On the Ice (Stick Side, #1)

by Amy Aislin

I tell you that I think I figured out an angle for the book?” “No shit? Tell me.” “Coach Bedley gave me the idea.” Alex took a sip of water. “There’s a kid on his team who’s basically killing himself for the game. He’s got a key to the rink so he can practice every morning that there isn’t already a scheduled practice. He’s in a science program, so he’s busy as fuck and yet he still works two jobs to make ends meet since he doesn’t see much support from his parents. According to Bedley, anyway. But it gave me the idea to dig deeper into the psyche of a hockey player. What will they do in the name of the game? What will they sacrifice? What’s the cost of a hockey career?” “Hmm.” JP drummed his fingers on the table. “So, it’s like the darker side of sports.” “Exactly.” “I like it. Did Kate go for it?” “She did.” Thank God. He didn’t want to think about going back to the drawing board. Luckily, his editor had loved the idea. “Cool.” JP leaned forward, his gaze earnest. “Don’t suppose you’ll give me her number?” “So you can be shot down yet again?” Buffing his nails on his T-shirt, JP said, “Hey, I have slicker moves now.” That was highly doubtful. Alex’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked the caller ID, then waved the phone at JP. “Mind if I take this? It’s my mom.” “Still a mama’s boy,” JP teased, a glint in his dark eyes. “Still a jackass,” Alex replied. Alex headed for the hallway that led to the washrooms, where it was quieter, ignoring JP’s laughter trailing after him.