Page 9 of So Pucking Over You
Mr. Lee scowls. “Next time you open a door, Trevor, you damn well better have your pants on.”
“Dash and Oakley, understand I insist your relationship also be circumspect. Now, what’s the plan?”
Oakley squares her shoulders. “Sabrina’s name and relationship to the Arctic Bears is going to cause a lot of speculation. I recommend we call a press conference, so we have everyone contained in one area, one feed.”
“Our response should be on the offensive. I suggest that the three of us, Trevor, Dash, and I appear together. We are aware of the video and the misrepresentation of the situation. Yes, Trevor and I broke up before the holidays. It was a mutual decision between two adults. No scandal, no hard feelings.
“We avoid the towel and immediately go after the relationship with Sabrina. Which is the real story. They met at a party and didn’t realize the connection to opposing teams. Trevor did not know that she was the daughter of the Bears owner. Life happens, and personal relationships are not immune to complications. He is fully committed to his contract with the Blades and is looking forward to a shot at the cup.” She stares at Trevor.
“They will ask, multiple times, in multiple ways, if he’s being recruited. He will need to speak convincingly that it was a random meet at a party. He was in Florida enjoying the sun and sand before hitting the ice again.
“I can come up with some questions we should expect, and we can do a mock interview for practice. If we stick to the plan, we can deflect this.”
Mr. Lee nods. “I think it would be best if you handle all the questions if possible. You’re trained in this. Dash and Trevor are more knee jerk.”
“And I’m more expendable if I make a mistake.” She smiles. “Mr. Lee, I’ve been a fan of the Buffalo Blades since I was a young girl. I even had hopes of someday playing for the team. Since the league has not embraced co-ed teams that’s not possible. Yet. I care about this team. I won’t let you down.”
Lee smiles and nods. “Welcome to the team, Miss Wells.”
I glance at her and wink. Fuck, I love this woman.
We all stand, and Oakley begins to pack up her stuff. Coach and Phil come to talk to her. Trevor heads for the door and I follow a few feet behind.
“Hey Trev.” He turns to look at me.
My hands are hooked in my pockets, and I nod to an empty hall. I already checked with the desk clerk and know there are no cameras in the area. I pause a few feet down the hall and lean against the wall. He mimics my posture on the opposite side.
I get right to the point. “White isn’t a nice guy. I know some players on the Arctic Bears, and they say he’s a liar and conniver. He doesn’t keep his promises.”
He stiffens. “You jumped on my girl pretty quick, old man. Are you trying to play daddy to me, too?”
“Those years I’ve got on you have seen a hell of a lot. I was trying to warn you. Truth, I don’t give a fuck about you. But intwo years when you’ve burnt your bridges and are settling for a third-rate team, remember this conversation.”
I straighten to my full height. “You hung her out to dry over the holidays and then you set her up to be embarrassed. Right now, she’s in there trying to help you save face and keep your job, because she’s a good person. Fuck with her again, and I’ll cut your balls off and shove them down your throat.”
CHAPTER 5
Oakley
Back in the room Dash heads to the shower. Pulling out my laptop, I lean against the headboard and research the Whites in more depth. Daddy and Sabrina both have a reputation for drawing attention from the press. They like the limelight.
Searching her personal social media, I find photos of several other sports players she’s dated, not all of them hockey, and three broken engagements over the last five years. The girl gets around.
The current center for the Arctic Bears has a decent record, but no flash. He’s a team player handing off when the play makes sense. I’ve seen him play and he’s good, just not a media hog. My gut tells me the Whites like the spotlight as much as the win. I wonder what they’ve offered Trevor.
The water shuts off and a couple minutes later Dash walks out pulling on a T-shirt over his grey sweatpants. I swallow twice before shifting my gaze.
I know from the times he’s stayed with Gordy at the house that he’s more of a sleep naked kind of guy. He must be dressing for my delicate sensibilities. But damn, those grey sweats fit fine.
He’d be shocked if he saw the file of photos I’ve taken of him the times he’s come to visit my brother at our house. It’s where I perfected my talent for candid shots. My personal favorite is him in front of the bathroom mirror when he’s shaving, and the towel wrapped around his waist starts to slip. Gordy almost caught me that time.
I drop my gaze back to my screen. Okay, so I’ve kind of stalked him. I know that he’s an only child and his parents both died in a car accident when he was in high school. His grandfather raised him after that. Dash was recruited for hockey during college. Most people don’t know he’s got an MBA. He’s not a dumb jock.
His second year in the league his grandfather died and left him his ranch. Although he keeps a few farm animals, he’s turned part of his property into a camp for underprivileged and orphaned kids. He also has a wedding venue to help support the camp. Good business sense.
After thirteen years on the ice, he still plays all out and is the true team leader, even though as goalie he can’t be the captain. Then there’s that smokin’ hot body. Smart. Kind. Hot. The real deal in a business where the media flaunts the superficial.
He and Gordy have been friends since I was a senior in high school. Damn. Have I really had a crush on him for eight years?