Page 46 of The Pucking Player

“The fans are loving it,” she continues. “Hockey player falls for good girl pre-med student? It’s PR gold. The PEDs are yesterday’s news. We’d be idiots not to ride this wave.“

Coach’s face is doing this fascinating dance between purple rage and grudging consideration.

Jessica leans forward, “This is the best thing to happen to this team’s image since we won the Cup. We need to take full advantage.”

I’m nodding along, probably looking like one of those dashboard bobbleheads. Jessica catches my eye and winks. I swear, if it wouldn’t get me immediately murdered, I’d kiss her right now.

“Dad, come on. You know how the media loves to blow things out of proportion,” she cuts in.

“Right,” I manage, forcing a chuckle that I hope sounds casual. “Sophie and I had a good time at the gala, sure, but you know how the media is. They see two people laughing together, and suddenly it’s a whirlwind romance.”

Jessica jumps in smoothly, “And then, of course, the snowstorm hit. They had to stay overnight at that quaint little B&B.”

Coach’s face turns the color of a ripe tomato, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. Before he can explode, Jessica quickly adds, “In separate rooms, as we told you before. The owners were very accommodating.”

I nod vigorously, silently thanking Jessica for the save while praying Coach doesn’t ask for details about those “separate rooms.”

“It was all very proper,” I assure him, feeling like I’m trying to stickhandle through an entire opposing team. My heart’s pounding harder than a slapshot against the boards. “Just an unfortunate weather situation that the press is having a field day with.”

“Which is turning out to be in our favor, mind you,” Jessica interjects skillfully.

Coach eyes us both suspiciously, his gaze ping-pongingbetween Jessica and me like he’s watching a particularly intense hockey match, searching for any hint of deception. I hold my breath, waiting for the penalty call—or in this case, the potential career-ending eruption.

My mouth is dry like ash, but I force a casual shrug. I’ve never been so grateful for all those poker nights with the team.

Coach is quiet for a long moment, his jaw working as if he’s chewing on particularly tough words. Finally, he looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “Alright, O’Connor,” he growls, leaning across the desk. “I don’t like this one bit, but I understand it’s for the team. So here’s how this is going to work. You and Sophie can play nice for the cameras. Smile, wave, whatever Jessica says you need to do. But outside of that?” He jabs a finger in my direction. “You keep your distance. No private meetings, no late-night phone calls, nothing that isn’t strictly PR-related. And if I catch even a whisper of anything inappropriate, you’ll be running suicides until your grandkids feel it. Are we clear?”

I nod vigorously, not trusting myself to speak. Except, of course, for the fact that I’m pretty sure I’m already head over heels for his daughter. But hey, what Coach doesn’t know won’t land me on permanent towel-boy duty, right?

He grunts, which I choose to interpret as the end of this conversation. “Now get out of here. Both of you. I need a stiff drink.”

As soon as we’re out of Coach’s office, Jessica grabs my arm and steers me into an empty conference room. She shuts the door and turns to face me, her expression morphing from PR professional to protective big sister in a heartbeat.

“Alright, O’Connor, listen up,” she says, her voice lowand intense. “I’m helping you out here because I know Sophie has a thing for you. And I wantherto be happy.”

I open my mouth to speak, but she holds up a hand, silencing me.

“I’m not finished. If you so much asthinkabout hurting her, if you evenglancein another woman’s direction, I will personally ensure that your hockey career becomes a distant memory. You’ll be lucky if you can get a job sharpening skates at the local rink.”

I can’t help but grin, equal parts impressed and intimidated. “Crystal clear, Jess. You know, you’re kind of terrifying when you’re in protective mode.”

Jessica narrows her eyes. “I’m serious, Liam. Sophie’s not just another conquest. She’s my sister.”

“I know,” I say, my amusement fading into sincerity. “Believe me, I wouldn’t do anything to mess it up.”

Jessica studies me for a moment, then nods. “Good. Because if you do, they’ll never find your body.”

I let out a low whistle. “Remind me never to get on your bad side. You’ve got this whole Mafia-girl-boss vibe going on.”

She smirks, some of the intensity leaving her expression. “Well, someone’s got to keep you hockey boys in line. Might as well be me.”

We exit the conference room, and just then, Finn rounds the corner, his confident stride faltering only slightly when he spots Jessica. His eyes light up, a mix of surprise and something more intense.

“Jessica,” he says, his voice low and warm. “Always lights up my day to see you.”

Jessica’s demeanor shifts, almost imperceptibly. “Finn. I’m just wrapping up some PR business with Captain here.”

Finn nods, his gaze steady on Jessica. “Lucky O’Connor,”he says with a smirk. “Any chance I could steal you away for a coffee later? To discuss...team morale?”

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