Page 124 of Waiting Game

Over the course of the night, my gaze tracks him, seeming to know when he jumps onto the ice, and I even do a happy dance when he scores two goals.

From the byplay with the team, I can tell he’s liked. Not that I didn’t already ‘know' that. He’s got a cheerful nature, but even I see how he’s a team player.

If anyone gets in his teammates’ faces, he’s there, backing them up. He’s the first to approach a goal-scorer and celebrate their win, (according to Jarvis) doesn’t hog the puck, and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body on the ice.

I like that part the least.

Despite that, his inherent cheerfulness is contagious—I find I have a smile on my face for most of the shift.

That’s what makes it suck harder when, quite by chance, I look up after I’ve served two guys a couple beers and I notice Gracie standing behind the team bench.

She’s got her arms folded across her chest, eyes narrowed on the ice as she watches the men play.

“Shit’s changing since she came on board,” Jarvis informs me as he cleans the same spot on the bar that he’s been scrubbing for five minutes—the patina’s gonna wear if he doesn’t move soon.

“Yeah?” I ask warily, though something in my heart soars at hearing how his tone turns respectful—Gracie deserves that. She’s the best kind of people.

“She’s making tidal waves. The first female GM in the NHL’s going to bring us home the Holy Grail.”

“Does the GM have that much input?”

“Well, she does stuff differently. GMs don’t normally stand there, for example. She’s got the coach by the balls and is trying to put pressure on him.” Cackling, he motions at the screen. “Look how he glowers at her. There was a report of her yelling at him in front of the press. If he doesn’t shape up, he knows he’s out on his ass.

“Last season, we had a massive problem with our defense?—”

“How do you know all this stuff, Jarvis? I didn’t even know you liked hockey, and why are you working in a baseball bar if this is your sport?”

“Because, one, I got bills to pay and, two, the hockey bars around here suck ass. Why do you think I suggested you turn this place into one? Plus, you’re a great boss so you make up for the boring sport that is baseball.”

“Say that any louder and you’ll get punched by our regulars,” I tease, amused when he peeks over his shoulder to make sure he’s in the clear. “How come it’s against the law for me to know nothing about hockey when we’re a hockey bar but it’s okay for you to diss the sport when you work in a baseball bar?”

He winks. “I conned Chuck into thinking I liked it. I know the rules. Can’t help it in my family,” he grouses. “But hockey’s what makes my heart sing.”

Though I shake my head, I smile at him. “So what was wrong with last season’s defense?”

As I get a lecture on shoot-outs and overtime and all other kinds of crap I didn’t think I’d need to know, my attention is split three ways—the bar, Gracie, and Cole.

That’s when I see Cole bump fists with her as he sits on the bench. Tipping off his helmet, he drags her in for a hug.

The sight is like a punch to the solar plexus.

That’s not a working relationship.

Theyknoweach other.

Well.

Shit.

CHAPTER 24

COLE

A man knowshe’s in over his head when he turns down a party with his buddies and, instead, says ‘yes’ to his girl when she asks him to come over.

I accepted her invitation so fucking fast that it’s a miracle I didn’t break my thumb as I texted Mia my response.

“Who you turning us down for?”

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