Page 22 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
A knowing look passes between Gabe and Olivia before her voice chimes in, warm and gentle. “If I had a dollar for every Jack I’ve had to smile through… And if you don’t mind me saying, you do it well.”
Rebecca lets out a real laugh, the tension finally cracking. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
Gabe stares at Rebecca as if he’s considering the weight of his words. “I’ve coached through my fair share of office politics. But you? You’re built for this. You kept your cool, stayed in control, and didn’t let him take the wheel. That’s the kind of leadership I’d like to work with.”
Rebecca straightens at that, confidencesettling back into her posture like it never left. “Good. Because I’m ready to offer you the job.”
His grin is immediate. “Then I’m ready to say yes.”
Olivia claps her hands, and I can’t help but smile, too. For the first time today, the mood shifts—from tension to triumph.
And right there, standing beside her, I know one thing for sure. I’d follow this woman into any rink, any day.
CHAPTER 11
Rebecca
“So, what’s he like after 23 years? Still hot for you?”
“Kayla, stop it. It’s not like that.” I take another sip of my wine, recalling the way Zach looked at me before we parted ways this evening.
After we discussed the contract and then celebrated with dinner, we dropped Gabe and Olivia off at the Sandpiper Inn, and then Zach took me back to the arena to get my car. But before I got out, there was a moment…
“Then what’s it like?” Her disbelief bleeds through the phone.
“Zach’s just a friend.”
A friend who suggested a sunset walk on the beach afterward. I declined even though I nearly caved to the temptation because I didn’t believe things would stay “friendly” in such a romantic setting. Every time Zach looks at me like that, my heart shifts into overdrive.
Instead, I begged off, opting for a quiet evening at home with a glass of wine, my cushy couch, and a phonechat with my sister. Moving away from Kayla and my niece has proved a tad more challenging than I anticipated.
“A very helpful one, it seems.”
“Yes, he is.” Not at all what I expected, either. He’s attentive and caring. I’m still not sure why he’s so intent on helping me.
“And still hot. Admit it.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not there to see for myself,” she whines. “I’m an old married woman with a husband who works too much and a ten-year-old daughter who’s suddenly an expert on everything—including how I should dress, parent, and apparently, breathe.”
I laugh. “First, you are not old! And Quinn sounds just like Dad.”
“No, she’s just like you. She’s a mini Rebecca minus the power suit. Do you know what she asked me for her birthday gift?”
“A pony?”
Kayla snorts. “Not even close. The little imp wants me to ask if she could come for a visit so she could spend a day with you at work.”
I snicker. “Hockey runs in our blood, Kayla. What did you expect?”
“I’m not complaining. She couldn’t have a better role model in her life than my big sister. I just feel like…”
“Like what?”
Silence draws out, almost making me wonder if the connection dropped.
She lets out a breathy sigh. “Like all I am is a wife and a mother.”
