Page 63 of Slap Shot Scandal
In that second, I see it all.
Longing. Regret. And something that looks a hell of a lot like hope.
Then she turns away and disappears behind Prince and the new coach.
And I let her go.
Again.
Because that’s what captains do. Put the team first—even when watching her walk away feels like losing the playoffs and the girl in the same damn breath.
I’ve spent my entire life learning how to win.
But Harbor Hayes might be the first battle I need to lose on purpose.
CHAPTER 16
HARBOR
“Anything you want to go over before the interview?” My eyes flick to Weston’s and for a split second, he meets my gaze with a stare so intense I’m pretty sure I stop breathing.
Heart pounding, I wait for his response.
“I’m good.”
I twist the stack of bracelets on my wrist, burying the sharp twinge of disappointment.
Of course he doesn’t want any help from me. He still doesn’t trust me, doesn’t believe in the plan.
I drop my voice, taking a risk and stepping in closer to him, the fresh scent of his cologne winding around me.
“We’re on the same team, you know. I want this to go well, just like you.”
He swallows hard, the muscles in his neck moving with the effort. “I know. I appreciate that.”
Warmth floods through me at his comment.
Finally, we’re getting somewhere.
One thing I am good at is reading people,understanding what they need to succeed. The kind of strategic insight my dad thinks I lack, at least when it comes to hockey.
For the first time since taking this job, I actually believe he’s wrong.
I do have what it takes. I belong here. I just need to make Weston see it, too.
“If you change your mind, let me know.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and pivot to walk away. His hand grips my elbow.
“Harbor, wait…”
Spinning to face him, I try to focus on the task at hand. Not the man in front of me, with the sharp jawline and the perfect amount of stubble, looking beyond sexy in his dark blue suit.
The man whose lips were on mine less than twenty-four hours ago.
Keep it professional, Harbor. Forget about what happened in the locker room.
“Yes?”
“Can we do a trial run together?”
