Page 34 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
“That’s breaking protocol.”
He tosses his hands out to his sides. “What? You did the same to me, hiring Gabe.”
“I sent you emails and even asked you to meet with me to go over the contract, but you never showed up.” Dropping my arms, I take a step toward him. “I’ve been in this industry long enough to build connections, Jack. Did you think I wouldn’t find out what you were up to? Going behind my back to get the team moved without my approval and foryour own agenda is a breach of contract. That falls under the turf protection clause, in case you’re wondering.”
He dismisses me with a jerk of his hand. “This is ridiculous. I quit.”
“You can’t. I’ve already notified the board that you’re terminated.” I point toward the back of the arena. “Get your things and leave.”
He starts to walk away but stops, his face red. “Everything was fine until Zach Keller showed up. But I suppose that won’t be an issue much longer since ESPN just offered him a sweet deal.”
His words are like a pin letting the air out of my balloon. He must be lying. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, didn’t he tell you? Guess you’re not the only one with connections in this industry.”
With that, he stalks off. I can’t imagine his reaction to the security guard I asked to keep a watch on Jack while he cleared out his office.
When I return to the rink, I don’t feel the cold because I’m numb. Could what he said about Zach be true? If he did get an offer from ESPN, wouldn’t he have told me? Or is he planning to tell me over dinner tomorrow?
Gabe shoots me a concerned look, and the rest of the players appear on edge.
Pushing the raging question mark about Zach to the back of my mind, I face the team. “Jack is no longer our general manager, but we’ll fill his position as quickly aspossible.”
“What about the team moving to another state?” One of the players—Ethan, I believe—blurts out.
I shake my head. “Jack was trying to negotiate a deal behind my back, and thus why I just fired him. Sarabella is our home. We’re not going anywhere.”
Seeing the players cheer, patting, and hugging each other makes me smile. At least I’m free of Jack now. But I have to hire a new GM before the season starts.
And find out if it’s true…
Is Zach planning to leave again?
Zach will be here any minute to pick me up for our reservation. The thing is, I don’t think I can sit through dinner with him until I know if what Jack said is true.
When he called last night, I told him all about what happened. Zach not only commended me for dealing with the situation like a consummate professional but also remarked he wished he could have been there to see it for himself.
I asked him why, and he said he loves watching me in action, that my bossy side is a turn-on. Had it been a video call, my flushed face would have betrayed my reaction to his words. I almost confronted him about ESPN, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it over the phone.
Maybe I want this bubble we’re in to last a little longer. Or perhaps I’m terrified of going through that heartache again. But then I remind myself that I’m not that young and inexperienced girl anymore. I’ve dealt with tough situations—losing my father too soon, for one—and I not only survived but grew stronger through it. Whatever happens, I can handle it.
At his knock, I answer the door. Before I can say a word, Zach crushes me against him with a mind-bending kiss that affects every part of me. We definitely have great chemistry, but is that all this is to him?
I push against his shoulder, then pull away enough so I can see his face. “We need to talk.”
The heat in his eyes recedes to be replaced by confusion. “Okay. What’s wrong?”
As I step out of his embrace, the sudden absence of his strength and warmth gives me pause.
“Becks, tell me.” He reaches for me, but I move away.
I can’t have this conversation while he’s touching me. That would just make things worse. “I left out a part of my confrontation with Jack yesterday.”
His gaze turns steely. “Did he hurt you?”
“No! Nothing like that. He said ESPN offered you a deal.” I implore him with my eyes to deny it, that he’s not planning to pack up and leave again.
He runs a hand through his hair, giving him a rakish quality that makes me want to run back into his arms. But when he meets my gaze, I know it’s true.
