Page 136 of Slap Shot Scandal
Callum, Bennett, Morrison. Even Ford, his lips curving into a smug smile.
“Love looks good on you, Weston.” Callum claps Weston on the back and shoots me a shy smile. “Congrats, you two.”
“Yeah, congrats, Cap,” Morrison says, with Ford right behind.
Members of the team file by, offering their congratulations and saying nice things about me and my work.
The entire time, Weston’s arms hold me close, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
He leans in and gives me another long kiss and my heart soars.
“Okay, okay, break it up.” Bennett nudges Weston. “We get it, you’re officially the Crushers hottest PR nightmare—and our favorite power couple. Want me to post this photo with a hashtag?” He wiggles his brows. “#SteeletheDeal?”
CHAPTER 38
HARBOR
Tonight’s the first preseason game, the semi-official kickoff to the season. Despite switching to green tea mid-afternoon, I’m still a bundle of jumpy nerves as I hustle through the tunnel of the arena. Loud music blares, hyping up the crowd during the second intermission. Riptide and Lil Rip skate around the rink, waving to excited children and their families, while the players take a quick break.
I’ve spent most of the game running around, making sure every last detail is perfect and tonight goes off without a hitch. I managed to catch glimpses of the game here and there. Weston’s playing better than ever, scoring one of the team’s goals so far. We’re beating Portland 2-1 and there’s only one period left.
Everything comes down to this moment.
“Harbor, final numbers are in. We hit max capacity in the arena.” Julianne’s voice crackles through my walkie-talkie, and I heave a sigh of relief.
Driftwood Cove showed up for the Coastal Crushers, even after the leaked videos.
Thank God.
Prince will be happy about that, another great talking point for sponsors.
I depress the side button on the walkie. “Wonderful. Be sure to keep track of all merch sales tonight.”
“On it.”
“Harbor…” Prince’s voice echoes through the tunnel and I spin on my heels to face him, smoothing my hair over my shoulder. Tension’s been thick between us since the leaked videos—I need everything to go perfectly tonight.
“Hello. Everything’s looking good so far. We’re at max capacity.”
“So I heard. Good work. At least the local community’s showing up.”
We stare out at the crowd, a dark blue sea of Coastal Crushers jerseys, and pride surges through me. That’s my design the fans are wearing, my mascot the kids love.
“I anticipate strong merch sales tonight, too. And post-game interviews are lined up.”
“Fantastic.” He bobs his head, the corners of his mouth relaxing. “Seems like we got everything together here at the last minute.”
My stomach tightens and I swallow hard, knowing I’m lucky to still be here at all. Weston and Coach Keller saved my job, with a little help from the team.
Prince wanted me gone.
He turns to face me, all business in his suit and tie. “You did good work, Harbor.”
Smiling, I adjust the bangles on my wrist, the tension bleeding from my body. Then he nods toward the ice.
“C’mon, let’s catch the last period from the glass.”
I fall into step behind Prince, the knot in my stomach finally loosening as we step out of the tunnel.
