Page 30 of Press Your Luck

“That was fake then too, wasn’t it?” Analyn asked her.

“Yes. Like you said, the heart, and I suppose my libido, were with him, but my head was fighting it. But through it all, I leaned on Bo for support. We knew that no matter how crazy things got, he had my back and I had his. And that made all the difference."

"Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. It means so much to know that I'm not alone in this."

"Of course, Naomi," Analyn said. "We're here for you, no matter what."

As the evening began to wind down, I felt less alone having Analyn and Ruby’s support. I was grateful to them because I knew that as the season wore on, I’d need them.

15

Pierce

"Come on, guys. Pick up the pace," I yelled from the bench, frustrated as the team struggled to keep up with Naomi's. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. My team, the one Reed and I had worked so hard to build, was falling apart right before my eyes.

"Stay focused." I tried to rally them, but they were off their game tonight. I knew that we were better than this, and it made me furious to see us losing like this. As much as it pained me to admit it, Naomi's team was playing phenomenally.

And no, not because she was a woman. There was no denying her talent. Man or woman, she was an incredible coach.

But watching her succeed at my expense was a bitter pill to swallow. Big Ed was still playing like an asshole, but he wasn’t rogue like he’d been before. Perhaps he was starting to recognize that Naomi knew her shit and was listening. Then again, knowing Ed, Todd or the team had probably pressured him. Either way, the team was kicking our ass.

Even worse, the sight of her standing confidently across the rink, coaching her players with skill and precision, fueled my irritation further, and not at our impending loss.

The woman drew me in like a fucking moth to a flame. I couldn't help but steal glances at her throughout the game, admiring the way she held herself and the fierce determination in her eyes.

It didn't help that every time our eyes met, there was an undeniable current of tension between us, and for me, it wasn’t all just about competitive hockey. I felt the sparks in my blood, straight to my dick. Fucking traitor.

Why was I tied up in a woman who could be using the obvious attraction I had toward her against me? I didn’t want to believe it, but Reed was right. Todd had hired her specifically because she was a woman. And while she was capable, she had to know Todd wanted her to use her assets to bring the crowd and win.

On the one hand, it didn’t make sense that she’d buy into that, but neither could I dismiss it. She knew I was attracted to her. Was she using that to gain an advantage over me? To distract me from the game at hand? The thought made me feel sick, and also like the biggest dope in the world.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath as the Silver Nuggets scored another goal. But I wasn’t just mad at my team, I was mad at myself for letting my mind dwell on Naomi. I had to focus, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the image of her from my mind. She’d been so soft, so responsive in my arms. She was a drug and I needed another hit.

"Coach. Where are you?" Bo barked at me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Right.” I forced my attention back to the ice. I had to put my feelings for Naomi aside. I had a game to win.

As the game continued, my frustration grew. Every time the team gained an advantage, it was quickly snuffed out by her players' skillful maneuvers. It was like watching a well-oiled machine in action. It was admirable even as it pissed me off.

Jesus fuck, she was in my head again. I pushed away any thoughts of Naomi that threatened to distract me from my duty as a coach. The buzzer sounded for the end of the second period. Relief washed through me. We had twenty minutes for me to get my and the team’s shit together.

"Coach Jackson?" one of my players called out when we reached the locker room. "What's the plan?"

Shaking off thoughts of Naomi, I focused on the task at hand. "We need to tighten our defense. You need to communicate on the ice. Pay attention. You’re all skating around like five-year-olds on your first day of hockey lessons, chasing the puck like a dog chases a ball. Work together."

The men nodded. At least they agreed.

I let Bo give the rest of the talk. When we returned for the final period, the team’s faces were etched with determination. My hopes rose as I watched them play with renewed vigor, doing their best to close the gap between us and Naomi's team.

As the game progressed, I found myself glancing over at her more frequently, wondering what it would be like to work alongside her instead of against her.

The game continued, and try as I might, I couldn't keep my focus where it needed to be. My thoughts were consumed by Naomi—her skill, her courage, her kickass body, and the nagging suspicion that she might be manipulating me.

"Come on, guys," I shouted from the bench, trying to motivate my team for one last push.

The team was determined, but also tired. The final buzzer sounded, sealing our defeat.

"Damn it.”

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