Page 10 of The Game

“You’re going to work one on one with Hail. We’ve all been cocky stars of one team or another. It’ll be good for both of you to work together.”

“You can’t make me do that. I can’t handle it. Neither of us will make it through the year.”

“I can and I’m going to. I’m your captain. You’re going to put in some one-on-one practice time with Hail, and I’m going to consider him your personal responsibility. Help him get his head on straight and hopefully yours as well. Neither of you will be any use to a pro team in the shape you’re in now. You’re nothing without your team.”

Fuck. I nod. Looks like I’m not getting a choice in this at all. “Yes, captain.”

“Good. I’ll arrange some extra ice time for you, and maybe you can hang out a bit off the ice with him, too. I know you’re a good guy despite today’s display. You got this.”

Not sure I believe a word of what he’s saying, but I guess I’ve brought this on myself. I shake the hand he’s holding out for me, wincing at the stab of pain in my wrist. Definitely going to need to ice that when I get home.

“We done here?” I’m glancing over his shoulder, eager to take my shower and get the hell out of here. I’ve had more than enough of this session.

He sighs. “Yes. We’re done.”

I’ve got my gear off and am padding across the cool, tiled floor when he calls after my back. “What you really need is a girlfriend. That would keep her off your back.”

I shake my head, stepping into the shower. Yeah, right. That’s all I need. One more complication.

Chapter 5

Top Shelf Friendship

Jazz

“I brought coffee.” Ican’t help singing the words as I step through the swinging back door into one of my favorite places. Nothing compares to the gorgeous smell of ink on pages paired with rich roasted coffee. The touch of sweetness from the hazelnut puts it over the top, and my shoulders loosen when I spot my best friend.

“You are perfection.” Jordan greets me with a smile. Mounds of curly red hair are swept on top of her head in a wobbly bun, and there’s a set of cute gold glasses perched on the tip of her nose.

My eyes narrow in confusion. “You don’t wear glasses.”

Her lips twitch, and she sweeps them off her face. “Oops. Aspen swept into town for a very brief visit, and I was playing the sexy librarian.”

“TMI, Jordan. I really don’t need to hear about your sex life. Especially not with how mine is going.” Still, I’m not going to deny her caffeine. That would be cruel and unusual punishment.

“Pass me that box by the window.”

I scan the room, stepping around the maze of brown boxes to reach the only window in the overflowing stock room. There are way too many tripping hazards for my precarious balance. She’s been absolutely killing it selling these special editions online. I aspire to success like she’s been achieving this year.

“This one?”

Her emerald eyes flick up under light lashes. “No, no. The one on the left.”

Got it. My fingers slide under the bottom of the box. It protests as hard as my back when I sink into my knees to lift the freaking thing.

“I hope this box isn’t full of severed body parts. I’m too young to be an accessory.”

“No way. What a waste of precious space.” She tears the top flaps of the box open with a flourish. “Books!” She picks up a gorgeous hardcover with a rose gold dust cover and glittery gold writing on it. The edges are sprayed a deeper pink color with a delicate floral pattern. It’s a work of art.

She passes me a stack of shipping labels, some bubble wrap, and cute turquoise mailers with the new Top Shelf logo imprinted on them.

“Those are all single copies. If you can get them packed up, I’ll forever be in your debt.”

“I’m sure you could just pay me the fifty bucks you promised, and we’ll be good.” I wink at her. “But if you want to declare a life debt to me as well, I won’t say no.”

I’m working on my third package, wrapping the bubble wrap around the precious cargo when she breaks our companionable silence.

“About that love life of yours.”

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