Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
He glances around, making sure no one’s listening in before he says, “Coach made a pointed speech this morning about how no position is guaranteed. Made it clear the final goalie lineup, especially, wasn’t set in stone. He wants to ‘see some real hustle’ before he makes up his mind.” Stone runs a hand through his damp hair. “After all the work Tank’s put in and the fact that he’s played in the NHL before, we all thought he’d get the starter spot over the rookie. But it looks like Lauder’s making it a competition between him and Garcia.”
My stomach drops. “Oh, no. That hardly seems fair.”
“Yeah, well, fair doesn’t always factor into the picture in pro sports, especially when one person is a kiss ass and one is… Well, one is Tank.” Stone’s expression darkens as he whispers, “Garcia’s been in Hartley’s ear for weeks, talking up his own game while taking digs about Tank being in recovery. It’s bullshit, but Hartley has an ex-brother-in-law who was an addict, who he hates like jock itch so…” He sighs. “It just sucks. The people who know him know there’s no way in hell Tank is going to relapse, but Hartley doesn’t know him. And after Garcia gets through with him, he’s probably not going to be making an effort to change that.”
I frown, spirits continuing to plummet as I realize how bad this is. “But surely Coach Lauder won’t get sucked in by all that. Not once he sees that Tank’s clearly the better goaltender.”
Stone’s nose wrinkles and his lip curls in an expression that isn’t comforting. At all. “I mean, I hope, but Lauder’s new here too. Which means he’s probably going to be more inclined to listen to management. And Hartley’s been with the organization for years. It’s all a hot mess and a damned shame. Tank busted his ass to get here. Now, it seems like the cards are stacked against him.”
“But he deserves a second chance,” I say, knowing I’m being naïve, but unable to help it. “We all do.”
“Not everyone believes in second chances,” Stone continues. “Especially in this business. It’s not right, but it’s reality.”
Almost all the players have filtered out of the studio by now. I know Stone has to leave soon, too, but first, I have to ask, “What can I do? I have to do something. I hate how helpless I feel right now.”
Stone gives me a sad smile. “Just be there for him. You know Tank, he’s got a lot of pride, and he’s used to fighting his battles alone. Having someone in his corner who believes in him will mean a lot.” He nudges my shoulder with his elbow. “Especially when it’s you. He really cares about you. It’s cute. And his blood pressure was way down at his check-up earlier, so there’s something you guys can celebrate later.”
I nod, trying to take comfort in that. “Thanks, Stone. See you Wednesday.”
“See you,” he says, ambling toward the door. “Keep us in your thoughts. Looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride for a while.”
Once he’s gone, I gather my things mechanically, my earlier excitement about the weeks ahead overshadowed by worry. As I head toward the parking lot, I can’t shake the image of Tank’s fists pressing into his mat, the way he could barely meet my gaze.
What if he decides this is too much? That a new relationship is a distraction he can’t afford when his career is hanging in the balance all over again?
I wouldn’t blame him. This opportunity means everything to him—his redemption, his future, the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. If he thinks what’s happening between us might jeopardize that…
The thought makes my chest physically ache.
I don’t want to believe it’s possible. I want to trust that the love growing between us is stronger than that, but I remember how laser-focused Tank was on his comeback when we first met earlier in the summer. Shane practically had to drag him away from the rink for happy hour with friends.
And yes, what we’ve found is intense and rare, but that might make him even more tempted to bail. Does he have the capacity to navigate an intense connection like ours while also pouring every ounce of his energy into securing his position with the Badgers?
I honestly…don’t know.
I toss my yoga bag into the passenger seat of my car and slide behind the wheel, but I don’t start the engine.
Instead, I pull out my phone and type a quick message, needing Tank to know he’s in my thoughts—Stone filled me in. I’m so sorry things are sucking so hard right now. But I’m here for you, okay? Whatever you need—space, support, someone to talk to. Or just someone to hold you and tell you it’s all going to be okay. Because it will be. I hesitate before adding—You’re stronger than even you know, Grunty. I believe in you.