Page 97 of Slap Shot Scandal
I grip the wall, knuckles white.
I can’t.
I could lose everything. And so could he.
“He’s great with kids, huh?” The local reporter gazes out at Weston on the ice and a sharp pang of jealousy stabs me straight in the chest.
“He is.” My tone’s careful, measured. I’m holding back so much, fearful of giving anything away.
“Is he single?” She twirls her hair, practically salivating.
Shit.
I desperately want to say no, but I’m afraid that will be too obvious.
Instead, I shrug. “I don’t think so.”
Vague, non-committal. Hopefully enough to shut her down.
“I’m definitely going to find out.” Her eyes widen as Weston grins at the blonde boy, giving him a high-five. “He’s yummy.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake.
“So, the post-clinic interview. Should we set up on the side of the rink? Weston stays in skates, Coach Keller, you, and me on the side?” I shift the focus back to work quickly.
The reporter breaks out of her Weston trance, checking her notes. “Sure, that works.”
The clinic winds down, Coach Keller and the team leading the kids in a cheer. Riptide and Lil Rip skate onto the ice for photo ops with the kids and players, the photographers catching it all on camera.
Perfect.
Exactly the picture we want to paint. Pro hockey team engaging with the local youth, boosting community spirit, giving back.
My heart soars, my vision coming alive.
“Ready for the interview?” The reporter taps her headset, ready for her five minutes to shine with Weston.
“Sure.”
Together, we head to the side of the rink and I wave Weston and Coach Keller over.
“You made a lot of kids happy today, Captain.” The reporter bats her long lashes at Weston, and I try to bury my aggravation.
Weston gives her a tight smile. “I hope so. Youth hockey’s such a critical part of the game. Happy to give back.”
The tension in my shoulders loosens at his words.
Great response.
Even better, he seems unphased by her flirtatious charm.
“Coach, what’s your vision for the upcoming season?New locale, new-to-you team looking to rebuild after a disastrous—and scandalous—end to last season…” Her voice trails off, the words hanging in the air for a second before Coach Keller responds.
“We’re aiming for the Cup. Each game better than the last. And we want Driftwood Cove with us every step of the way.”
Damn.
Another perfect answer.
