Page 50 of Playmaker

A small smile. “Tax attorneys are a necessary evil. We’re often overlooked.”

“I’ll look for you next time.”

“Mr. Anderson will be so pleased to hear that. But we have only a limited time here— Do you know Mr. Cooper and Mr. Royston?”

His eyes were on her face now. “Everyone knows them. They’re on the Blaze.”

“But they aren’t here to play hockey today.”

“They could do some improving on the hockey front.”

Her brows rose. “Oh, you’re a coach as well?”

“No, but I know the sport. Better than most.”

“I’m sure they appreciate the insight. But that’s their job, and I know they’ve spent most of the day working out and practicing—I think they need some time off. Just like I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to start talking to you about your tax issues here, would you?”

He definitely wasn’t looking at her bust now. “Are you threatening to talk about private business matters?”

Her eyes went round. “Oh, no. I just assumed you were here to get a break from work, like these men.”

By this point, Petrov was standing beside the man, arms crossed. He was frowning. Petrov wasn’t our biggest guy, but he was tall enough and solid, and could look scary.

I could see the battle going through Asshole’s mind. If things went south got physical, it would look bad for us. But with Callie between him and the team, it would look worse for him, taking on a young woman.

“Of course,” he said. “My friends are waiting for me.”

“Sure you wouldn’t like a photo?” I smiled broadly.

“No. I’ll leave you to it.”

We watched him walk away.

“He is asshole,” Petrov stated.

“Yeah, but we don’t need to look like we are. Not with cameras around.”

“Did you guys miss that shot I just made?” Ducky hadn’t realized what was going on, but he stepped over now.

“No—let’s see you do it again?”

“Okay. I think I figured out what I’m doing wrong.”

The guys got back to their game. I put a hand on Callie’s arm, to stop her for a moment.

“You’re not going to get in trouble at work over this, are you?” I appreciated that she’d stepped in. But I didn’t want her to risk her career. This whole golfing setup was to try to advance her path, not derail it.

“He doesn’t know my name. And I was in one meeting with him, but it was a couple of years ago. I don’t work on his file.”

“Thanks.”

Dealing with fans was part of the job. So was taking care of my teammates. Taking care of Callie? Not in my job description, but I was doing it anyway.

* * *

Callie

What the hellhad I been thinking? Every time an email notification popped up, I dreaded a question about why I’d been interacting with Mr. Duffy at a driving range.

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