Page 99 of Enticing the Enforcer
“It’s Reid.” I tilt the screen so she can see. “He says the second the cameras caught me walking in, the internet exploded asking about the jacket.”
Almost on cue, another buzz. I grin. “Shelby this time. She says thank you for making her boyfriend so happy. Apparently, Reid’s already getting messages about expanding the design. People want one of their own.”
“I bet they do,” Twyler says knowingly. “It doesn’t hurt that Jefferson’s having an amazing rookie season, or that anything Ingrid Flockton touches turns to gold.
“Not sure about that, but I do know that Reese is doing great too.”
“My man doesn’t do less than great.” She smirks, and the smugness is absolutely warranted. Reese is already making headlines for his record-breaking stats.
“How are Ax and Nadia?” I ask. “Any updates?
“Chicago suits them, I think,” she says, eyes tracking the ice. “Nadia seems to really like her job in logistics. Axel isn’t starting yet, but he’s getting some ice time, which is all he needs to prove himself.”
We settle back into our seats just as the puck drops again. The energy in the arena hits me like a cascade of thundering sticks and skates cutting across ice, the crowd rising and falling with every play. It’s both different and familiar, fun but stressful, being on the other side of the stage. Down below, Jefferson throws his weight into a body check against Reese, and Twyler practically launches out of her chair.
“Careful with that shoulder, Parks!” she shouts, hands cupped around her mouth. The other women glance at her, startled, but I laugh. Always the trainer, always looking for an injury before anyone else. “He knows Reese’s weak spots.”
“I don’t think Jefferson would intentionally injure his friend.”
She rolls her eyes, like I’m naive. “He just needs to mind himself or he’s going to have to deal with me.” She flops back down but can’t stop bouncing her knee.
The puck slides loose at center ice, and suddenly the game explodes with speed–Jefferson fighting for control along the boards, Reese swooping in with that lethal quickness of his. Skates screech, sticks clash, and the roar of the crowd spikes asthe two of them battle it out. Reese breaks away first, driving toward the net, only to have Jefferson barrel in from behind, muscling him off balance just enough to force a wide shot. The goalie snags it clean, and the arena erupts again.
I find myself more invested–deeplyinvested. “How do you handle the stress?” I ask Twy after another just missed shot. My heart pounds so hard and fast, I think it may crack my ribs.
“Not well,” she admits, pointing to her hairline. “Do you see that? Gray hair already.”
I laugh because I don’t think I see any gray, but I understand the feeling. I try to distract her and myself by asking her about work with the Wolfpack, the minor league team she’s working with up north. Between plays, she gives me the rundown, but overall ,she seems happy with her new job.
When the buzzer signals intermission, Twyler finally turns her attention back to me. “So, how’s residency in Vegas?”
“It’s going well.” I pause, searching for the right words. “Intense, but in a good way. The venue is great and it’s nice to perform on a smaller scale. Between rehearsals and shows, I’ve finally figured out a rhythm.” I shift a little. “Are you guys still coming out for New Year’s Eve?
“Yes! I can’t wait. I’ve never been.”
“Vegas is loud, chaotic, full of lights and strangers, but—don’t worry—I’ll make sure it’s memorable for us. I’ve got something special planned for after the show.”
“I don’t doubt it.” She tilts her head, like she’s weighing her words. “You going to invite Madison?”
The question makes me pause, then nod. “Yeah. I figured everyone would like to see her.”
“So you two patched things up?”
That’s a loaded question. After some time apart, Madison was the one who came to me and said she wanted to resign. I canadmit that I felt panicked. We’d worked together for so long, but she meant what she said. Our friendship was more important.
“Things are definitely better now that we’re just friends and not working together. She’s actually working with one of the acts that opened for us on the tour, Leslie Morgan. She’s up and coming,fast,and needs someone with a lot of experience. I think it’s going to be a great fit.” I lift an eyebrow. “She’s also dating someone.”
Twyler’s huge eyes widen. “Oh, really? Who?”
“The sister of one of my dancers. Cassie. I really like her. She’s grounded, sweet. It works.”
“Good for her.”
The buzzer cuts our conversation short. We rise as the guys skate back onto the ice, helmets low, sticks tapping. The whole place roars when Jefferson takes position, his shoulders broad and sure, his every move radiating confidence.
I press a hand to the embroidered letters across my jacket, warmth rising in my chest. Music, the stage, the adrenaline of touring–it’s still mine. But now I have this too. The chance to watch him chase his dream, to share these ridiculous, joyful moments with new friends.
The best of both worlds.
