Page 10 of Pucking Amazing

Sparks of attraction fizz and pop under my skin, and I let out a shaky breath.

What did I just agree to?

Back in my office after lunch, I glance at my watch and sigh. Fifteen minutes past our scheduled appointment and still no sign of Tomas. Drumming my fingers on the desk, I debate how long to wait before officially calling it a no-show.

My phone pings with a new email alert. I pull up my inbox, immediately spotting Tomas’s name.

“Hey Doc, sorry but something urgent came up. Gotta bail on today’s session. -T.”

I frown at the screen.

“Something urgent” could mean anything from a personal emergency like a dead grandparent to partying too hard last night. But given Tomas’s history...well, let’s just say I have my doubts.

Rather than stew over it, I decide to tackle the mountain of administrative work that comes with starting a new job. Forms to fill out, virtual training sessions to complete, setting up my new email signature...oh, the joys of corporate life.

As I click through the mandatory sexual harassment course, my mind keeps drifting to the three players I’m supposed to help.

Jason, who seems eager to do the work, already facing his problems head-on. Mikey, who barely lasted 5 minutes in session with me before storming out. And Tomas… the mystery.

I want so badly to guide them to a better place, to show them they have the strength to overcome their demons. But first, I need Tomas to actually show up.

Baby steps.

At the end of the day, I have a regularly scheduled status meeting with Coach Daniels and Chloe Bennett, the team’s prim and poised PR manager. We’re going to be checking in on a weekly basis to discuss the situation at hand, at least until some of the media attention blows over.

The plush leather chairs and mahogany desk in Coach Daniels’ office scream “I’m the boss.” I settle into a slightly less imposing guest chair, flanked by Chloe.

“So Sydney, what’s the game plan?” Coach leans forward, elbows on his knees, his steely blue eyes locked on mine.

I take a deep breath. “Well, first and foremost, we need to create a recovery-positive environment, without singling out the three players in counseling. That means rethinking how the team celebrates wins, hosts events, everything. Mikey, Jason, and Tomas need to be comfortable and safe at any team events.”

Chloe nods, already tapping notes into her tablet. “We can make that work without calling anyone out. No need to draw extra attention to the fact that some of our events will be dry—we can focus the narrative elsewhere.”

“Exactly. Take alcohol out of the equation. Removing temptation will make it easier for Jason, Mikey, and Tomas to maintain sobriety.”

The words taste awkward in my mouth—I’m not used to discussing patients so openly. But for this to work, we all need to be on the same page.

Coach runs a hand over his salt-and-pepper hair. “Whatever it takes. Those boys...they’re more than just players to me. They’re family.” His gruff voice cracks with emotion.

“I’ll draw up some specific recommendations,” I say gently. “Obviously this will be a process. But with the right support, I truly believe they can come out the other side, and the team can too.”

Rising from his chair, Coach extends a beefy hand to shake mine. “We’re behind you one hundred percent. With you in their corner, I know our boys will beat this.”

His confidence buoys my spirits. It’s nice to know I’m not in this alone.

After we wrap, I head out for the day, squinting as the bright late-afternoon sun hits my eyes.

What a day. My feet ache, my head is spinning, and I’m exhausted—but also exhilarated to have a challenge ahead of me.

I trudge across the parking lot toward my sensible Honda Civic. Before I reach it, a sleek black Lexus pulls into the spot right next to mine. The tinted window rolls down, revealing a pair of mischievous brown eyes and a roguish grin I’m already getting far too familiar with.

DJ.

Of course. This guy is everywhere today—what, is the universe trying to test my willpower by dangling this tattooed Adonis in front of me 24/7? I’m only human.

“Fancy seeing you here, Doc,” DJ drawls, leaning an arm out the window. “If I believed in fate, I’d say this is a sign we should grab that coffee sooner rather than later.”

I can’t help but laugh as I wrack my brain for a witty comeback. DJ beats me to the punch, shooting me a wink and blowing me a kiss before peeling out of the parking lot, leaving me standing there gaping after him for the second time in one day.

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