Page 48 of The Sin Bin

"First, you weren't invited in here," Jax said, his voice dangerously quiet. "Second, you know damn well this is about security support, not publicity."

"Just asking questions," Greeley replied with a smirk. "The public's curious about the enforcer's sudden interest in animal welfare. Seems conveniently timed with dating a vet."

Kane moved toward the door. "That's enough, Scott. This is a private team area."

But Jax wasn't finished. "Dr. Mackenzie is a respected veterinarian who stepped up when the arena needed help. You want to write about that, fine. But if you're looking to twist this into something ugly, remember I know things about you that your editors would find very interesting."

Greeley's smirk faltered.

"Remember that charity poker game last year?" Jax continued, his voice still low. "The one where you lost five grand in team funds and begged me not to mention it to anyone? I kept your secret then. Don't make me reconsider now."

Greeley went pale. "I'll... focus on the security angle," he muttered, backing toward the door.

"Good choice," Jax replied. "And if Lauren's name appears in your article in any way that isn't strictly professional, those photos you just took will be the last ones you get inside this arena."

After Greeley retreated, Jax turned back to Lauren. "I'm sorry about that," he said, his voice gentle again, the transformation so complete it was almost jarring. "He's had it out for me since I caught him cheating at cards last year."

"It's fine," Lauren said, though her mind was whirling with implications. This was a side of dating a public figure she hadn't fully considered—the scrutiny, the assumptions, the need to defend against opportunists.

Jax studied her face. "No, it's not fine," he said quietly. "But we can talk about it later, without an audience."

And yeah, most of the team was watching what just happened with rapt attention.

Their conversation was interrupted by Oliver, who approached with Charlie still glued to his side. "Jax! Have you met this guy? His name is Charlie and he's basically my new best friend."

"I've seen him around." Jax allowed Charlie to sniff his fingers before offering a careful scratch under the chin. "He's got good taste in humans," Jax said, glancing up at Oliver.

These small moments of tenderness from a man capable of such physical power continued to affect Lauren deeply.

"The dogs need to wrap up their session," she said reluctantly, noting the time. "They've had a long evening of work."

"Of course," Kane agreed, shaking hands with the handlers. They had signed some sticks and jerseys for them. "This was exactly what we needed. I can't thank you guys enough."

"Any time," she said and the handlers nodded in agreement.

As the players said their goodbyes to the dogs, Jax moved to Lauren's side, his voice dropping to a register meant only for her. "I'd like to see you," he said simply. "If you're free after this."

The directness of the request sent a pleasant shiver through her. "I'm free," she replied, meeting his gaze. "But don't you need to rest after the road trip?"

"I've been thinking about you for three days," Jax said, his honesty disarming. "Rest can wait."

Lauren felt heat rise to her cheeks, aware of Kane's poorly disguised interest in their conversation nearby. "My place?" she suggested quietly. "Give me an hour to get the dogs back to the shelter, and I'll meet you there."

The smile that spread across Jax's face—warm, genuine, almost boyish in its pleasure—made her heart flutter embarrassingly in her chest. "I'll be there," he promised. Then, with a glance toward the door where Greeley had been, he added, "And Lauren? Don't worry about guys like that. People will talk, but that doesn't mean we have to listen."

As Lauren led the dogs and handlers out, she caught Kane's knowing wink and Oliver's delighted grin. So much for keeping things discreet, she thought with a mixture of resignation and excitement. But seeing Jax stand up for her, seeing the respect he commanded from both his teammates and arena staff, she felt more confident facing whatever scrutiny might come.

After all, if Jax Thompson could adapt his on-ice role for the evolving game, maybe she could adapt to the spotlight that came with being in his life.

Chapter Eleven

Jax

Jax arrived at Lauren's apartment building with a paper bag from his favorite late-night deli in one hand and a bouquet of simple wildflowers in the other. The flowers had been an impulse purchase from an all-night grocery store, something he couldn't remember doing for a woman... ever, really. But Lauren seemed like the type to appreciate wildflowers over roses—less conventional, more natural.

He felt uncharacteristically nervous as he waited for her to answer the door. Three days away had given him too much time to think, to second-guess, to wonder if the connection they'd shared at the casino night and after was as significant to her as it had been to him.

The sound of the door opening pulled him from his thoughts, and then Lauren was there—still in the simple black pants and green sweater she'd worn to the arena, her blonde hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, her face lighting up when she saw him.

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