Page 93 of Playoff

“I imagine loving an athlete isn’t easy, and then add to that the fact that you own the team…you must be stressed to the max.”

“Don’t forget about pregnancy hormones,” she says, chuckling.

“I don’t know anything about that,” I say, “but I can’t imagine.”

“Honestly, it’s not that stressful anymore,” she admits quietly. “The stress was leading into the playoffs. I wanted so badly for us to make it, so that the hockey world would sit up and take notice for once. I’m the only female owner in the league, and it’s hard to get any respect. The fact that we made the playoffs will go a long way toward how they treat me in the future.”

“I’m glad for that,” I say sincerely. “You—and the team—truly deserve it. They played hard all season. Whatever happens from here on out, they have a lot to be proud of.”

“I think so too.” She smiles. “Of course, I won’t be sad if they win the whole damn thing.”

“Me either.”

“Okay, this is the place.” She pulls into a parking lot for a place I’ve never noticed before, just ten minutes from the arena.

I really need to get out more.

I see Bristol and Autumn walking into the building and we go in behind them.

I recognize a couple of the WAGs—Bailey Walker, who’s Jensen’s fiancée, and Cheyenne, Ivan’s fiancée—but they’re talking to a few ladies I don’t know.

“Hi!” Bailey waves and everyone is introduced.

Holy shit, I don’t know what I’m doing here.

Cheyenne is literally the top supermodel in the world.

Bailey is a famous actress and screenwriter.

Autumn Nicholls is Harper’s assistant and also engaged to Coach Vanek.

I’ve never met her before, but I recognize Sage Reynolds from her role on a popular Prime Time television show.

And Stevie Marchand is another well-known supermodel whom I’ve never met but you’d have to be living under a rock not to recognize her.

“Okay, we’re splitting into two groups,” Harper says. “Half of us will get massages first, while the other half get facials. Then we’ll switch. Once that’s over, we’ll meet in the mud room where they’ll do whatever they’re going to do.”

We head for the dressing room where we can change into the robe and slippers the spa provides and lock up our things.

“I’ve never been here before,” Autumn says as our half of the group heads toward the waiting room. It’s filled with comfy chairs, low lights, and soft music. Exactly what I need after the last couple of weeks.

“Oh, this is nice.” I sink into one of the chairs and it’s like relaxing into a cloud.

“I’m definitely coming back,” Stevie murmurs.

“Damn, I don’t even need a massage,” Autumn says, sighing. “I could just sit right here and not move.”

“How are wedding plans coming?” Bailey asks her.

“Ugh.” Autumn groans. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Oh, no… are things not going well?” Stevie asks.

“It’s not that.” She sighs heavily. “It’s just that I work full-time for Harper, Henrik is gone all the time, and even when he’s home, he’s either engaged with the boys or on his laptop. So he’s no help at all. And of course, with Henrik so busy with the playoffs, most of the day-to-day care of the boys falls to me.”

“Are these Henrik’s sons?” I ask. I’ve met them but they don’t come to many games.

“Yes, from his first marriage. His ex-wife passed away, so we have full custody. And don’t get me wrong—I adore them. Truly, I love being their new mom. But it doesn’t leave a lot of time for wedding stuff. We opted not to get a wedding planner, and I’m regretting that decision.”

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