.”
Neither of us moves, though, and the tension in the room is palpable. He doesn’t want me here. He doesn’t want my help. But he’s going to get it anyway.
I’m here for a year, and I’m going to help him put this building on the map for all ice sports.
He knows I won’t look away first, just as I know he won’t. Instead, our glares deepen before he mutters, “You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?”
I grin ever so sweetly as I go toe-to-toe with him. “When have I ever?”
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
Jett
When have I ever?
Fuck, the look in her eyes as Fable so coyly said those words to me still has me on edge by Monday morning. The fire, the confidence, her… Damn it, she has me twisted in ways I haven’t had to deal with in twenty years. I should have known as soon as I asked her to follow my lead, I was basically asking a bird not to fly.
Fable… Fuck, she’s Fable. There is no describing how beautifully unruly she can be.
When she has her eyes set on something, she doesn’t let up. I have seen it. The whole time I was showing her around, I saw the look in her eyes. She had so many questions, so many suggestions, but she sat back and let me give her the tour. While her restraint impressed me, I should have known that once she let go of her control, she was going to let me have it.