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Dahlia shook her head. “I don’t trust bro code, and I don’t want Dodo telling Ronan that Calista likes him.”
“Her wearing his jersey might clue him in.” Her voice was dry.
“Being a fan is not the same as having a crush, so nope.” Dahlia jabbed the elevator call button. “Though I may count this as Calista’s early Christmas present. She said she’s already got mine and promises it’s killer.”
Sounded like Calista. Christmas was her favorite holiday. “She can’t top this.” Even though they had no margaritas or chocolate, the time felt right to ask one of her concerns. “Are you bothered by Dodo’s…that you can’t convince him you’re not into a player…I’m having the worst time getting the phrasing right here…” That he had trust issues, that they didn’t communicate well, that he’d bought a spa package that included five thousand dollars’ worth of lubricant. Dahlia needed a life coach too.
Dahlia waved her hand. “All couples have to work things out as they go. He’ll get it.”
Okay, topic dismissed. With no way to wiggle in a suggestion for a life coach or pre-marital couples counseling, Piper changed the topic. “Are the other guys going to be bothered that the organization didn’t do anything for their birthdays?”
“Explain it’s a new monthly tradition we’re starting, and that Captain is the only November birthday. A celebration sounds fun, right?”
Her heart softened. “I think it’s nice, even if it’s only a cake in the conference room.”
The elevator pinged and the doors parted.
Dahlia wrinkled her nose and strode in. “I want a full party.”
“Meaning barbecue outside or night at the local pub?” Piper hit the button for the ice.
“Venue can vary, I have some creative ideas leftover from my sorority mixers, and you’re so good with planning. Working here could get you through grad school.” Dahlia shrugged. “And possibly your PhD program.” She giggled. “Unless a player snaps you up and pays your way.” She paused. “Or Warren Applebaum wins you back.”
Nope, Piper had seen him cheat twice this year. Piper shook her head. “Warren’s not happening.”
“I know Warren moved on to Willow pretty fast after you two broke up, some guys just can’t be alone.”
Piper didn’t want to continue this conversation. The doors opened to the tunnel leading to the ice, and she hopped out. “I’ll tell the guys. And you’re right, Calista will love the idea.”
“Good, I feel like she needs this, to meet Ronan and move on.”
Move on? Any up-close-and-personal moment with a hockey player’s physique could ruin Calista for other men. At least that’s how Piper was feeling. Oh. Mikah. Piper didn’t express her thoughts.
This would go well. Piper separated from Dahlia with a confident smile and wave and strode on. The tunnel to the ice got progressively colder with each step. That was okay, she had this. This wasn’t about Mikah, so no need to feel like a stalker. Piper moved down the ramp.
Over to her right, Coach had gathered the men for training talk.
Perfect timing. Piper opened the half gate and stepped down onto the ice. Her feet slid forward. Dang it, ice skates should come with the ID badge. Then again, there was zero chance she’d break out her elementary skating skills in front of these pros.
That said, she highly doubted Mikah would be willing to come and skate her over to the group. Though he had come to the Renaissance fair. But that had just made her more muddled. Why would anyone in that group want to skate her over? She brought purity initiatives they didn’t want.
Dang.
She might be stuck out here swinging on this door for hours.
She didn’t want Mikah to come over anyway. Not after he’d yo-yoed with her feelings. How much more of that could her heart take? Then again, he had been one of her job highlights. And his sweet gesture at the Renaissance fair. Sigh. She didn’t know what to wish for.
* * *
Mikah stood in a line with his teammates on the north end of the ice.
Coach stood before them. “We all know we’re going to sweep through the next few games and that’s going to keep us neck and neck against the Geels. Ain’t going to lie. The Geels game is going to be rough.” Coach was giving it to them straight. “And that’s why I want you practicing as if the next game is against the Geels, because come first week of December, that’s exactly where we’ll be.”
“Always tough when you play the team just ahead of you in the rankings, Coach,” Ronan said. “But we’ve got this.”
The players tapped their stick blades on the ice, indicating agreement.
Liam shifted on his skates. “You all should know Bianca’s brother plays for the Geels. He’s the one known as The Beast. He’s got it out for me, you know, because Bianca and I broke up.”
