Page 23 of Charming Crosschecks

Her brows furrowed as she read the official-looking document. The North Texas Coyotes apparently had no policy against dating, but any relationship drama couldn’t affect the team, its reputation, or the players. The owners had even included a clause warning of potential litigation for any negative fallout.

Pinned to the paper was a sticky note in Coach Mike’s unmistakable handwriting:

In for a penny, in for a pound…

I’m so glad you guys are making up.

Welcome to the fam!

P.S. – sign it and put it on my desk tomorrow.

Molly couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up as she reread the note. She leaned her head back against the seat, staring at the balloons through the windshield. If this was what life with Gerry—and his meddling team—looked like, she wasn’t entirely sure what she’d signed up for. But one thing was clear: it was going to be anything but boring.

CHAPTER 7

THIERRY

Gerry gotto the arena the next morning, unsure of what was going to happen when Molly walked in during their stretches and practice. He had cookies scheduled to be delivered to her today and thought about picking up a bouquet, bringing it himself, and leaving it in her office, but he didn’t want to be too pushy regarding something so fragile as what was beginning between them. He thought about getting her roses, but that implied something really serious beginning.

It was for him – but he wasn’t sure about her.

She could be awfully prickly sometimes, and that was why he was waiting to see how things went between them. If she showed up and started biting his head off, then he didn’t want to be left standing there looking like some lovesick fool.

If she showed up for work and was the same person he saw last night, the same beautiful woman he enjoyed kissing, then he wanted her to have a little something special that made her think of him – and the cookies were Italian rainbow cookies. He loved those things when Vinny snuck him a few before a game and knew the cherry vanilla taste was divine.

Walking into the locker room to drop off his stuff – he hesitated. There was a small card in his locker. He quickly glanced over his shoulder to see if anyone noticed or was looking at him before opening it. He saw the feminine handwriting and swallowed as he read the simple note.

I had a nice time – thank you.

Molly

It wasn’t much. It sure wasn’t emotional or mushy, but it meant the world to him. She must have arrived early, slipped in here before some of the guys arrived, to stash it in his locker. The fact that she had done something so unexpected really moved him, and he couldn’t wait for the delivery to arrive now – he couldn’t wait to see her.

Pulling out his phone, he sent a simple text message.

Good morning.

Do you have any plans this weekend?

Gerry nearly giggled in excitement at seeing the three dots appear on his phone screen so quickly, realizing that she must have been waiting to see what he would say or do. He liked that she was excited about them, about starting some sort of relationship with him.

I don’t know – do I have plans?

Yup.

I guess we should talk.

Over dinner?

“Yo, Loverboy,” Coeur interrupted, throwing a towel at his head. “Are you suiting up today, or do you need a few moments alone?”

Gotta go – see ya soon!

Tossing his phone in his locker, Gerry yanked his skates out and turned to look at the guys who were watching him – all smiling.

Gloating.

“What?”

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