Page 91 of The Stud

And so is that fitted suit against his beautiful, rich, brown skin.

Truthskies?

He probably has one of the best glow games in the building.

“Hoss,” he warmly greets me upon his arrival.

“Novak,” I coo in the same tone.

“Heard you had a little hotel blunder.” His hands find their way into their black pants suit pockets. “Contacting usandcorporate was the right call.”

My eyebrows lift in question.

“Theirincompetence could’ve cost the entireFrostbrand their ties with the league, resulting in a significant profit loss considering they house contracts for a multitude of sporting events, and the mishandling of one often creates concern for the mishandling of others, which is why rather than further investigate whatwecould’ve done wrong on our end, they are not only taking full responsibility, they are footing the rest of the bill for our rooms – in all three leagues – for what’s left of the season – pre playoffs only, of course.”

“And that’s why you look like the rookie that just landed in his first pro snapper.”

Light laughs leave Novak alongside an appreciative nod. “That’s correct.”

“That’s quite a dub.”

“All becauseyoufollowed protocol.”

Huh.

This feels like fate chirping me.

“You two can go back now,” Wu informs on a flick of her dark hair away from her pale complexion.

“I am always right on time, aye,” Tanner cleverly interjects during his pass by. “I’m quite impressive.”

“Like the deodorant covering up your balls stench.”

Novak laughs again, shakes his head, and resumes his stroll for the elevators. “Thank God, HR cannot hear you two.”

Rather they hear us than see us.

Inside the GM’s office, we each prepare to sit in the chairs directly across from her desk when she swiftly shakes her head in denial. “This won’t take long.”

Firing rarely does.

“Coach and Cap have both been made aware that Peck isnotallowed to be anywherenearpracky until cleared by Med to do so. That illegal high stick – that the league hasnowfined McPherson for – resulted in a fucking minor jaw fracture that will have him out from four to six. I’m tellingyou,” she gestures to the man beside me, “because he babysits you, you babysit him.”

“I’ll hide his stick,” Tanner casually brushes off.

“I don’t even want him skating.”

“Even with a bowl?”

“Even with a fucking bowl, Frosky.”

“Got it.” He folds his arms across his practice sweater covered chest. “I’ll also give his Slayer my famous soup recipe while he’s on his high protein, liquid and soft food diet.”

“That’sactually helpful.”

I fight the urge to smile by chomping harshly down on the inside of my cheek.

“I also appreciate the shift in the media I’ve been seeing lately. ‘Uncle Frosty’ moments landso goodwith the family friendly crowds, the college bro groups,andthe ‘Wanna Be Aunty Frosty’ snipes sniffing around the league.”

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