Scoring Position (Hockey Ever After #2)

by Ashlyn Kane

The rhythm of the team was different from what he was used to, but at least it didn’t feel like a brand-new pair of skates anymore. He was getting used to it. Soon it might be almost comfortable. He could do this—spend a couple weeks settling in, let things with Kirschbaum settle, try again to build a rapport. Despite the elephant in the room, no one was treating him weird. He didn’t know if that was Yorkie’s influence or if they were all too busy worrying about Vorhees, but he didn’t mind having one less thing to deal with. Just find a place to live, find his place on the team… find a balance between pleasing Rees and steering clear of Kirschbaum…. That last part might not be as hard as it should. Down at the far end of the table, Kirschbaum sat between Kitty and one of the rookies—what was his name? Chenner? The kid was still growing out his unfortunate juniors haircut, complete with orange-bleached ends. Kirschbaum looked uncomfortable, and Kitty kept bending his head to talk to him, nudging his arm. Was he giving him a hard time? Ryan couldn’t tell. “Tough two years on him,” Greenie said, obviously having followed Ryan’s gaze. “More on Kersh than everyone else?” Grange licked a glob of sour cream from his thumb. “No question he’s under a lot of pressure, and it sucks that Lundström got traded. I get that they’re friends. But he’s not doing himself any favors.” Ryan wasn’t going to ask what he meant. Greenie frowned. “Give him a break. Kid’s just awkward.” Was he? Maybe...