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I'm greeted by some of the usual suspects--a few of the veterans who still work for the paper, a few broadcasters, and some young kids who are still trying to make a name for themselves.
I hang up my coat and put my bag away, folding up my scarf and stuffing it in my bag. I feel a few eyes on me, but I pay them no mind as I set up my laptop, putting my earpiece in and my notebook on the desk next to me.
I start going through my emails as I hear the announcer call the players out. I don't pay too much attention as the Devils line up, and then I hear the buzz of hushed voices.
"Where the hell is he?" the coach mutters.
"I don't know...running late again, probably hooking up with some puck bunny."
"Playfair is our biggest asset," the coach continues with a sigh as he pinches the bridge of his nose. "We've got to get him on track again. He's been off since he came back for training."
I keep my ears perked up, scribbling a note in my notebook...and I try to ignore how it makes me feel to hear that he might be sleeping with someone new. I guess I knew Johnny wasn't going to wait for me, but it still stings.
I shake my head and try to focus on the game, but my mind keeps wandering.
Then, suddenly, I hear the roar of the crowd and I look up to see Johnny skating onto the ice.
He's wearing his jersey and his helmet, and he's grinning from ear to ear as he takes his place on the ice.
I can feel my heart racing as I watch him skate around, his stick in hand, and I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy.
Whoever he's with, she's a lucky girl.
I force myself to focus on the game, taking notes and typing up my story as quickly as possible.
But every time Johnny skates past me, I feel my resolve slipping.
He's just so damn handsome, and he has this charm that's impossible to resist.
I know I should stay away from him, but I can't help but be drawn in.
The game ends in a tie, and I pack up my things to head out of the arena. As I'm walking down the hallway, I hear someone call out my name.
I turn around to see Johnny approaching me, his smile still in place.
"Hey there, Miss Hart," he says, leaning in to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.
My heart skips a beat at his touch, and I can feel his charm working its magic on me once again.
"Hi," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was hoping to track you down."
"Really? Because it looked like you were avoiding me."
I laugh half-heartedly. "You really think I'd leave without getting a quote from the man of the hour?"
He searches my gaze, maybe looking for a sign that I don't regret what happened between us...that I might do it again.
I give him nothing.
"The game was good," he finally says. "Too bad we couldn't pull out a win, though."
I nod, not really sure what to say next.
Johnny looks at me, his eyes searching mine.
"I wanted to talk to you about your story," he says finally. "I read it and...wow. You really got me."
I feel a flush creeping up my neck as I look away from him. I painted him as the most wholesome guy you could possibly find in hockey--and I'm sure it helped him build buzz for a potential departure to the major leagues.
