Page 89 of Boards & Betrayal

The guys shifted uncomfortably on the benches, a few exchanging glances. I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, my thoughts wandering back to Ally. The noises she made as I tasted her this morning echoed in my mind. A smirk tugged at my lips. Fuck, I could still taste her on my tongue.

“Coach Morgan?” Brooke’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“Yeah?” I replied, meeting her eyes.

“I trust you'll ensure the team understands the importance of this event?”

“Absolutely,” I nodded, forcing myself to focus. “They’ll be on their best behavior.”

“This isn’t just about showing up and looking good. We’re raising money for local youth hockey programs—giving back to the community that supports you.”

Adrian Windsor sighed, like the whole fucking event was beneath him. “Are we supposed to wear costumes?”

“Yes,” Brooke confirmed with a slight smile. “And make sure they're appropriate. Remember, you're representing Crestwood.”

The boys groaned collectively, but nodded in agreement.

“Anything else?” I asked Brooke.

“Just make sure they’re there on time and ready to engage with guests,” she replied. “We need everyone to mingle and show their support for the cause.”

I nodded again. “You heard her, boys. No fucking around.”

Brooke tapped her pen against the clipboard, scanning the room with the precision of a drill sergeant. “I need a head count for the Masquerade,” she said. “Remember, each participant is entitled to a plus one.”

She approached Damien first. He leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “I might need a plus three,” he remarked, eyes glinting with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms tighter against my chest. Typical Sinclaire.

Brooke didn't miss a beat, turning her attention to Adrian. “I’m assuming one?”

Adrian shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. “Two,” he muttered.

“Fuck, she’s got brass balls,” Keaton muttered to Windsor. “Huh, Windsor?”

Adrian merely nodded, lips pressed into a thin line.

Brooke continued her rounds, methodically asking each player and jotting down their responses. Finally, she stopped in front of me, pen poised over the clipboard.

“Well, sir?” Her voice cut through the locker room chatter.

I blinked, realizing the entire team was now looking at me expectantly. “What?” I asked, straightening up.

“Will you be bringing a plus one?” she repeated.

Ally’s face flashed across my mind—her smile, her laugh, the way she looked at me when she thought I wasn’t paying attention. I wasn’t expecting to be put on the spot like this.

“Yes,” I finally said, more certain than I felt.

The players erupted into good-natured ribbing and catcalls. Even Brooke’s lips twitched with amusement as she marked it down on her clipboard.

“All right then,” she said crisply. “Everyone knows what’s expected of them. Let’s make this event a success.”

The boys grumbled. As they began to disperse, I caught Brooke’s eye and gave her a nod of thanks. She returned it with a slight smile before moving on to her next task.

There was a good chance bringing Ally to the Masquerade was going to complicate things even further. But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand—making sure my team stayed in line and represented Crestwood well.

One thing was certain: this Halloween Masquerade was shaping up to be more than just another charity event.

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