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I choked on the bite of roll and slapped a hand over my mouth to keep bits from flying across the table.
Dad waited for me to recover, watching me with that look I’d seen all through my childhood.
“You want me to work with you?” I almost couldn’t believe it, but now that we were sitting here, I remembered all the times he’d asked me about my hopes for a future clinic. He knew I was worried that I’d never make it out on my own. Most businesses failed, even those with a degree behind them.
He leaned over the table and laced his fingers together. “It’s been on my mind for a while. We could use someone who can check out the guys between games. Makes sense to have someone on staff.”
“And if I think they need to be pulled from a game?” I couldn’t help asking. “Will you trust me to have both their best interest and the game’s outcome as a priority?” I’d never worked with my dad before, but he’d been at enough of my games asa kid and I’d seen enough of his coaching through the years to know he had ano-holds-barredmentality. He didn’t believe in holding back.
Well, neither did I, especially when it might mean a player’s career.
His jaw ticked a couple times, but he nodded slowly. “I’ll have questions, and you have to take the player’s choices into consideration.” He held up one finger. “But if you tell me they need to be pulled from a game, I’ll listen.”
I took another bite of my roll to give myself time to think.
Dad’s grin fell and he turned serious. “Of course, there’s no fraternizing with the team members. You’ll be considered part of the team. No relationships among team members.” He attempted to make it sound like a joke. “Never had a woman on the team before, but I’m trusting you to keep it professional. Especially since you’re all the same age.”
I laughed at the thought of hooking up with one of his players. “Don’t worry, Dad. That won’t be a problem.” Not only did I have a strict policy about not dating my clients, but I had no interest in dating period. Not when I was on the cusp of a new career and had a daughter to raise. My days were full enough. I didn’t need a guy to fulfill any lingering desires.
He nodded and resumed eating. “Good. Meet me at the rink at eight tomorrow morning. I’ll introduce you to the team and get things rolling.”
I shouldn’t be nervous.So why did I have to keep wiping my hands on my pants as I crossed the parking lot the next morning? A blast of cold air hit me square in the face when I pulled open the side door and stepped inside. I’d never quitegotten used to the cold that came with ice hockey. It settled in my bones and made me long for hot chocolate, thick gloves, and boots. I’d have to learn to deal with it if I wanted to keep this job. And I did. From the moment Dad mentioned coming here to work, I’d felt drawn to it. I missed hockey. I never felt cold once I stepped on the ice. It was the sitting and watching that put an ache in my joints.
Shaking off the thought of gliding across the ice, I turned toward Dad’s office while tapping out a text to him that I was on my way inside.
Concrete walls and a low ceiling made me feel a bit claustrophobic, but I could deal with it.
Seconds later, he stuck his head out from a door down the hallway and waved me closer. “Right on time.” He stepped out and closed the door behind him. “Come on. The guys will be on their way out onto the ice. We’ll catch them there.”
“Great.” For some reason, my voice came out high and squeaky. Which was the opposite of great. I cleared my throat and focused. I couldn’t let it get to me that I was about to be working with one of the world’s leading hockey teams.
Dad led the way down a concrete-walled corridor with gray doors on either side. Man, someone either really loved the muted color or they’d just been too bored to bother choosing different ones. “Your office will be here.” He pointed at an open door.
I spotted an examination table and a long row of shelves and cabinets as we hurried past. “Am I expected to be with you during games and practice or should I stay back here?”
“Whichever makes more sense to you.” He increased his pace and held a hand overhead. “Lennox, hold up.”
A man ahead of me lifted his mask and slapped a hand to the back of the man ahead of him. Brown hair curled around theedges of his helmet, and dark eyes found mine as he looked past my dad. “What’s up, Coach?”
With thick pads and helmets, it was hard to get a good look at the team. They all turned to face Dad.
Another man paused. “Are we canceling practice?”
Dad motioned them all to step back into the hallway, and we stopped a few feet from my new office. “We’ll start practice in a minute.”
The two men ahead of Lennox removed their helmets and I stopped dead in my tracks, my heart kicking hard against my ribs. What the hell was that? The guys were gorgeous and as different as night and day. Though they were both tall and probably muscular—it was hard to tell with the padded uniforms—one had blond hair and light blue eyes while the other had short dark hair and eyes the color of coal.
“Guys, this is my daughter, Lucy. She’s going to be your new physiotherapist. It will be her job to help make sure any injuries are treated right away and with the utmost attention to detail. Do not make her life difficult. We’re all professionals here, and I expect you to act like it.” Dad looked each man in the eye, and they all responded with straightened shoulders and nods of respect.
I’d dealt with a few men from professional teams of varying sports during my clinicals. A few were assholes, but they’d generally been a good bunch. I expected the best from Dad’s team because he demanded respect and gave it to his players in equal measure.
Dad introduced me to the entire team—all twenty players—but their names and faces blurred together after a while.
Except for three men. Lennox with the dark eyes. Justin with the blond hair and playful smile. And Zachary. Zachary in particular held my attention. Something about him struck me as familiar though I couldn’t put my finger on which detail stoodout to me. They were all gorgeous in their own way, and I found myself almost stuttering over my words when Dad introduced me.
Heat scorched my cheeks and I prayed they’d think it was cold from the ice rink and the frigid air shooting down on us turning my cheeks bright red. I brushed off the lingering attraction and focused. Of course I’d be drawn to the three hot guys in hockey gear. I hadn’t had sex in five years. Being in close proximity with a gorgeous guy was bound to get any woman’s libido going. I could manage this. No problem. I was here to work and nothing else.
“Thank you for taking time to meet me.” I fisted my hands to keep from wiping the sweat on my pants and jerked my head over my shoulder. “I’ll be setting up my office in there. Feel free to come by anytime. I’ll also be attending all your games and practices. If you have anything you need checked out, don’t hesitate to ask.”
