Page 3 of Icy Pucking Play

Finally, she looks up, her piercing hazel eyes meeting mine. "Sophie, do you know why I called you in here today?"

"I...I think so. It's about the mistake in yesterday's article, isn't it? I'm so sorry, Lexi. It was a stupid error, and I promise it won't happen again. I'll double-check, triple-check everything from now on. I'll—"

Lexi holds up a hand, cutting off my rambling apology. "Yes, the mix-up was unfortunate. But that's not why I called you in."

I blink. "It's...not?"

A small smile curls one corner of Lexi's lips. "No, it's not. Though I appreciate your willingness to take responsibility. That's actually part of why I wanted to talk to you."

Now I'm completely lost. I stay silent, waiting for her to continue.

Lexi leans back in her chair, studying me. "Sophie, you've been with us for what, three months now?"

"Three months, two weeks, and three days." My heart thumps. Why would I tell her the exact time? Geez, I should have added the hours and minutes in, too, just to make her think I’m a complete geek.

She nods, obviously trying to keep the smile off her face. "In that time, you've shown a lot of potential. You're hardworking, eager to learn, and you don't shy away from challenges. Yes, you made a mistake yesterday, but you also caught it yourself and alerted the team immediately. That kind of integrity is important in this business."

I feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe I'm not getting fired after all.

"That's why," Lexi continues, "I'm offering you a chance at something big. Something that could really launch your career if you handle it well."

My heart, which had just started to slow down, kicks into overdrive again. "What...what kind of chance are you talking about?"

Lexi leans forward, her eyes gleaming. "How would you like to shadow Ryland Daniels for the next few months?"

Ryland Daniels. The Blades new recruit. And Evan Daniel’s nephew. Just my luck…why couldn’t it be a different new recruit?

"Evan Daniels's nephew, right?" I try to keep the disappointment from my voice.

"The very same." Lexi's smile widens. "He's the talk of the upcoming prospect development camp. Everyone knows he's got the talent, but no one's gotten close enough to really tell his story. The nephew of the infamous Ice Man, trying to make his own mark on the sport? That's gold, Sophie."

Evan Daniels. The infamous Ice Man. At thirty-five years old, he’s still one of the most effective players in the league. And, in my opinion, certainly one of the hottest.

My mind flashes back to those piercing blue eyes locked on mine this morning and…something else…and my cheeks heat. "I...um...are you sure I'm the right person for this?"

"Actually, yes. You've already got a relationship with the team from your previous internship, and more importantly, you've got something most reporters don't—genuine enthusiasm for the sport. Plus," she adds with a knowing look, "I hear Evan Daniels actually speaks to you occasionally, which is more than most media people can say."

Oh, if she only knew about our latest interaction.

"But," Lexi continues, her expression growing serious, "this is a big responsibility. You'll need to be competent, thorough, and most importantly, respectful of boundaries. The Daniels family is notoriously private, especially Evan. One wrong move and they'll shut us out completely. Do you think you can handle that?"

Can I handle spending the next few months in close proximity to the man I'd just walked in on in the bathroom? The same man I've had an embarrassing crush on since my first day with the Blades?

The grumpy, gorgeous goalie who probably now thinks I'm some kind of restroom-stalking weirdo?

"I..." I swallow hard, straighten my spine, and make a decision that will either launch my career or destroy it completely. "Yes. Yes, I can handle it. Thank you for the amazing opportunity. I won’t let you down."

As I make my way back to my desk, my mind races with conflicting emotions. On one hand, I'm ecstatic about this opportunity. Shadowing Ryland Daniels could be my big break, the chance to prove myself as a serious sports journalist. On the other hand, the prospect of being in close proximity to Evan Daniels for the next few months makes my stomach do backflips.

I sink into my chair, absentmindedly shuffling the mountain of papers on my desk as I let my thoughts wander. Evan Daniels. The Ice Man. Six foot three inches of pure, chiseled perfection. Those piercing blue eyes that seem to look right through you. His strong, square jaw which is often covered in just the right amount of stubble. And don't even get me started on his hands. Those big, capable goalie hands that can snatch pucks out of the air like magic...

I shake my head, trying to clear away the inappropriate thoughts. This is exactly why I need to stay professional. I can't let my ridiculous crush interfere with this assignment. But it's hard not to think about Evan when memories of our past interactions keep flooding back.

Like the time I first interviewed him after a game. I was so nervous, my hands shaking as I held up the microphone. He'd just shut out the opposing team, making an impossible save in the final seconds. His hair was damp with sweat, his cheeks flushed from exertion. When he smiled at me—actually smiled!—I completely forgot my questions and stood there gaping like an idiot.

I vow to myself that I will not look like an idiot in front of him again. Ever.

Chapter 2

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