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We walked together to the bar and found a spot to squeeze in to wave down the bartender.

“Valencia said it’s your first year playing,” he said, leaning against the bar. “You played really well.”

“Yeah, first year and wondering if I’m supposed to be here,” I said truthfully. “But thanks.”

“Hockey isn’t easy, if it was, it would be easy to make it on a team, but it isn’t for everyone,” he said, as the bartender came to get our drinks.

We ordered sodas even though I would kill for a beer.

“How was Valencia when she was with you guys?” I asked, curious how she was before coming here.

“She was cool, friendly, always had her camera with her and a book,” he said. “She made taking pictures fun and always had good things to say to us. We liked having her as a part of the team.”

“Yeah, we like her too. She’s been awesome and the guys who have been around say she’s not like the other social media managers that came before her,” I said paying for our sodas.

“Yeah, just don’t cross that line,” he smirked.

“What line?” I knew what he was talking about, but I played stupid.

He narrowed his eyes on me. “You know the invisible line that we all shouldn’t cross with people who work for the team.”

“Never crossed my mind,” I said, getting warm again.

“Sure, it hasn't, just think of this as some friendly advice,” he said, grabbing his drink as we walked back to the group.

We spent the next hour playing pool and, surprisingly, Hunter was awful at the game. Valencia took one for the team and partnered up with him since no one else wanted to.

As much as I didn’t like the Bobcats getting cozy with Valencia, they were pretty cool. Their defensemen, Dominik was dating a romance author who Valencia was also obsessed with. The night felt like it ended too soon when Landon announced they needed to head back to the hotel. They had an early flight to catch, and it was probably better since we also had an early practice.

“It was so nice to see you guys.” Valencia gave them all a hug. “I can’t wait to see you again next year. Also, tell Lilly I can’t wait for her next book.”

“Will do, she’s on a deadline, but she’s really excited about this one,” Dominik said, looking like a proud boyfriend.

“I’m sure it’s going to be amazing. Bye, Dean,” she said, as I shook the other guy's hands and said good night.

“Tonight doesn’t have to end,” Cory said, instantly making me murderous.

Valencia laughed. “Yeah, it definitely does.”

“You don’t work for the team anymore,” he said, giving her a hug that lasted a little too long for my taste.

“Yeah, that’s not the only reason nothing happened between us,” she said, pulling away. “No thanks, Cory.”

He left his hand on her waist making me take a deep breath, so I didn’t do something stupid.

“Now, nothing is holding us back,” he said, leaning towards her.

“She said, no,” Hunter said, stepping forward glaring at Cory, getting in between them.

Goddammit, why was his murderous face sexy?

“Hey man, I was talking to her,” Cory snapped back, but looked a little nervous.

“And you didn’t understand that she said no,” Hunter growled, and I stepped forward just in case something happened.

They were roughly the same size, but the presence Hunter had made him feel bigger.

“I want to hear it from?—”

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