Page 107 of Over the Moon

Weston laughed, completely missing the tension between us, which I was happy about. I needed to keep my feelings about this dude in check. He was technically my boss, as well as Eloise’s boss.

It was possible that this was a one-way irritation and that he didn’t have a fucking clue that he was rubbing me wrong, because he didn’t know Eloise and I were together.

“Let’s just keep our heads down and keep working,” Randall said. “You best bring you’re A game out on the ice today, boys.”

“Stick Season,” by Noah Kahan began playing, and Weston and I started belting out the lyrics, while the rest of the guys pretended they didn’t want to join in.

“You two better hope you bring your hockey moves out on the ice today and not your dance moves,” Pete “Lefty” Levine said over his laughter. His nickname came from playing left wing, and the dude was a badass as well as being our team captain.

Randall and Coach turned their attention to the new rookies as I wiped my face with a towel.

“Don’t you worry about our moves. We’ll be just fine,” I said as I waggled my brows.

“What’s the deal with Randall being such a dick all the time?” Wizz said, keeping his voice low.

“I don’t think he likes that Coach’s daughter is more qualified than him,” Weston said, tipping his head back and sucking down some water. “He’s been making some backhanded comments about her when Coach isn’t around.”

“Like what?” I asked, my voice coming out harsher than I meant it to.

“Yeah, I’ve heard it, too. He said she only got the gig because of her father.” Lefty leaned in, voice low. “He definitely feels threatened by her.”

“Well, it’s not Randall’s job to tell us to bring our A game. We always bring our fucking A game. And he’s being an insecurelittle pussy griping about Eloise coming on board. Looks like she’s worked wonders on Chadwick,” Wizz said.

“Agreed. If Coach wants to ride our ass, that’s his job. But Randall has been out of control lately. You’re lucky you were back in Rosewood River these last few months because he’s been more of an asshole than usual lately,” Weston said. He and I talked every couple of days, so he’d been filling me in about Randall while I was gone. I just hadn’t realized how bad it was.

My blood was boiling that he was talking shit about Eloise behind her back. It was completely unprofessional and disrespectful. Coach Gable would have his ass if he found out about it.

“All right, let’s take a break, grab some food, and then meet on the ice at 1:00 p.m. Talia ordered lunch, and it’s ready for you in the team room,” Coach Gable said, referring to Randall’s assistant who handled all the training camp meals and activities. There was a rumor that she and Randall were having an affair, yet the dude never stopped reminding Eloise about the ethical clause in her contract.

It pissed me the hell off.

I glanced around to see where Eloise was, but she hadn’t returned since she’d gone off to check out Tyler Cane’s ankle injury. He played center with me, and he was a beast on the ice. Go figure that the dude rolled his ankle teaching his little girl how to ride a two-wheeler. We’d all given him shit this morning when we saw it wrapped, and he admitted he tripped over a pothole in the road. Eloise insisted he come get it checked out, and she hadn’t come back yet.

We made our way toward the team room, and I said I’d meet the guys in there. I turned down the hallway toward Eloise’s office, knowing I could make up a reasonable excuse about wanting to check in regarding my MCL injury without making anyone suspicious.

When I turned the corner, I heard Sebastian’s voice before I saw him.

Sebastian fucking Wayburn.

“It was completely unnecessary, but thank you,” Eloise said. “Do you get all the new employees flowers?”

“Only the smart, pretty employees.” He chuckled, and my blood boiled as I paused outside the door for a few seconds before turning in the doorway and knocking on the open door.

“Hey, I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” I lied.

Sebastian stood on the opposite side of her desk with a cocky grin on his face, where an outrageously large floral arrangement sat on her desk.

“No, of course not. Just welcoming our new employee to the team.” He winked at her.

“Wow, Sebastian, I don’t recall receiving any flowers when I signed with the team.” I forced a chuckle as I arched a brow.

“I wasn’t running the show when you signed last year.” He turned to face me and smirked. “Gift-giving is my love language.”

“I can see that. Nice touch. I’m sure the new rookies will be thrilled to receive the personal touch you’re bringing to the team,” I said.

He barked out a laugh as if I was playing around with him and not completely appalled.

He. Was. Hitting. On. Her.

---