Red on the Ice

Lacey

He has me on edge; a nervous energy thrumming beneath my skin, my stomach churning with anxiety. Watching him on the ice with the boys, the tension in his shoulders was clear; I can already sense his temper rising. A cacophony of crashes against the rink boards and then there is the jarring impact of shoulder-to-shoulder checks between them. His face was ashen, and his eyes bloodshot, but he was playing as part of a team, which is what matters.

“Right, ease off boys and take five.” I call out after they have done twenty minutes.

They all skate off to the players’ benches and grab their drinks. Riley hesitates to join them. I skate up to him.

“So, how did it feel to be back on the ice?” I pull my helmet off. I’m not a crazy bitch to be on here with no headgear. He yanks his off and I think he is going to spew. “Go sit with the others. I’ll grab you a bottle of water.” I slap him on his back.

I slide my covers over my skates and go grab some water. Most of the boys bring some energy drinks with them. Everyone looks fucking depressed. This ice rink is the home of the Red Tornados, so to lose their last game here this season is hard. I could have given them the day off after the match last night, but I didn’t want Chase’s departure to get to everyone. I’m still pissed that he went behind my back. It is a known fact that we lost so many games, but I intend to show them we are a winning team. It is the reason I am putting all my trust in Riley Connors to get us back up there.

I give them some time to rest, letting them catch their breath and recover before getting them back out on the ice. I let Riley sit out the last part, as he looks like he is going to pass out now. He has his head buried in his hands and groaning when I skate up to him.

“Next practice, I expect you to be in full form. Don’t fuck this up, Riley.” I can’t tell him that he is my only hope of bringing this team back up to the top.

“Thanks for giving me a chance,” he groans again.

“The boys are going to shower and head off. Why don’t you join them? Then we can discuss what I expect from you.” I’ve been around these guys because I’ve been coaching them, but his stare is piercing, making my heart pound in my chest. It’s hard to articulate, but my body is yearning for a touch that will satisfy the tingling sensation between my legs. Damn, when was the last time I got some dick?

He offers a brief nod. Before making his way inside, the murmur of conversations from within the locker rooms are already audible. He pauses a beat. “I didn’t bring a towel.” With a sigh, he rubs his face.

“I’ll show you where I keep the spares.” I stride in, partly shocking him, but the boys are used to it and know not to strip naked in this section. “Dump the gear you were using in here.” I point to a laundry basket.

He stands with his pale face staring at me. Then shakes out of his daze as I walk back out. It has never bothered me before, but being in there and the thought of him stripping naked under the showers has me turned on. I need a shower after they have all gone.

Instead, I wait for them all to finish. After today, they get a couple of days’ rest, but I’ll have them back to start some training. I wait for them all to finish and it is just Riley who wanders out last. I’m standing watching the Zamboni resurfacing the ice.

The locker room door closes behind Riley as he comes toward me. Water beads on his wet hair, and a hint of color, have returned to his pale face. He runs his hands over his face and sits down on a seat behind him. I turn to face him.

“I’m surprised that you made it this morning.” I cross my arms in front of me.

“Thank my younger brother. He got me up and here.” He rests his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands.

For some reason, that comment irked me. “So what does this not matter to you at all? The fact that I came to find you, give you a chance? Is this just a place to dip your feet in and test the waters?” I did my homework on him before I went after him, and there was only one other team that might take a chance on him. I wanted to be the first one in since this is our hometown. “Yes, I know the team hasn’t played their best, but I know they can be up there against the top teams.” Every game plays through my mind with what went wrong. “Is this just a joke to you?” I yell at him, now pissed off.

“I was drunk last night. Very fucking drunk. I feel awful, I feel nauseous, and I want to emphasize that this is not a joke. I long to feel the ice beneath my skates again.” He gazes up at me.

“You look like shit. Go home, sleep, and we will deal with paperwork tomorrow.” Maybe I am being too hard on him. I rest my hand on his shoulder. “If you still want to be on my team? Be here tomorrow at ten. Don’t be late this time.” With that, I head to go grab my shower.

It is always a pigsty in the lockers after they have been in. Towels lay on the floor, scattered around the actual laundry basket. “Every fucking time.” I do a quick, clear up, and then take my things into the showers. There is a place to hang your things up and a bench below to sit on.

I grab my shampoo and conditioner, then stand under the hot running water. These are powerful showers, and I love standing under them. Aching shoulder muscles relax and I tip my head back, letting the spray over my head. Once I’m done and washed my hair, I wrap my towel around myself and dry off.

Today was a test for everyone, and although the guys were still bitter about Chase leaving the way he did, getting them to accept Riley will be difficult. But he will be worth it in the end. I have a feeling he is just what the team needs, as long as he keeps his head screwed on and doesn’t lose his cool.

I gather my belongings and leave, locking up as I go. The sun on my face as I go outside eases my tension. I have to admit, Riley Connors is attractive. God, why is it that he consumes my every thought? I’ve watched loads of players throughout my life. Why him and why now? The impossibility of a romantic relationship is obvious; he’s eight years younger, and the absurdity of my own wishful thinking has me laughing at myself. He wouldn’t be interested in someone like me, anyway.

I walk into my apartment and throw my bag down. Most women have handbags or purses. I have a rucksack, or a gym bag. My phone goes and I sigh as it is my dad.

“Hi dad.” I bet he is ringing because he has heard that I’ve taken on Riley Connors.

“What the hell are you playing at?” He yells at me.

“I’m putting my heart into it. That’s what I’m doing.” I say as I bite back tears. Uncle Robert would have been with me on this one, I know it. He always said trust your gut and your heart. If either of them didn’t feel right, then you pull out.

“You are wasting your time and making a fool of yourself. Give it up.”

“You mean I embarrass you?” This is why we never get on.

When mom left after a huge fallout after Uncle Robert died, I’ve not seen or heard from her since. My life is here, and with the Red Tornados.

“We have time to prepare for next season now.”

“I give you one more year, Lacey, and if you lose again, don’t come crawling to me for help.” That is all he has to say before he hangs up.

“I hate you!” With a frustrated cry, I throw the phone onto the table, tears welling and blurring my sight. I wish Uncle Robert was here; his comforting presence would make all the difference.

Four years ago, my life fell apart because he died and my mom left. I promised my Uncle Robert I would pursue my dream of becoming the first female coach, and I did, devoting myself to managing my team as well. What do I get for it? Stick from my own father.

I put the TV on and pulled up old games on You Tube from Riley’s matches before he got banned. Before I settle down, I grab something to eat and drink. I have a sad life sitting on my own watching the only sport I live and breathe. My heart races and I feel like I’m at the game, leaping off my couch and screaming at the TV when it gets tense.

“No, I am not a failure, and I made the right decision to get Riley Connors for our team.” Next season, I will prove it to everyone. But first, I have to get past this attraction that I have for Riley.