Page 45 of Crossing Lines

Late Friday afternoon,we’d all filed into our hotel rooms and unpacked, mentally preparing for the game tonight against RMU. I sat on my bed, watching Archer unzip his duffel. I was already itching to go find someplace private to be with Ryan. This was hell, knowing he was here with me, in another city and unable to spend time together. “You almost ready to go down for the team meeting?”

“Yeah.” He rummaged through his bag, resting on his bed, then straightened and turned around with a smile. “Let’s go.”

“Yep.” I hopped off the bed, then followed him down the hallway and to the elevator. A few of the other guys were goofing around, waiting for it, and we all went down together.

As we piled out of the elevator, Coach Finley stood on the side of it. “Hey, Boehm. Can you come with me a moment?”

“Yeah, sure.” With a glance at Archer, I strolled next to him,my heart pattering. Had he found out about me and Ryan somehow? “Where are we going?”

With a smirk, he said, “I have someone for you to meet. He’s a scout for the Maple Leafs.” He led me into a small room off the hallway.

I swallowed hard. Holy shit. I braced myself as I walked into the room, my heart pounding even harder. I was going to have to play my best game tonight.

A man in a beige suit with short brown hair stood up from a dark wooden conference table and held his hand out to me. “Jonah Boehm? Hello, I’m Frank Shannon with the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

“Hi, uh, pleased to meet you.” I gave him a firm shake, then released him, blinking. Was this really happening?

“Please, have a seat.” He waved at the table, then sat in his seat.

“Come on.” Coach tagged my arm, and we rounded the table, then took chairs opposite him.

I laid my forearms across the table and twined my fingers together. All the other years, I’d been working hard to get my game down before subjecting myself to this. But this was my last year. I’d known this might be coming. Hell, last September, I’d been planning for it.

Mr. Shannon tapped some keys on a laptop, then flicked his gaze to mine. “So, obviously, I’m here because we’re interested in you.” He leaned back in his chair, his one arm sprawled beside his laptop. “You think you’re ready for a development camp this summer?”

“You mean with the Leafs?” My mouth went dry.Of course with the fucking Leafs, Jonah.

“Yes.” With a soft chuckle, he lifted his forearm and cupped his chin, peering at me. “My question is, do you think you’re ready?”

“I do. I’ve been working hard the last four years, and I thinkmy stats say it all.” I straightened my spine and puffed out my chest. I’d worked damn hard.

“Good, well, I’ll be watching tonight to see if you’re a good fit.” He dropped his arm and sat up in his chair, smirking at me. “I find when I tell a prospect before a game that they’re being watched, it gives me a good understanding of how they perform under pressure.” He lifted a brow.

“Oh.” I breathed in deeply, my body tingling with nerves. I’d have to pretend tonight was just another game and not let this get under my skin.

He typed on his laptop, then focused on me. “How do you feel about moving to Canada?”

Popping my eyes open, I said, “Fine. Canada’s a great place. I almost grew up there.” I curled the edges of my lips. “You know, Minnesota, it’s on the border.” I cringed inside. That was a stupid thing to say.

He chuckled. “Yeah, I’m from there as well. Played for U of M.” He tapped the keys on his computer again.

“You did? My brother’s going there now. He doesn’t play hockey, though.” Jesus, fuck, I couldn’t keep my damn mouth shut. I glanced at Coach.Help me out here…

Coach shifted in his seat. “I’m sure Boehm would be happy to have the opportunity to try out at the Maple Leafs’ camp this summer. Like I’ve already said, he’s been an integral part of our team over the last four years, and I think he’s ready for the next step in his career.”

I stared at Coach. Holy shit, I’d had no idea he thought that well of me. Okay, with all the ice time he’d been giving me, maybe I did have a clue.

Darting his gaze to mine from his laptop screen, Mr. Shannon asked, “Do you have any questions for me?” He leaned back in his seat.

My mind went blank. I should have some good questions to ask, but fuck if I could think of anything. I knew how thesethings went, so I didn’t need to know the logistics or timing. “I-I don’t.”

“Okay, well, it was good to meet you, and I’m looking forward to watching some great hockey tonight.” He stood.

“Thanks, I’ll be playing some great hockey.” With a deep breath, I glanced at Coach, who motioned to me, then stood and strolled around the table. “Thanks for the opportunity.” I shook his hand.

“You’re welcome.” He up-nodded at Coach, then they shook hands. “I’ll be in touch.”

“Sure.” Coach walked with me out of the room. “Good job, Boehm.” He patted me on the back.

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