Page 94 of Ice Me Baby

Clearing my voice, I say, “Mac Oliver and Dean Lewis. I can discuss with Danni which players she wants to trade. I have notebooks on all my players, so she won’t have an issue taking over. She’s also been taking care of my guys alongside Max while I’ve been... away.”

Max jumps in before Mason can say anything. “Danni has been doing great with Elizabeth’s players, and I don’t foresee an issue with this.”

I bite my lip as I nod toward Max in thanks. I didn’t expect him to go to bat for me, but I’m thankful he is.

Mason is quiet for a moment before he leans back in his chair. His dark eyes meet mine as he says, “I get the feeling this relationship has been going on much longer than just a few days.”

I hesitate before nodding. “It has, sir.”

His fingers tap on the top of his desk before he turns to Max. “Has she been professional and treated all of the players equally?”

Max nods. “I haven’t seen her show any favoritism toward Dean and Mac compared to the others.” His gaze turns to me before a smirk pulls at his lips. “All of her players love her and speak very highly of her.”

Mason hums before he turns back to me. “I want you to understand that in these situations we would normally put youon probation as an investigation is conducted.” He huffs out a sigh. “But I have a feeling I will have a riot in my office, if I do that, and I need my players focused on the game instead of how I put you on probation because of protocol.”

“I understand, sir.”

He knocks on the desk before grunting. “Your relationship doesn’t appear to have reached the ears of the higher ups, so I’ll make you a deal.”

I nod. “Anything.”

He points at me. “You get together with Danni and switch two of her players with Dean and Mac. And make sure your quality of training doesn’t suffer just because you are switching around players.”

“Yes, sir,” I say enthusiastically.

“Talk of your relationship will not enter my locker room, is that understood?”

I agree immediately. “Yes, sir.”

His tapping increases on the desk before he pushes away and stands. “Alright, as long as we are all in understanding. Dismissed.”

I jump up from my seat as well. “Thank you, Coach!”

He hums before clapping a hand on my shoulder. “It’s been hard to find an athletic therapist who can match Danni’s gusto for the team. But it seems we’ve found her equal, and I’m not about to lose you over matters of the heart. We can compromise.”

“Thank you,” I breath out.

He claps my shoulder again with a smile. “You better get to work, Elizabeth. I have it on good authority that your boys have missed you.”

I nod and rush out of the room. The first place I head is to find Danni. The moment I burst through the doors of the training room, twenty pairs of eyes turn their attention to me. Danni ishelping Trav, one of her players, in mid-stretch as her eyes fall on me. Her mouth gapes in surprise before shifting into a smile. “So... did it go well?”

My grin is wide as I yell, “Yes!”

She squeals in excitement, but in turn accidentally presses down too hard on the Trav’s legs, making him grunt. “Danni! You’re going to bend me in half if you keep doing that.”

She jumps away before muttering, “Sorry, Trav.”

He groans and lets his legs fall to the ground. “It’s fine, Danni.” His attention shifts to me. “So, what’s the verdict?”

My grin is still plastered across my face as I explain, “Two of my guys for two of yours. As long as our relationship doesn’t enter the locker room everything is fine!”

Danni claps in excitement. “I prepared for this very thing!” She rushes off to the closet where we keep all our equipment and medical stuff. It only takes her a few minutes before she rushes back to me, holding out two notebooks. “I made sure I had journals made for them just the way you like it. Everything from previous injuries and stats to their favorite snacks and color.”

My eyes widen as I grab notebooks with Manny and Langly scrawled across them. “You... you made notebooks for your players?”

She shrugs. “It was a great idea actually. After weeks of looking over your notes, I decided to make some of my own.”

I throw my arms around her, wrapping her in a huge hug. I can’t believe how supportive the team has been and how they’ve been in my corner every step of the way. I never thought that the Washington Wraiths would become my second family, but here I am. “I fucking love you,” I whisper to her.

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