Scoring Position (Hockey Ever After #2)

by Ashlyn Kane

Why doesn’t he come for drinks? Why didn’t he celly with us?” Why did he perpetually remind Ryan of Charlie Brown right before Lucy pulled away the football? And why was Ryan fixating on him? It should’ve been so easy to hate Nico. A first-overall pick, the son of a former player. A guy who’d won the lottery, hockey-wise, while Ryan had to scrape and claw his way into the league. Even his parents didn’t think he’d get drafted. They encouraged him to play college hockey instead. It should’ve been easy to hate Kirschbaum, but it wasn’t. You couldn’t hate a guy who was obviously trying his best and floundering—one who so obviously needed a hug. “Kolya is good kid,” Kitty repeated, but now he looked troubled. “Is hard for him. Lots expectations, and two seasons now he’s injured. Can’t play like he wants. Now you say team brings you to babysit.” Okay, that would be hard on anyone’s ego. “But the cellies—” “You’re so interested, you find out why he doesn’t celly. You fix problem.” He gestured down the table. “We all try. He won’t let us help.” “He hates me.” “Yes,” Kitty said. “Because you very annoying. Too much questions.” He pushed Ryan’s beer closer to his hands. “Drink, Doc. This too serious talk for celebration.” And they needed to celebrate while they could. Ryan got it. He lifted his beer in salute. “Cheers.” He didn’t even realize he kept glancing toward the door until Kitty made an exasperated noise a few minutes later. “Doc. He not coming.” Ryan snapped his gaze back ...