Page 4 of Pucking Amazing

I swallow, trying to pull my thoughts together. “You all, as professional athletes, face a unique set of challenges and pressures that are difficult to navigate. The important thing is that we work together to create a healthy environment for the entire team.”

“We appreciate you being here, Sydney,” Coach Daniels chimes in, flashing a megawatt smile. “Alright boys, show’s over. Back to drills!”

The players disperse, skating off in various directions. Except for Tattoo Guy, who shoots me a wink before gliding away.

That wink reaches places it definitely shouldn’t while I’m on the job.

“Syd!” a familiar voice calls out.

I spin around to see Emma jogging toward me, her dark curls bouncing. A huge grin splits my face.

“Em!” We collide in a fierce hug, giggling like the college girls we once were. “God, I’ve missed you!”

Emma pulls back, hazel eyes sparkling. “Dude, I can’t believe you’re actually here! When Vincent said they needed an addiction specialist, I was like, ‘I’ve got the perfect person!’ Though I may have oversold your qualifications a bit...” She scrunches her nose impishly.

I gasp in mock outrage, shoving her shoulder. “Wow, thanks for that vote of confidence!”

“I’m kidding. You’re gonna be amazing.” She links her arm with mine as we meander away from the ice. “So, how’s life? How’s Selena? Give me all the goss!”

As Emma rattles off questions, I sneak one last glance over my shoulder at the team. Goalie Hottie is barking orders at another player. Tattoo Guy is leaning on his stick, chatting with a group.

My eyes linger on their well-muscled bodies.

The very definition of temptation on ice. Lord help me.

I’ve sworn off men while I put the pieces of my life back together. I’m here to do a job, not land a date.

Still, a little eye candy never hurt anyone…right?

CHAPTER 2

TYLER

I’m trying my best to focus as the new counselor Sydney introduces herself to the team, but my mind keeps drifting back to that night in Toronto.

What a shit show.

We got our asses handed to us on the ice, then went out and made even bigger asses of ourselves at the bar after. Too many shots, a smartass comment taken the wrong way, and suddenly fists were flying.

Our starting goalie, Adam, ended up with a major knee injury, and several players narrowly avoided getting arrested when the cops showed up. As if the media needed more ammo to make us appear like a bunch of out-of-control frat boys.

And now the pressure is on me to step up as the goalie.

Sydney’s voice pulls me back to the present moment.

“The important thing is that we work together to create a healthy environment for the entire team.”

Her warm brown eyes meet mine and I relax a bit. She seems like she actually gives a damn, like she’s more than just another suit here to babysit us and protect the team’s image.

My gaze flicks over to DJ, and I nearly choke on my tongue. He’s not even pretending to listen to Sydney, too busy eye-fucking her from across the room with that crooked grin of his.

The same grin that does strange, confusing things to my insides whenever it’s aimed my way.

Which has been happening a lot lately.

I tear my eyes away, my face heating.

But I can’t help sneaking another glance at DJ. He lounges back in his chair, all toned muscle and shameless confidence. The poster boy for pansexual pride.

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