Back Check (Aces Hockey #4)(66)

 

"Forty-two." He rubbed his face. Yeah, he was feeling all of those minutes. Not to mention bruised ribs and a sore hip.

 

"Your coach obviously relied on you," she said. "You killed all those penalties. And even though they were constantly running at you, you didn't retaliate." She squeezed his forearm.

 

He stared at Katelyn.

 

"Wow, your little lady here sounds like she knows something about hockey," Dad said.

 

Sounds like. Tanner nearly winced at the subtle insult to Katelyn, but she either didn't get it or ignored it, beaming a smile at Dad.

 

"Thank you!" she said. "Tanner taught me so much about the game back in college."

 

Dad could insult him all he wanted, but not Katelyn. "She does know a lot about hockey," he growled.

 

Katelyn's hand now landed on his knee and squeezed and they exchanged a quick glance. Yeah, she got it.

 

"So Mr. Bennet, tell me more about your business. I understand you have several successful car dealerships."

 

One thing Dad liked to talk about was himself, and he launched into a monologue about car sales, pausing long enough to order food and wine.

 

Eventually Katelyn managed to get a word in and spoke to Dad's fiancée. "And what do you do, Helen?" she asked.

 

"I'm a paralegal."

 

Katelyn nodded. Tanner had no clue where to go with that, but Katelyn did. "Do you work for a small law firm or a big one?"

 

"I actually work for a software company," she said. "I help draft and negotiate legal agreements for sales, licensing, and marketing."

 

"Interesting. Have you worked there long?"

 

"About five years, right from start-up."

 

"That must have been exciting to be in on the ground floor of something new."

 

"Yes, it was." Helen smiled, seeming appreciative of the interest.

 

"So what's happening with your contract negotiations?" Dad asked Tanner.

 

Tanner repressed a sigh. "Not much."

 

"They're going to trade you, aren't they?"

 

"I don't know, Dad."

 

"Trade deadline's just over a week away. They can't afford to keep all you high-priced players."  

 

He was well aware of the trade deadline approaching. He was also well aware of all the rumors, and painfully aware of the fact that the Aces hadn't offered anything since January. Thanks for reminding me, Dad.

 

"I guess we'll know more in a week, then," he said casually. "And Anaheim wouldn't be so bad. I like palm trees and the beach."

 

He sensed Katelyn stiffen beside him.

 

"True, true," Dad said heartily. "But they have cap issues of their own." He shook his head. "Is your agent demanding too much money? Is that the problem?"

 

Tanner bit the inside of his mouth. "He's pretty confident in what we're proposing."

 

"What is he asking for?"

 

Tanner's jaw tightened. "Don't you read the blogs?" he asked, forcing a smile. "Everyone else seems to know."

 

"Those are rumors. Tell us the facts. Come on, Tanner, we're family."

 

Tanner's smile hurt. "Kevin would kill me if I told anyone. He always says to leave the negotiations to him, and I should just play hockey. So that's what I'm doing."

 

Katelyn's hand patted his knee. "It will all work out," she said confidently to his father. "Tanner's worth a lot and I'm sure the team knows that."

 

Heat expanded in Tanner's chest at her support. Christ.

 

"You missed a fun evening on Thursday," Katelyn said, changing the subject totally. "The Aces did a big lip-sync fundraiser. Who knew there was so much talent on the hockey team?"

 

Dad wasn't really interested in lip-syncing as much as he was money, but Katelyn kept the conversation going. Tanner gratefully let her take the lead, admiring how smooth she was. He was probably the only one who noticed the tightness at the corners of her eyes when she smiled.

 

After they'd finished their meals, Katelyn and Helen left to go to the ladies' room.

 

Dad leaned across the table, a glass of red wine in hand. "How'd she track you down after all those years?"

 

"Who? Katelyn?"

 

"Yeah. You were done with her way back when you got drafted."

 

Tanner wasn't even sure how to respond to that. "She didn't track me down. We just happened to meet up. She's planning Duper's wedding."

 

Dad nodded. "You don't think she did that on purpose?"

 

Tanner tilted his head "Pretty sure she didn't." Which meant he was one hundred percent sure. "She didn't even know I was in Chicago now."