Page 96 of Coach's Temptation

The spa's ambient music fades into the background as my mind drifts to Hunter's 'intensity' this past week. Every win brought out a different side of him - the poker-faced coach melting away behind closed doors.

Who knew playoff victories could turn Mr. Rules-and-Regulations into such an insatiable beast in the bedroom?

Not that I'm complaining.

Lucy snaps her fingers in front of my face. "Natalie! Your face is getting redder than Connor's playoff beard."

We all laugh, and I feel the stress practically floating from my shoulders.

"You know," Sophia leans forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "after the whole media circus with Blake's proposal, I think you two got lucky. Nobody even bats an eye anymore at staff dating players or coaches."

I take another sip of champagne, letting the bubbles tickle my tongue as I consider how much has changed. The rumors about Hunter and me have spread through Iron Ridge faster than a Ryder Scott highlight reel.

She's right.

We've still found ourselves ducking into empty offices or stealing kisses in the parking lot, but it's more out of habit than necessity now. The thrill of sneaking around has morphed into something different - something deeper.

"Though you might want to work on your poker face," Lucy teases, reaching for more champagne. "The way you stare at Hunter during practices? Not subtle at all, missy."

"Says the woman who practically drools every time Connor stretches," I shoot back, making her choke on her drink.

"At least Hunter's stopped pretending to read injury reports when he's actually watching you work," Sophia adds. "Blake caught him yesterday just standing in the doorway while you were treating Ryder's ankle."

I feel my cheeks heat up. "He was not-"

"Oh, he absolutely was!" Mia chimes in, her laugh way too loud. "Logan said Hunter didn't hear a single word of their power play discussion because you bent over to pick up your phone."

The girls dissolve into giggles, and I can't help joining in. It's true - we're not exactly the masters of discretion anymore.

But after watching Blake and Sophia navigate their public relationship, it's refreshing to know that Iron Ridge has bigger things to worry about than who's dating whom.

Like winning the Stanley Cup.

"Trust me," Lucy says, swirling her glass knowingly. "I haven't known Hunter long, but I've never seen him like this. Whatever magic you're working, keep doing it."

"I think the only magic he's responding to is the fact I keep his team on the ice," I reply, shaking my head. "He's obsessed with winning. That's all this is."

"Oh, sweetie," Sophia teases gently. "He's obsessed with more than just winning."

Lucy snickers, shooting me a mischievous glance. "Speaking of which, are you guys actuallylivingtogether? I hear you've barely been back to your apartment in Iron Ridge lately."

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I hide my smile behind another sip of champagne.

"Hunter is surprisingly thoughtful. He's an amazing cook, not to mention his house is-" I bring my fingers to my lips and give a big chefs kiss. "A-MAY-ZING!"

Lucy giggles. "But…"

I shrug. "I don't know. I like my apartment. I miss it."

"Well, hopefully you'll be back soon. In the meantime, here… from the boss." Sophia hands me an envelope stamped with the hotel's logo. "Hunter insisted we give you this but only once we were here."

My fingers tremble slightly as I open the thick cream envelope. The girls lean in, their faces eager as I pull out what looks like...

"Oh my god," Lucy squeals. "Those are the premium spa packages!"

Four glossy vouchers for full-body massages at the Four Seasons spa slide into my lap. Not just any massages… these arethe works.

Hot stones, aromatherapy, the whole nine yards.

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