Page 68 of Fear of Love
The other team had at least three players on him, trying their hardest to get the puck back. The tension around us grew as Trevor wrestled with another player, hockey sticks hitting one another.
I sucked in a breath as he managed to get free, arm notched back before he snapped the puck forward. The puck soared across the ice in slow motion, directly to Wyatt. Wyatt’s hockey stick was already in motion as he hit it, sending it right into the top of the net, the goalie unable to lunge to the side in time.
The arena was so quiet you could almost hear a pin drop as everyone watched. It was almost like being in a tunnel as the cheering around me grew until it pierced my ears.
Tasha all but yanked me out of my seat as she shot up, her hand still holding onto my arm. She released me and turned to Josie, the two mirroring squeals. As Josie and Tasha hugged, an arm wrapped around my shoulder and over the front of my chest. I instantly knew who it was as Landon’s beard tickled the skin of my neck.
I felt his lips against my neck for only a second before he pulled away. It was so fast, but it was enough to make my skin tingle and my cheeks turn pink.
The smile that graced my face had nothing to do with the Knightswinning.
As the elevatorslowly made its way to the top floor, I fiddled with my dress. The team planned a dinner at one of the high-rise hotels in Toronto to celebrate making it to the playoffs. It was only for friends, family, and management, so it was pretty exclusive. I was a little surprised I made the cut for an invite.
When the elevator door opened, I took a deep breath. I made my way down the hallway, following the sound of voices. My heels clicked on the floor as I came to a spacious conference room that had been transformed into an elegant dinner party, complete with string lights and softly playing music. I scanned the room for familiar faces.
“Lydia!” At the sound of my name, I turned just in time to see Josie heading my way. “You look stunning.” She pulled me into a tight hug.
“You do, too.” I pulled back to take in her outfit. The black dress was simple with a high neckline that wrapped around her neck before it fell to the floor in wisps of fabric.
“It’s like we matched on purpose.” She smiled. I ran a hand down my own black dress. I bought it on a whim a few weeks ago and thought tonight would be the perfect time to wear it. The silk fabric clung to my skin in a way that was sexy but also respectable for a party such as this one. It had a good size slit over the right leg that showed skin as I walked.
“Thanks.” I looked around the room. “Where’s your fiancé?”
“Talking to Coach.” She waved her hand behind her. “Drink?”
“Yes, please.” Looping her arm with mine, the two of us headed for the bar off to the side of the room. As we walked, a few players stopped us to say hello.
“Bet today’s been a whirlwind,” I said, leaning against the bar counter, eyes scanning the crowd.
“Seriously. We finalized all the stuff for the wedding this morning, and then the game, and now this party.”
“You really need this drink then.” I slid a glass of wine in her direction. Grabbing my own, I shot the bartender a grateful smile. “Does that mean everything is all set for the wedding?”
“Yep.” Josie beamed. “All that’s left is making sure the guys don’t forget their tuxes and picking up my dress.”
“Don’t you worry. Tasha will be on their asses.”
“She’s already threatened them, so if they so much as step a toe out of line.” She snorted.
“Sounds like Tasha.” I smiled against my glass. “Are you guys going to release pictures to the press afterward?” Wyatt being who he was made their wedding the talk of the town. When the two got engaged and released their engagement photos, everyone went crazy.
The pictures ended up on almost every magazine and news outlet in Toronto. Social media went wild with the news that Wyatt Boone, a star hockey player, was engaged. Every other day, I swore Josie and Wyatt—and their wedding—were trending. Thankfully, no one in the press knew the actual date of the wedding. Somehow, the two managed to keep it under wraps.
“Yeah, we’ll release some of our pictures a few days after.” Josie turned to look at me. “The offer to write about our wedding still stands. You can be the only magazine with an exclusive look.”
This wasn’t the first time Josie told me this. When she and Wyatt realized they’d have to share pictures of their wedding topeople, Josie came to me and asked if I’d do it. I was touched that she wanted me to, but it didn’t feel right making a profit on my best friend’s big day.
“Jo—”
She pouted. “I know you said it doesn’t feel right but you know me. You know Wyatt. You’d make sure everything was done right.”
Old me would have said yes instantly. Being the only magazine in the city to have an exclusive look at their wedding was a huge deal. But the last thing I wanted was to take advantage of anyone, let alone Josie and Wyatt.
The first magazine company I worked with while in my senior year of uni was great at first. I liked my internship. I liked learning how the business worked and seeing writers create their pieces. When the person I was interning under offered me a chance to write my first article, I jumped at the chance.
I did everything she asked and more. I worked my ass off. I wanted to prove that I was meant to be there and show that I was learning. I didn’t want her to look bad because I did poorly.
So, of course, I did everything possible to make sure it was great. I gave it to her to look over before sending it up the chain of command. At the time, I didn’t realize just how cutthroat the industry was. That everyone stepped on others to get further.
