Page 50 of Offside

The entire conversation made me more and more convinced that Nate needs to go. His leadership style is abrupt and dictator-like. It’s his way or no way. Honestly, I don’t know how Marv handled Nate’s behavior when he was running things.

Nate thinks he knows best about everything to do with the club and that I should just accept it as the dumb, rich, blonde girl he takes me for.

Well, he’s barking up the wrong bitch if he thinks I’m going to allow him to treat me like that.

Even during our earlier conversation, he didn’t like that I disagreed with him about the changes to the roster.

“With Ballas out for a minimum of three games, we should put him on waivers now. He’ll be useless to us if he comes back. Recall Stolley to fill our gap.”

I clutch the phone in my hand so hard, the glass nearly cracks.

“The analysis isn’t there to back your logic, Nate, and I disagree with you. I’m making the executive decision to give Ballas his spot back when he is given the green light to return.”

Nate sneers derisively into the phone. “Your analysis…” he seethes. “Numbers aren’t everything, Karis. I know the game of hockey. I know what’s down the road for him because I’ve seen it in situations like these. You knownothing.”

I let his disrespectful comment slide in favor of silence, letting him stew a little longer as I consider my next move.

I sift through my candy dish and select two red ones, popping the Skittles in my mouth as I wait for him to realize I have him by the balls.

“If Marv were here,” he starts snidely, “he’d allow me to do the job I’m paid to do.”

The sweetness of the candy gives me the boost I need to respond.

“Thank you, Nate. But Marvisn’there and I am. I appreciate your viewpoint but I’m also taking into consideration that Stolley had shoulder surgery at the middle of last season. He’s not as fast with the stick, therefore more of a liability than Ballas. We can watch Stolley play the next three games and see what we think and if there is a role for him. But Ballas will return to his spot on the roster once he’s been given the go-ahead by our team physicians.”

I can hear the grind of Nate’s teeth on the other end of the line.

Oh boy, that did not go over well.

Although my decision is based on facts and Ballas’s contract, it does give me pause to think what would happen if anyone—Nate in particular—ever found out that Ballas and I are having an affair.

Affair.

That word feels so dirty and not at all accurate to describe the crazy physical attraction we have toward one another.

It’s like there’s this giant and unbreakable magnetic pull that seems to drive me into his arms at every pass. I could glue myself to the wall and staple my feet to the floor and the moment he walked by I’d naturally gravitate toward him.

I have no illusions about who Ballas is and what he wants. It’s purely sexual and nothing more for him. From what I know, he’s never had a long relationship and is known in the press as a fuck boy. He leaves a trail of puck bunnies along the way, like wins in each city he plays.

Yet I don’t feel that Ballas has treated me like some puck bunny to be used and tossed away. I’m still uncertain whether his actions match up with the words he professes. He told me he’s here for me and that he wants me to use him for what I need.

I want nothing more than to believe what he says, but has he demonstrated to me that I can lean on him? Not just for sex, but for those other emotional things I am missing in my life.

Regardless, I don’t have any intention of pursuing anything with Ballas. I need to keep my resolve strong and my willpower on high alert to fend off my insatiable need for this man.

I need to keep my top priorities in mind: my uncle’s health and his team’s success.

Outside of that, I will not get distracted by this sexy-as-sin alpha man who just happens to be staying in my guest room.

23

Ballas

Boredom is a bitch.

The minute Karis walked away from me, I went into the guest suite, got in the shower, and jerked myself off. Hell, I was so hard for her I busted a nut within three strokes while her taste was still on my tongue.

After that is when the boredom set in. Between Karis working and me being forbidden from watching TV, using my phone, or even reading, my only saving grace was a phone call with Marek.

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