Page 24 of The Pucking Player

Note to self: Never, ever try to outmaneuver Jessica Novak. The woman is scary good.

“Look,” I chime in, unable to keep quiet any longer. “I’llbe a perfect gentleman. Scout’s honor.” I hold up three fingers, giving Coach my best ‘trust me’ smile.

He narrows his eyes at me. “That’s what I’m afraid of, O’Connor.”

Rothschild, who’s been quiet for a while, finally speaks up. “I like it. The star player and the future doctor, supporting a good cause. It’s a story people will root for. No one will remember the PEDs.”

“That’s the idea.” Jessica smirks and leans back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest triumphantly.

Coach sighs, looking defeated. “Sophie has to agree to this. And you,” he points at me, “hands to yourself, got it?”

I nod, trying to look solemn while doing internal fist pumps. “Absolutely, Coach.”

I bite back a grin. Things just have a way of working out. Now I’ve got a chance to spend an entire evening with Sophie Novak, looking like a hero while I’m at it.

Sure, I barely know her beyond the fact that she’s gorgeous and apparently smart as hell. But hey, that’s what the gala is for, right? Getting to know each other all in the name of a good cause and good PR.

I love it when the universe is on my side.

Rothschild nods, looking pleased. “Excellent. Jessica, you’ll arrange this with Sophie?”

“Of course,” Jessica agrees, a glint of triumph in her eye.

As the meeting wraps up, we all stand to leave. I’m already halfway to the door, my mind wandering to thoughts of Sophie in a stunning evening gown, when Jessica catches my arm. She leans in close, her voice low and deadly serious.

“Listen up, O’Connor,” she hisses, her grip tightening. “You hurt her, and I’ll make sure your body is never found. Got it?”

I nod, and Jessica’s stern expression melts into a sweet smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Great! Looking forward to working with you on this.”

She saunters out of the office, leaving me slightly shell-shocked. I shake it off and turn to follow, but Coach’s voice stops me in my tracks.

“O’Connor. A word.”

I freeze, my hand on the doorknob. So close to freedom, and yet so far. Slowly, I turn back to face Coach’s icy glare, wondering if it’s too late to put in for that trade.

I turn back slowly. “Sure thing, Coach.”

“Close the door and sit down,” he growls.

As I settle back into the chair, Coach leans forward, his hands flat on his desk. The look in his eyes could freeze hell over. Twice.

“Now you listen to me, and you listen good,” he starts, his voice low and menacing. “That’s my baby girl you’re going to be escorting. If I hear so much as a whisper that you’ve stepped out of line, if you so much asthinkabout treating her like one of your puck bunnies, I’ll make your life a living hell. Are we clear?”

I swallow hard, feeling sweat prickle at the back of my neck. “Crystal clear.”

I stand up to leave, itching to escape his office. But Coach’s voice stops me.

“I’m not finished,” he growls. “You might be our star player, O’Connor, but don’t think for a second that makes you untouchable. I’ve benched better players than you for less. One wrong move with Sophie, and you’ll be watching games from the stands. Got it?”

My mouth is suddenly dry. “Yes, Coach. I understand.”

“Good,” Coach leans back, his eyes steel. “Now get out of my face.”

I head for the door on slightly shaky legs. As I reach for the handle, his voice stops me one last time.

“And Liam?”

“Yes, Coach?”

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