Page 226 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

I laugh and glance up at Ace, whose eyes are twinkling with the flashing lights of the cameras. His blond locks are styled more casually, but it still matches his overall appearance, which is on point in the fashion department.

“I’m glad my appetizing look appeases you, Harvey,” I tease. “You look stunning.”

“We were waiting for you to arrive. We had to get Wolfgang to hold off the fort of reporters upfront,” Damien reveals as he walks around us just so he can hug me from behind. “You look stunning, Jagiya.”

“Thank you, Owens. You’re looking as flawless as usual.” I lean my head back so I can see him smiling down at me. “Poor, Augustus. We’re going to have to give him a prize for his sacrifice.”

Maddox and Ace laugh while Damien is smirking far too wide.

“God, he’ll use it against us for the remainder of the season,” Maddox groans.

“Remainder of the season?” Ace huffs. “The man will use it against us for life.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Damien agrees as he hugs me again before letting me go. “Let’s go save him. I’m sure with all the screaming, he’ll know our girl has arrived.”

Our girl. Gah. Aren’t they worried someone will hear?

“Good idea,” Maddox agrees and has my left hand in his right hand. Ace moves to walk behind me, and Damien ends up taking my right hand.

I’m so into the conversation Maddox is saying about the list of sponsorships they just secured that I don’t even realize I have both my hands occupied, but the ‘oohs’ and various whispers asking if I’m with both Wilson and Owens are beginning to get louder with every step.

The moment we reach where Jayce is, the reporter who was feeding Jayce’s publicity ego is now pointing the mic in my face.

“Hello, Miss Johnson! It’s such a pleasure to see you in person! As the star team nurse of the Strattonville Vipers, how does it feel to be attending such a grand fundraiser tonight?”

“It’s an amazing experience to be invited to,” I begin, my voice highly pitched to emphasize my bubbling excitement. “As the team nurse, I really didn’t think much of my importance to the team, but obviously, the last few weeks have proven what little many know about team nurses and how we provide an impact on the team’s success. Hockey is an exhilarating sport, but it’s also very dangerous. I’m glad I can do my role and provide immediate aid to the players of Strattonville Vipers in a timely manner that can prevent further injury or long-term disability.”

“Marvelous response.” The reporter looks like she’ll cry. “Does it feel weird to be supporting your father’s rival team? Some would say you’re wearing the wrong jersey at the games when you should be rooting for your father’s triumph with the Saskatchewan Pincers.”

“It’s been an intriguing experience, to say the least,” I admit with a giggle. “Obviously, as the coach’s daughter, I’ve always supported my father’s rise in any career. This is no different, but Mr. Johnson understands that my role as the Strattonville Vipers team nurse is a priority to me. They need to be supported in all aspects. It doesn’t stop me from attending Pincers’ games and wearing their jersey in support. Life has just been a bit chaotic with schedules, so attending a game that doesn’t interfere with the Vipers’ practice is rather difficult.”

“Thank you for being so open with us, Miss Johnson. We have one more question!”

“Shoot,” I encourage.

“There’s all this buzz revolving around the potential idea of you dating one of the hockey rising star players! The public can’t figure it out if it’s O’Riley or Winchester,” she admits. “As we can see, however, it looks like you’re in a sandwich between two amazing rising stars tonight, with Harvey back there as a bonus. Could there be a chance you’re dating more than one player?”

I laugh at that and blink my eyes innocently at the comment.

“Who knows?” I specifically glance at Jayce and where the cameraman is. I’m dying to see his reaction. “Right now, my focus is on my career, but if one or more of these professional rising star players can gather the guts to ask Coach Johnson’s permission to date me, I’d totally be down to dating more than one.” I wink at that and lean in to whisper into the mic.

“The more, the merrier, yes?”

“Eeep, yes! You’re so right,” the reporter is on cloud nine. I guess because she got some sort of tea that will either help us or destroy us. “Thank you so much, Miss Johnson.”

“You’re welcome.”

With a single glance at Jayce, I can see his absolute shock.

At my boldness to admit, I’m a girl who’d gladly date more than one man if the opportunity came about.

The more shocking truth is how no one has negatively commented about it. In fact, my admission, matched with my added commentary, makes many of the girls standing by squeal and cheer at the idea of me being with more than one player.

Maybe we can have a clear shot at this.

Before Jayce can comment, I’m being tugged forward by Maddox and Damien.

“There’s Wolfgang,” Ace encourages from behind. “Poor guy looks dreadful.”

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