Page 57 of Power Pucking Play

"She's just enthusiastic. Besides, I've already warned her about getting too close to the players." I swallow hard, glancing back at the ice. "It's a recipe for disaster."

Gabi follows my gaze, her eyes landing on her husband Jacob as he glides effortlessly across the ice. "Yeah, I've always said it's a dangerous game when you mix business with pleasure. But sometimes, it's hard to resist."

I feel like she's talking directly to me, but I force another smile as she changes the subject. "Welp, my stomach is telling me it's snack time. You coming?"

I shake my head, not hungry in the slightest. "I'll catch up with you later. I just need a minute to clear my head."

As she walks away, I turn my attention to the ice. The players are filing out for warm-ups, a sea of red and white jerseys gliding across the pristine surface.

And then I see him.

Gio.

Even from this distance, I can tell something's off. His usual pre-game swagger is muted, his movements almost robotic as he goes through his warm-up routine.

I lean forward, willing him to look up, to give me some sign that last night meant something. That this morning's disappearing act was just a blip, not a retreat.

But as the players circle the ice, Gio's gaze never once lifts to the stands. Never once seeks me out.

The knot in my stomach tightens. This isn't right. This isn't us.

Is it?

Before I can spiral further, I make a beeline for the bathroom. I need a minute. Just one minute to pull myself together.

As I splash cold water on my wrists, I can't help but wonder if this is all worth it. The constant uncertainty, the never-ending game of push and pull with Gio.

But then I remember his smile after the Blades won the last game. The way he wrapped me in his arms and spun me around like we were the only two people in the world.

That's why I'm here. That's why I put up with the long hours, the travel, the gossip and drama.

For moments like that. When everything falls into place and it's just him and me.

Not the famous hockey player and the journalist chasing a story.

Just Gio and Lex.

I sigh, and start inspecting my makeup when my phone rings.

I glance down at the name on the screen. Speak of the devil...

I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the chipper mood on the other line. "Hi there, Sophie."

"Hey, boss lady! How's the game? Any juicy details for the next broadcast?"

I stare at my reflection in the mirror. The woman looking back at me seems like a stranger.

Eyes too wide, cheeks too flushed.

When did I become this person?

"Um, Miss Brookes?" A long pause, followed by a clearing of her throat. "Lexi? You there?"

I take a deep breath. "Yeah, Soph. I'm here. Listen, can I ask you something? Off the record?"

There's a pause on the other end. "Of course. Is everything okay?"

"I..." I start, then falter. How do I even begin to explain this? "Have you ever found yourself falling for someone you absolutely shouldn't?"

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