Scoring Position (Hockey Ever After #2)

by Ashlyn Kane

first step is done.” “First step?” Ryan wasn’t sure if Nico’s expression was trepidation at the idea of completing more steps or some mixed desire for a to-do list. “I mean, there’s whatever Barb’s going to talk to you about tomorrow. But there’s also a couple other things.” Nico raised his eyes to meet Ryan’s for the first time all conversation. Progress. “One… you’re going to have to apologize to Chenner.” Nico blew out a breath, then firmed his shoulders. “Okay. I can do that. I know I need to do that. What’s two?” Ryan snorted a little as he realized the irony in what he was about to say. “Obviously this is going to come off awkward and self-serving, given what Rees wanted from us, and believe me I am definitely cringing at the idea that he was right, but… think about making friends.” Nico made a quiet involuntary sound that might’ve been a laugh. Such a small noise shouldn’t have filled Ryan with such a sense of achievement, but it did. After a night like tonight, he would celebrate every minor victory. But he wasn’t going to rub Nico’s face in it. “It doesn’t have to be me. I know I’m an acquired taste, but Chenner looks up to you. I bet if you asked him to hang out as a peace offering, he’d say yes.” Nico looked dubious, but he didn’t argue. “I’ll think about it.” That was as much as Ryan could hope for. He’d been prepared for a screaming match or a total shutdown, but Nico seemed… well, maybe not eager to please, but eager not to disappoint anyone further. And that...