Page 111 of Holiday Hostilities

The voice in my mind that always tells me to do better and reminds me of all my shortcomings can take a damn backseat, because Olivia belongs at the forefront.

Back in the locker room, morale is low like it always is after a loss. But instead of doing what I might have done in the past and apologizing for what I believed was my mistake, I act like the damn captain they appointed me to be.

“Good game, Ferrar,” I tell one of our rookies who’s unlacing his skates. “That shot on net in the second was a thing of pure beauty.”

He beams. “You think?”

“Absolutely.”

I then move on to congratulate Seb on his goal at the end of the first, and Lars for an incredible save at the start of the third. I sit with Colton and assure him that what happened wasn’t his fault—nor mine, nor anyone’s. The other team getting that breakaway was simply a lucky fluke, and it was an admittedly gorgeous shot that won Houston the game.

“We played well tonight,” I address the room. “And next game, we’ll play better. We got this. One loss does not define who we are.”

The guys cheer in agreement and I’m happy to see the mood improve. I flop down on the bench and am surprised when Jake comes to sit beside me.

“Nice speech,” he says with a chuckle.

“Thanks. Want a pep talk, too?” I joke.

“Nah. Olivia already gave me the talk of a lifetime earlier.”

My brows shoot up. “She did?”

He nods. “Full-blown stalked me in the parking garage, then verbally chewed me up and spit me out.”

I break into laughter. “Classic Liv.”

“You’re gonna have your hands full with her,” Jake says with what looks to be a genuine smile.

“I know. I can’t wait.” I grin back, and just like that, everything is good between us again. I know that, with time, Jake will come to see that not only is Olivia the best thing that’s ever happened to me, but that I can be good for her, too. I vow to do everything in my power to be.

“Marino!” Coach Torres’s booming voice calls through the room.

“Yes, Coach?”

“A minute.”

I promptly get to my feet and follow him to his office. I wonder what he has to say, and usually I’d be anxious as all hell about the fact that he wants to talk to me right after a loss. But I hold my head up and stand firm on my new truth.

“What’s up?” I ask as I sink into a chair opposite him.

“I saw you boosting the guys’ moods back there. I wanted to tell you that you’re doing a good job.”

“Thank you,” I say, surprised. Not what I’d been expecting him to say at all.

“You’re a good captain, Marino,” Coach tells me. “You’ve only been in this role for a few months, and already, the guys respect you. Want to hear what you’ve got to say.”

“Glad you think so.”

“I do.” Coach’s piercing eyes bore into me as he steeples his hands on his desk. He clears his throat. “But I also wanted to give you a heads up that the press have swooped in like vultures on the news of you getting together with Griswold’s sister.”

My heart sinks. This isn’t surprising to me. That damn picture is everywhere.

“I figured they might,” I say slowly. I’m already thinking about how I can best protect Olivia from what will surely be an onslaught of questions and assumptions.

“They’re asking more questions about your role here. Lieberman is not one bit happy, and I have a feeling that he’s going to amp up his campaign to get you replaced. Whatever happens, I want to let you know that I’m on your side. I believe in you.”

I appreciate Torres’s words immensely, and that he’s in my corner, but I can read between the lines: if Lieberman really pushes back, Coach’s hands might be tied.

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