Page 69 of Power Pucking Play

Ican feel my phone vibrating in my pocket—again.

Gabi's name lights up the screen, pleading for my attention.

My hand hovers over it, drawn by the gravitational pull of guilt and friendship, but I can't bring myself to answer.

Not yet.

Not when I know why she's calling.

The photo, that damn photo of Gio and me, has clearly made its grand entrance into the world, throwing gasoline onto a fire I thought we'd kept safely contained.

It's not like Gabi to give up easily, but right now, the thought of discussing this very public mess is as appealing as jumping into ice water.

I let the call ring out, ignoring how my stomach twists with each buzz.

The stakes aren't just high. They're personal, intimate, affecting both of us.

And yet all I can do is stand here in front of my office building, paralyzed, watching the world play out my life as if it's some kind of reality show cliffhanger.

The elevator ride up to theSports News Nowoffices feels like a journey to the gallows. As if explaining to my best friend that I've been secretly sleeping with her brother isn't hard enough, I also have to face the inevitable fallout from my boss and coworkers.

I know they'll all be discussing it. Judging me. Wondering how a "smart girl" like me could do something so reckless and hurtful.

As expected, as soon as the doors slide open, I'm hit with a wall of noise and barely concealed stares.

Great.

Looks like I'm the hottest topic since the Blades made the playoffs.

"Well, well, well," Parker Altman's smarmy voice cuts through the chatter. "If it isn't our resident ice queen. Tell me, Brookes, is De Luca as hot in the sheets as he is on the ice?"

I force a smile, all teeth and venom. "Wouldn't you like to know, Parker? Unfortunately, some of us prefer to keep our personal lives personal. Novel concept, I know."

Before he can retort, I spot Sophie waving frantically from the break room. I send a thank you to the universe for overeager interns, grateful for the distraction.

"Duty calls," I say, brushing past Parker. "Try not to miss me too much."

As I make my escape, I can practically feel the heat of Parker's glare on my back. But I refuse to let it get to me. Not when Sophie is waiting with a sympathetic smile and a cup of coffee in hand.

"Rough morning?" she asks, handing me the steaming mug.

"You have no idea," I mutter, taking a grateful sip.

Sophie leans against the counter, her brows furrowed in concern. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of guilt and shame crushing down on me once again. How did I let things get so complicated?

I shake my head. "No. What I want to do is get to my office and start damage control. I can't afford for this to affect my job."

Sophie nods understandingly. "Well, just so you know, the office is buzzing with rumors about you and De Luca. But don't worry, I've been shutting them down as best I can."

I smile gratefully at her. Sophie may be young and inexperienced, but she's proving to be a valuable ally in this mess.

"Thanks, Soph," I say sincerely. "I owe you one."

She waves it off with a grin. "Just remember that when I need another internship recommendation."

"I will." I take another sip of my coffee. "Want to update me on the what's going on?"

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