Page 18 of Snowed In With the PUCK

Jason, who’s been quiet until now, clears his throat. “It’s more than that, Jessica. We need you to keep an eye on Eric. There’s a lot riding on his performance with the Avalanche, and as you know, he’s only here on a temporary trade. The team needs to know if he’s committed to staying long term.”

I stare at him, my mind racing. “You want me to fake date him…andspy on him?”

“Think of it as keeping tabs,” Jason says, shrugging as if it’s no big deal. “We need to know if he’s serious about being part of this team or if he’s already got one foot out the door.”

I glance at Kip, who’s watching me with those sharp, calculating eyes. “This isn’t just about you and Eric. Think of it as an expansion of your job, Jessica. The team’s reputation is at stake, and so is your career. If the media is going to believe you two are involved, then it’ll work in the team’s favor as long as we stage some photo ops and make it seem like he’s an upstanding guy. Fans love a good romance, especially around the holidays.”

I can feel my throat tightening. This is insane. They actually do want me to fake a relationship with Eric and spy on him at the same time! I think back to the day in the suite where this whole mess started, how easy it was to be around him, but this demand of theirs is going to complicate everything between us.

Before I can respond, the door opens, and Eric walks in, his expression unreadable.

I look away, feeling guilty even though I haven’t once spied on him. Just knowing that I’m expected to makes me feel dirty.

He looks between me and the others, clearly sensing the tension in the room.

“What’s going on?” he asks, ever the leader standing tall in the face of the unknown.

Kip gestures to the chair next to me. “Have a seat, Eric. We’ve got a situation to discuss.”

Eric sits down, glancing at me for a moment before turning his attention to Kip. “What situation?”

Allison jumps in, clearly eager to get the plan rolling. “Photos of you and Jessica from before the game last night went viral. The media thinks you’re a couple, and we need to control the narrative before it gets out of hand.”

Eric frowns, his gaze flicking to me. “A couple?”

I whisper, “You didn’t get the news alerts half an hour ago?”

He shakes his head. “Phone was in the locker. I was already on the ice for practice.”

Allison pulls up the articles on her laptop and turns it to face Eric. He whistles and shakes his head.

Jason steps in, clasping his hands on the table. “We’re asking you to go along with it. Pretend you and Jessica are in a relationship, at least for the time being. It’ll help with the media attention, and it’ll be good for the team’s image.”

Eric leans back in his chair, looking incredulous, like he doesn’t know whether to laugh or punch someone. “You want us tofakea relationship? You know that is crazy, right?”

“Yes, we do,” Kip says firmly. “It’s crazy, and it’s the best option we have right now. We can’t afford any negative press—correction,youcan’t afford any more negative press. And this situation gives us an opportunity to turn things around in a positive direction.”

Eric lets out a long breath, his jaw tight as he processes what they’re asking. His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I can see the frustration and uncertainty he’s feeling. This isn’t what either of us signed up for. But then something shifts in his expression—something softer, more resigned.

“I can’t catch a break on the ice or off, can I?” He shakes his head again. “Look, if we do this…” he begins, looking at Kip, “what’s the endgame? How long are we supposed to keep this up?” He looks at me. “Are you even okay with this?”

Allison steps forward, ready with answers. “Let’s stay calm here. We’re hoping to ride the wave through the rest of the year. Not too long. It’s good publicity for now, especially with the charity work the team is doing around the holidays. You’ll attend eventstogether, be seen in public as a couple. Once the buzz dies down, we’ll reevaluate.”

I feel like I’m drowning in silence in a room full of opinions. There’s no way this won’t get messy, but I can see that Eric’s already leaning toward agreeing. Maybe it’s because he feels like he doesn’t have a choice, or maybe it’s because he’s starting to care about how all of this affects his career. It could be PTSD from the fallout in Nashville. I can’t tell.

He looks over at me, his eyes searching mine. “Jessica?”

My mouth goes dry. All eyes in the room land on me. I have to swallow before I speak. “I… I’m not sure this is a good idea.” I know they threatened my career earlier, but I won't be bullied.

Kip interrupts before I can continue. “Okay, okay, let’s think this through. I know it’s not ideal, but sometimes in this business, you have to play the game. This is one of those times. You both need to do what’s best for the team. For your image.”

I glance at Jason, hoping for some kind of lifeline, but he just nods. “Look at it as part of your job, Jessica. Eric, too. You each have a lot to lose here.”

There it is again. Another threat to my career. I gulp.

The words sting, but I can see the writing on the wall: there’s no getting out of this. If I refuse, it’ll reflect poorly on me professionally. And if Eric refuses… well, I don’t even know what would happen then.

Eric’s eyes meet mine again, and there’s a heavy silence between us. Finally, he sighs, rubbing his temples like he’s trying to fend off a headache. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

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