Page 50 of All Your Reasons Why

“I didn’t know it was a closet.” I moan.

He grins wryly at me and reaches out to smooth my hair. I tug at my shirt, tucking it back into my slacks.

“I promise you, I am going to torment you mercilessly about this when the time is right. But right now, we’re going to walk out of the closet, and if anyone asks why we were in there, you’re going to tell them that you didn’t know it was a closet until it was too late. You stayed in there for a few minutes because you wanted to make sure that your client was all right. And you are happy to report that you were worried for nothing, because your client is completely fine.” He groans and runs his fingers through his hair. “And then I’m going to go home and take the mother of all cold showers.”

THE DAILY SNITCH

The Daily Snitch

October 18th

For all of you who aren’t permitted access to the team like yours truly, let me fill you in on the drama with a capital D, or in this case, L.

Lexi Caton was seen exiting the wives’ room after the Megs game, and our boy Mason Raker looked murderous. Mason was so incited that he was whisked away before another showdown between him and his teammate, Dylan Masters, could take place.

*Fans self*

This star stalker is taking a cold shower because there is nothing—and I mean nothing—hotter than a riled-up Mason Raker.

That man is the definition of fine.

We’d be questioning whether his flame was burning strong for the beautiful Benedict Arnold, but there was another distraction that seemed to have all of Mason’s attention.

He was seen flirt-arguing (yes, that’s a thing) with an unidentified woman at the home opener last week. Turns out he didn’t like seeing his teammate’s name on her back.

Seems our suspicions of Mason being dominating on and off the ice were correct.

*Audible sigh*

This anonymous star stalker is flushing her dreams of being Mrs. Mason Raker down the porcelain god. For now. We all know Mason’s penchant for parties, playing the field and pu— pucks. I was talking about pucks.

We’ll keep you posted on future sightings of the mystery woman. In the meantime, if you have any deets on who she is, you know where to find us.

18

ROWAN

“I’m not freaking out,you’re freaking out,” I mutter to the brown Rovers mascot toy that sits on my desk. Okay, if I’m talking to a stuffed animal, then maybe I am freaking out.

For several reasons I’m on the verge of a panic attack. TheDaily Snitchpublished an article this morning about last week’s game and the shirt incident. They’re speculating that I’m the mystery woman who’s stolen Mason’s heart.

Heart?

No.

Thankfully, Cece has assured me that she’d handle things. My job is at least safe for another day... or is it?

We sent the invites a week ago. Well, Amanda did. They were beautifully designed, on the creamiest of paper, with colorful and crisp graphics. So pretty I wanted to frame them.

And nobody has responded yet. Not one single RSVP. I’ve hosted other events before, and I’ve always gotten multiple RSVPs within days of sending the invites.

Is this the worst idea in the history of ideas?

I don’t think it is. Cecelia was enthusiastic about it, and she is very experienced in this arena. She would have shot me down in a heartbeat if she saw any problem with my campaign. So what gives?

I glance down glumly at my box of Rovers chocolates, which are becoming a very expensive addiction. Right now, even biting Mason in half won’t cheer me up.

If I sit here sulking all day long, though, I’m just going to drive myself crazy.

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