Page 28 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

Before I can answer, he adds, “Lauren can be assigned as the team’s liaison for the event if that’ll help provide a bridge between Holly and the players, particularly you.”

I snap my mouth shut, knowing I’m not going to win this argument. I don’t like it, but Reid’s right. I need to at least make an effort, even if it’s just to shut people like Raymond Blue up.

And oh, I’d like to shut that bastard up … preferably by swinging my stick straight at his jaw.But that’ll only get me into much more trouble and give him more plausible proof to nail me. And I can’t let the bastard have that.

“Fine,” I mutter, pushing myself up from the chair. “But don’t expect me to be all smiles and handshakes.”

Reid’s lips quirk in a small smile. “A man can at least dream. You’re dismissed.”

I leave his office, my mind still racing. I need to get out of here, to clear my head. As I walk down the hall, I see Lauren leaning against the wall, scrolling through her phone. She looks up as I approach, a teasing smile on her lips.

“Hey! How did it go with Reid?” she asks, falling into step beside me.

“How do you think?” I reply, my voice laced with irritation. “He’s making me stay on the project. Apparently, my reputation needs a little ... polishing.”

Lauren chuckles. “Well, he’s not wrong. You’ve got a bit of an icy exterior.”

I shoot her a glare, but she just laughs. “Come on, Ethan, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just a few events. You can handle it.”

“That’s not the point,” I snap. “Holly’s getting too involved in my business. She’s making things complicated.”

Lauren raises an eyebrow. “Complicated?”

I stop walking and turn to face her, my frustration bubbling over. “You don’t get it, Lauren. She’s everywhere. She’s in my house, she’s in my head, and now she’s in my damn job. I don’t need this right now.”

Lauren’s expression softens, and she places a hand on my arm. “Ethan, I know this is hard for you. But maybe this is exactly what you need. Maybe it’s time to let someone in.”

“No!” I shake my head, pulling away from her touch. “You don’t understand. I don’t need this; in fact, I’d love it if she could move out, and I wouldn’t have to see her so often. Every time I let someone in, it ends badly. I can’t afford that kind of distraction.”

Lauren sighs, her eyes filled with sympathy. “You’re not alone, Ethan. You don’t have to go through this alone. Holly’s not trying to make things harder for you. She’s trying to help.”

I scoff, my chest tightening. “Help? I don’t need help. I’ve been fine on my own.”

“Have you?” Lauren asks gently, her gaze piercing through the walls I’ve built around myself.

I don’t answer, my throat tightening with emotion I’m not ready to confront. Instead, I turn and start walking again, my footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

Lauren follows, her voice soft but firm. “Ethan, you’ve been through hell. No one’s denying that. But you’re still here, and you’re still standing. Maybe it’s time to stop surviving and start living.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I pause, my heart racing. She’s right, but I don’t want to admit it. I don’t want to face the reality that I’ve been running from.

“Living, huh?” I mutter, more to myself than to her.

“Yeah,” Lauren says, her voice filled with a warmth that’s both comforting and challenging. “Living.”

I take a deep breath, my mind spinning. Holly’s face flashes in my mind, the way she looked at me this morning, the way she challenged me without even trying. There’s something about her that draws me in, something I can’t shake.

But that’s exactly why she’s dangerous. She’s the kind of distraction that could unravel everything I’ve worked so hard to build. And yet, I can’t bring myself to push her away.

“Think about it, Ethan,” Lauren says, her voice pulling me out of my thoughts. “You don’t have to decide anything right now. Just think about it.”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. We walk in silence for a few more moments before we reach the locker room. I pause at the door, my hand resting on the handle.

“Thanks, Lauren,” I say quietly, not meeting her eyes.

She gives me a small smile. “Anytime, Ethan.”

I push open the door and step inside; the locker room is cleaned out with the guys gone. The smell of disinfectant fills my senses.Good. I need some private time.I head to my locker, my mind still a whirlwind of thoughts.

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