Page 12 of Huge Pucking Play

"Thanks, everyone," he says, his deep voice causing me to have flashbacks of our night together. "I'm thrilled to be here."

As Garrett speaks, his voice is deep and smooth, commanding the attention of the room. The slight rasp in his voice adds to his rugged charm, making him seem even more confident and alluring.

I can't move. Can't breathe. This can't be happening.

Coach Martinez's voice snaps me back. "Garrett Hughes is a retired NHL player, as most of you know. He actually played with the Vipers the year they won the Cup.”

Garrett smiles broadly, standing confidently looking at all of us.

“He’s an old buddy of mine and I dragged him out of retirement to come help me coach you hooligans," Coach Martinez continues.

“That’s not exactly true,” Garrett starts. “Coach didn’t have to drag me. I was bored out of my mind in retirement and happily said yes to moving to Chicago. I’m thrilled to be here and look forward to working with all of you.”

Garrett’s eyes land briefly on me as he says that and I quickly look away.

I swallow hard. I cannot believe this is happening.

Adam catches my eye and mouths, “Are you alright?”

I smile and nod, realizing that I must look as shocked as I feel right now. Adam is another physical therapist for the Blades, and we have become great friends since I started six months ago.

The meeting continues and Coach talks about upcoming events and other pressing issues but I barely hear anything he says. All I can think about is Garrett Hughes and our night together.

I sneak glances at him, but look away quickly, terrified that he’ll catch me.

Garrett stands tall, his broad chest filling out his dress shirt perfectly. His hair is neatly styled, giving him a distinguished look. His eyes are a chocolatey brown, and my heart beats faster thinking about looking deeply into them.

The memory of kissing Garrett floods my mind and I can almost taste his lips on mine. I remember the feel of his strong, muscular arms wrapped around me as he held me close.

I can’t help but look at him again and this time he’s looking right at me, but he quickly turns his head. There's no hint of our steamy night in Vegas. He's the picture of professionalism.

I dig my nails into my palms, willing my face to remain impassive. My mind races. Will he come talk to me after the meeting? And won’t everyone want to know why we know each other?

Coach Martinez claps Garrett on the back. "Hughes here is going to revolutionize our offensive strategy."

Garrett smiles, all business. "I've got some ideas I'm eager to implement."

The meeting continues, but I barely hear a word. I'm too busy trying to figure out what my next move is.

When the meeting ends, I hang back, half-hoping Garrett will approach me. He doesn't. He's deep in conversation with the other coaches, gesturing animatedly about something.

I slip out of the room, my head spinning. In the hallway, I lean against the wall, trying to calm my mind.

"You okay, Cyn?" Jake asks, passing by.

I force a smile. "Yeah, just...processing all the new information."

As I walk to my office, I can't help but wonder: Is Garrett pretending not to know me? Or was he just too busy getting to know the other coaches? What if he regrets our night together?

I close my office door, sinking into my chair. One thing's for sure: this season just got a whole lot more complicated.

Chapter 5

Garrett

With the meeting over and practice about to begin, I try to gather my thoughts.

I’m in absolute shock over seeing Cyn at the meeting. What are the odds, for Christ’s sake?

---