Page 20 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
I square my shoulders, take one last look at the empty rink, and turn away—time to get back to work.
Zach falls into step beside me as we walk down the tunnel. “That went well,” he says, keeping his voice low.
“It did.”
He glances at me. “So…what happened with the pastries?”
I sigh, already irritated again just thinking about it. “Jack told Harper the meeting was canceled.”
Zach’s brows lift. “Seriously?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“You think he did it on purpose?”
I shrug one shoulder, but my jaw tightens. “Appears that way. Probably trying to make me look incompetent.”
Zach stops walking for a beat. “Want me to talk to him?”
“No.” I shake my head, firm. “Ifyoudo it, he’ll spin it as proof that I can’t handle things myself. That I need a man to step in. I won’t give him that satisfaction.”
Zach’s eyes search mine, but he nods. “Okay. But if he crosses the line, let me know.”
“Thanks. I will.” I offer him a small smile. He still thinks he needs to protect me, and I think I kind of like it. I didn’t realize how alone I felt in this undertaking, especially without my father’s guidance and wisdom.
He leans in, voice lower. “You’re doing great.”
That warmth creeps up my spine again, and this time, it’s not from caffeine or adrenaline.
It’s him.
CHAPTER 10
Zach
Some people say you only get one shot. That’s usually true in hockey. One clean breakaway, one chance to bury the puck. You miss, you regret it. Simple.
But Rebecca? She’s not a game. She doesn’t just belong to the season—shedefinesit. And every time I think I’ve figured her out, she surprises me.
Like today—running the meeting like a boss, even with a sabotaged setup and a smile that didn’t crack once. I wanted to be angry on her behalf. Still do. But mostly? I was proud.
Proud and maybe a little distracted by how sexy she looked while she interviewed Gabe. Large and in charge is an understatement. She was also radiant—confident, capable, and so clearly passionate about this team—it nearly knocked the wind out of me.
And the worst part? I don’t think she even realizes just how magnetic she is when she’s in her element. But I noticed—and it hit somewhere deep, primal.
I trail a step behind her as we walk back to her office, wondering if now’s the right time to suggest another dinner date. You know—strictly professional. Like a debrief to discuss her thoughts about Gabe.
With carbs.
But before I can open my mouth, she mutters something under her breath. I don’t hear it all, but I do catch one word.
“Jack.”
And just like that, dinner can wait. Because I’m not letting that guy take another shot at her unchecked.
He’s standing outside Rebecca’s office, chatting with Gabe and Olivia like he belongs there. I may not know the man personally, but I recognize a shark when I see one. And I don’t mean the hockey team. He even has the cringey smile to match.
Rebecca quickens her pace to join them. “Jack, so nice of you to join us.”
