“I want to talk to you about Killian Bosch,” I said.
“Bosch?” Brian grunted. “That kid’s a damn mystery to me, Sid. Had it all. He was in with . . . Boston I think it was. They wanted him as soon as he finished college, but then he went to hell. Crazy partying, fighting, and reckless behavior. Jumped off a roof at a party if I remember right. He put a guy in the hospital, too. Busted up his face really bad. By the time he graduated, no one wanted to touch him except the Flyers. No offense, Sidney, but beggars can’t be choosers.”
I sighed, considering my words. Did I want to lose my star? Hell no. But I knew this was the right thing to do.
“He’s grown up since then, Brian.”
The guffaw at the other end of the line made me roll my eyes. “Not from what I hear. He’s still fighting off the ice and getting arrested on a regular basis.”
Retired was apparently just a state of mind to Brian. Clearly he still knew what was going on with the game he loved and all its players.
“He’s cleaned up his act since I got here.”
It wasn’t completely true, but it wasn’t completely false, either. Seeing Killian leading that boy around the rink by the hands today, both of them laughing, had reached something inside me. I’d broken out in a sexually frustrated sweat, but I’d also seen the sweet goodness in him. He just needed someone to believe he was worth investing in.
“Sid . . .” Brian started.
“Just listen—”
“No, you listen. There are endless players out there who have talent and who won’t be a headache. The talent’s too thick for someone like you to take on a risk.”
“Have you seen him play? He’s got more than talent. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen, Brian, and you know I’ve seen a lot.”
There was a beat of silence on the other end of the phone. “Well . . . I guess I wouldn’t mind seeing your team play a game. I heard you’re whipping ’em into shape. Proud of you, girl.”
My throat tightened at the words. I wanted to hear those same words from my father, but hearing them from Brian still sent a swell of pride into my chest.
“Thank you. I owe you one.”
Brian grunted his dismissal. “Your dad’s done a lot for me. You don’t owe me a thing. But you won’t know what game I’m coming to. This boy better have his A-game every time he hits the ice, ‘cause if he has an off night—”
“I’m not worried about that. Thank you, Brian.”
“I’ll be in touch.” After his gravelly send-off, he hung up.
I smiled to myself and decided to sneak into the stands and see if I could get one more look at Killian with the kids.Killian
Once again I was walking toward Sid’s office for no reason. It was evening and the arena was quiet, but I had a feeling she’d still be there.
Barb wasn’t at her desk, so I approached Sid’s door and knocked. I could hear footsteps inside and then the door opened.
Damn, did she look good today. Her gray slacks emphasized her tall, lean figure. The top two buttons of her silky black blouse were undone, revealing her ivory skin. And her hair was loose around her shoulders. My hands belonged in that thick, dark red hair.
“Hi,” she said, a hint of pink showing on her cheeks.
“Hey. Want some company?”
“Sure.”
She stood aside and closed the door, and we both remained in place right behind it.
“You look gorgeous,” I said, letting my gaze wander down her body.
Her bright green eyes went right to my crotch and I gave her a satisfied smile.
“You like seeing what you do to me?” My low voice was the only sound in the silent room.
She licked her lips and my control sailed away.
“I think you need to feel it, too,” I said.
When I turned and backed her against the door, she let out a small sigh. I cupped her jaw in my hand and leaned down, connecting my lips with hers. Her mouth was soft and tasted sweet, which brought a loud groan from my chest.
I kissed her hard and deep, my tongue exploring hers. When I pressed my hips against her, my erection nestled against her flat stomach. I hiked her up, my hands under her ass, and my hard cock found the sweet cleft between her thighs.
“God . . . Killian,” she said in my ear.
“This is what you fucking do to me. I can tell you want it bad too, baby.”
She rolled her hips and wrapped her legs around my waist.
“Fuck,” I muttered.
She tipped her head to one side and I accepted the invitation in an instant, diving into her neck to kiss the soft white skin that had been tempting me since day one. I wound a hand into her hair at the same time, tugging it as I kissed her collarbone and neck.