Page 32 of One Last Puck

“I had to talk to you,” he said, catching his breath as he approached. “I’ve been um... reaching out.”

“Jax, you’re going to get fired. This is crazy.” I looked around at the small crowd forming around us in the hallway.

“I don’t care. I need you to hear me out.”

The crowd around us was growing as fans began to notice. Whispers floated through the air, and cameras were rolling. I felt my face heat up. Embarrassment washed over me. So much for not having a scandal launch my career.

“Jax, people are starting to gather.”

“Go on a date with me.” Desperation was etched across his face.

“Jax, you need to go back to the game.”

“I’ll go back if you agree to the date.”

I looked back at my mom, who was grinning as if he had asked her.

“Jax—”

“Just one date. Hear me out. Give me a chance to earn your forgiveness and gain your trust.”

“Say yes,” a fan called out from the crowd, and light chants ofsayyesstarted echoing through the walls.

I stared at Jax. The least I could do was hear him out. If not for anything else, for closure.

“Okay,” I muttered, still unsure if I should agree.

He grinned, and relief flooded his features.

“Okay?” His eyebrows raised in surprise that I had agreed.

“Yes.” I nodded my head. Before I could backtrack, he hugged me as a soft round of applause erupted around us.

“Um, okay. We can go after the game. I’m having my people take you to my suite.” He turned and made his way back to the ice.

“What just happened?” I looked at my mom.

“That man just came and got you.” She nodded in approval. “Watch the game day blog onThe Porter Report!” my mom yelled to the crowd, passing out my cards as if I needed any more embarrassment.

“Ms. Porter?”

A staff member approached me, tapping me on the shoulder. “Follow me,” he said, then he led us down a long hall and up an elevator to what I assumed was Jax’s private section.

“Uh huh, honey. He came and got her and put her up in his section.”

My mom was bragging on the phone to who I guessed was my dad. I shook my head as we entered the suite. My heartbeat quickened at the sight of an older woman and man. I assume they were his parents.

“Hi! I’m Lafayette.” I waved awkwardly.

“I think we know why he left the game now,” the man I figured was his father said.

His mom’s mouth fell open, and a bright, welcoming smile crossed her face.

“You’re the infamous Lafayette. My son has been talking about you daily,” she teased. “I’m Margo, and this is my husband, Jason. Welcome! Welcome! Come on in!” She pulled me into a hug.

“I hope you’re here to talk to that son of mine so he can stay away from my house crying.” Her lightheartedness helped ease some of my tension.

“Umm, I’ll try,” I said. “This is my mother, Willow.”

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