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“Good.” He slapped his hands on the papers on his desk. “We’re going to make some changes.”
I leaned back in the chair. “What kind of changes?”
“A few of the players have disappointed me during training camp.”
“But I thought that we were settled on the lines and strategies going into the first month?” We had agreed to wait and see how the players performed in the first few games of the season.
“I think we need to revisit that strategy. There’s a hole in the team, and it’s become more and more apparent to me that we need another strong leader.”
I sighed. “I don’t think it’s in the budget to sign Bradshaw.” The player we both wanted was projected to become one of the best in the league, and was expensive.
“That’s where you come in, Everleigh.” Coach leaned back in his chair. “If you want the team to go anywhere this season, we’re going to need to replace one of the first-string guys. And I hate to say it, but I think that Lockwood has to go.”
“Gunnar?” I bit my lip, wishing that I hadn’t used his first name. “He’s one of our best players.”
Coach nodded. “He is. But something has been distracting him. He’s sluggish and missing easy shots, and he seems withdrawn. And we all know he’s not much a team player.”
I tilted my head. “That’s news to me. I thought that he played well and let the other guys shine.”
“Oh, yes. He’s great at that. What I mean is that he hasn’t bonded with the other guys. He’s too serious.”
I shook my head. “That’s a thing? This is professional hockey. Itisserious business.”
“His heart’s not in it. What else do you want me to say?” Coach was watching for a reaction and I didn’t give it to him.
I had stellar poker skills and was a well-known player in the top Vegas casinos. My straight face was going to get me through this conversation with Coach without revealing my hand – the fact that I had feelings for one of my players.
I crossed my arms. “What are you asking, Coach?”
“You need to get the money for a new player. And I’d like to demote Lockwood to the second line.”
Shit. Was I the reason that Gunnar had lost his mojo on the ice? It felt like the room was tilting and I squeezed the leather on the arms of the chair, willing myself not to faint. I had to appease Coach, but I wasn’t going to tank Gunnar’s career. My vision cleared and I stood. “Coach, leave it with me. I’ll have a discussion with my father about increasing the talent budget. But let’s stick with the original plan. If Lockwood shits the bed in the first month of the season, you have my permission to do whatever you want with him. But I gave my word to the players about the lines, and I’m sticking with it.
There was a slight pause as Coach processed what I had said. “Your word?” He scratched his head.
“My word.” I didn’t elaborate and stared him down.
“Fine.” Coach stood and extended his hand. “Deal.”
After a curt but strong handshake, I spun on my heel and marched out of the office. Once I was out of sight, my poker face cracked and my cheeks burned red.
Flicking on the light, I stepped into my office. It wasn’t even eight o’clock in the morning and it had already been a roller coaster of a day.
“Everleigh.” A voice came from the dark. I jolted and reflexively reached for the doorknob.
“Shhh.” Gunnar had been sitting in my chair and rushed over to me. “It’s just me.”
I smacked him on the chest. “Gunnar, you scared the shit out of me. What the hell are you doing?”
He interrupted me with his lips and reached over my shoulder to turn the deadbolt. “One more time, Everleigh.”
Guilt churned in my belly and I was torn. My panties were wet from his kiss and I wanted nothing more than for Gunnar to bend me over my desk and fuck me hard. But being with me was ruining his career, and in turn, his shitty playing was going to ruin mine.
“We can’t,” I whispered, but reached down the front of his pants to feel his erection. He was hard and ready, his workout pants revealing his desire.
He kissed me again and I let him, digging my fingers in the waistband of his pants. We could do it one more time and get away with it.
It was tempting. And selfish.
