Falling for the Hockey Outcast

Amanda’s POV

“I thought you would be older than this.” He hissed as he opened the door, his eyes flicking over my form in distaste.

I sucked in a breath, annoyed at how rude he was. I expected that, being a star player that he was, but the last thing I expected was him showing his claws so early.

I was here to help his sorry ass after all.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Cade.” I smiled politely, stamping down my irritation.

He laughed, throwing his head back. “Mr.? Come on. Don't tease me, please. I'm sure you are ten years older than I am.”

I closed my eyes briefly, curling my fist as I thinned my lips in a bid not to reply.

I knew that was a cruel joke. I was only three years older than he was and didn't even look my age. Because of my work, I was fit and even still got compliments and catcalls from teenagers.

First day at work and I was already regretting the contract I signed. I itched to punch him in the face. I wouldn't dare do that though. Amanda Bruce was professional to the core and I wanted the job.

Who wouldn't?

To be a coach to the world's best hockey player, Logan Cade, was a wish anyone in my shoes would have jumped at. And that was exactly what I had done when I got a surprise visit from Kirk Brook, his manager. He had gone on about Logan's injury which had put a temporary pause on his career and how he needed a personal coach to help him get his bones functioning again. I had screamed and signed the contract the moment I heard what I was going to be paid.

I was doing averagely well for myself but what I got was twice what I would have charged.

I guessed I had been paid not to mind his attitude as well.

He peered at me, a smirk dancing on his lips. “You aren't denying that.”

“That doesn't mean I agree to it.”

“How old are you?”

“Will that help your broken bones?” I arched my eyebrows at him.

He clamped his mouth shut.

Good. He might be a god on the ice but his attitude was shit.

“Miss Bruce,” Kirk smiled as he walked into the living room, carrying a plate of food. “Please come in.” He turned to Logan. “Why didn't you invite her in? It's cold.”

He shrugged and moved to a couch, picked up the plate Kirk had set on the table. He crossed his legs on the table and started chewing while flicking through the television channels, doing a great act of ignoring our existence.

Kirk glanced at him and rolled his eyes. “I hope he wasn't rude to you.”

I smiled, strangely relieved that I wasn't the only one he was rude to. I shook my head.

Kirk apologized anyway. “Please forgive him if he was. He has been cranky ever since the accident.”

I nodded and my heart melted towards him, softening with pity. I understood him. One minute, he was hailed as a champion, the next he was cooped up in a hospital, healing while the world he was used to moved on.

“When do we start?” I asked, comfortable with action than emotions.

Kirk smiled, realizing that I didn't care for sentiments. “This was why I picked you. I knew you wouldn't entertain gossip and talk to someone else about Logan.”

“I don't discuss my clients.”

“I know.” He smiled.

“Yet, you made me sign a non-disclosure agreement form.”

He shrugged. “Policies.” He stood up. “Let me show you Logan's workout room.”

Logan dropped his plate loudly on the table and we both glanced at him. “Don't you need my agreement to do that?” He said, staring at Kirk.

“You agreed to start your return to play program today.” Kirk reminded him, a sigh accompanying his words.

I pitied him, wondering how stressful it was to be the best friend and manager of Logan Cade.

Almighty Logan Cade. I wondered if his fans knew of his attitude and sighed, reminding myself once again of the injury he had sustained.

“Because you told me the coach you got was a professional.”

“She is,”

“She looks too young to be.” Logan argued.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

“Why?”

“Do I have to explain that? Duh, I'm Logan Cade, the best hockey player. I need a professional coach to help me get back in the game.”

“And I found you one.” Kirk said, rubbing his hand on his face in exasperation. “This was why I wanted you to see the coaches before I decided but you told me you didn't care who it was.”

“Because I trusted your judgement.”

“Now, keep trusting it, Logan. Let's stop wasting our time and the coach’s.”

“Coach’s?” Logan smirked, glancing at me finally. “Can you help me?”

“If you want my help.” I replied without wasting time.

I might want the job but that didn't mean that I was going to beg for it.

“Logan, do I need to remind you that I already paid her? She signed a contract and if we default, she isn't refunding us.” Kirk said.

Logan snorted. “Whatever.”

Kirk smiled. “That is because you don't know how much I paid her.”

That got Logan's attention. “How much did you pay her?” He asked.

“Let me show you instead.” Kirk dashed to the bedroom and got back with a paper in his hand. “Here.” He extended the contract we both signed to Logan.

Logan collected the contract with a careless shrug but his stance changed when he read the contract. “What?” He shouted, jumping to his feet. “This is twice what you are meant to pay.” He groaned, flicking his hands against the contract repeatedly.

“We need someone experienced and ready to work twice as much.”

Twice as much?

And here I was thinking I got a spoil. I hoped I hadn't signed my freedom away. My gut told me I probably did.

Geez. Thanks for the offer, Kirk.

I really should have carefully read that contract before signing.

“Is she worth it?”

I'm here, Logan. I wanted to shout at him. He didn't have to keep being rude and talk about me as if I was a ghost in the room.

“Every penny,” Kirk nodded.

“What if she isn't?”

“She is.” Kirk insisted.

Logan snorted, clearly displeased by his friend’s stubborn confidence in me. He turned to me. “What will you do if you aren't as good as he says?”

“I'm confident I can get you back on ice within three months.” I said, promising more than the normal five months of rehabilitation I preferred.

“That doesn't answer my question.”

I swallowed. “What do you want?”

“If I don't get better within three months, you will return twice of what you got paid.”

I gasped, loud enough for both of them to hear.

He smirked, his amusement taunting me. “What? You are not so sure anymore?”

I forced my heart to calm, hating how suddenly hot the room was. I was nervous but I hated that he felt he could ridicule me and get away with it. I had never backed down from a challenge and I wasn't about to start now.

“I am.” I squared my shoulders, staring at him straight in the eye. “What will you do when you get better though?”

“What do you want?” He smirked, certain that I was a quack.

I didn't know but knew I would come up with ideas within three months.

He took my silence as a response and smiled, his dimples making a sexy appearance. “Or do you want a night with me?”