Page 65 of Slap Shot Scandal
“All set. We go live in a few.” The technician scurries away, and Weston swipes his palms down his thighs.
“You ready?”
He nods, his expression serious, tiny lines crinkling his eyes.
“One last thing.”
“Oh?”
“Your tie.”
Instinctively, I reach out and adjust the knot, straightening the silky fabric until it lays just right against his thick neck. “There.”
I gaze up at him and my stomach swoops as he locks those deep pools of blue on me. Hot desire rolls through me and I can’t move, can’t think rationally.
The only thing on my mind is Weston Steele and the magnetic forcefield of want between us.
This is what my father warned me about.
Personal feelings overriding professional judgment. The ultimate sin.
Don’t ruin my reputation, Harbor.
“We’re on!” the technician shouts into the room, and I jump away from Weston so fast I create a gust of wind.
“Coming!” I call out, putting maximum space between us as I race toward the interview room.
Weston follows behind and we file into the press area. Several people from ESPN line the wall and the reporter’s already sitting, glasses of water on a round table between two leather chairs.
He stands as we approach, jutting out his hand. “Weston, great to meet you. I’m Pete Faulkner from ESPN. Thanks for chatting today.”
Weston pumps his hand once, twice, then slides into his seat gracefully. “Happy to chat.”
“Sound check, one, two, three…” The technician fiddles with the sound equipment and the camera crew adjusts the lighting slightly, tilting the lights up to account for Weston’s height.
“And we’re recording…”
Pete the reporter launches into a series of softball questions, easy things about hockey and Weston’s early career. Then the interview takes a quick turn to the scandal.
“You were close with Coach Evans, right?” Pete doesn’t wait for Weston to respond before he forges ahead. “Were you surprised to hear about the gambling accusations?”
Weston clears his throat. “I was. And that’s all I can comment on the matter, Pete.”
“So you had no idea about the gambling ring? How do you feel about the team moving? This is your first time playing out of New York, right?”
Weston nods, straightening his shoulders. “It is. I’ve spent my entire career in New York. But it’s an exciting change for the team and the community. We’re looking forward to building the franchise, getting involved with the people here. The Hockey with Heart campaign’s going to do great things for some great people and I’m happy to be a part of something that makes a difference.”
Pride blooms in my chest at his absolutely perfect response. Even better than what we rehearsed.
This is what comes from championship-level preparation.The kind of strategic excellence that would make Dadproud. Reading the situation, anticipating challenges, and preparing responses that exceed expectations.
“Sounds like a great PR campaign.”
“It’s more than that, Pete. We’re here to do more than play hockey. We’re here to grow the game and change lives.”
“Wow, those are big plans, considering this is kind of a rebuilding year for the team. Coach Keller’s a rookie in the league—how do you feel about that?”
“I trust Mr. Prince and the GM to have the team’s back. They conducted a thorough search, and I’m confident they have the best coach for the team.”
