Page 62 of The Sin Bin

Lauren considered the question seriously. Was she ready for this step? For the inevitable speculation, the potential scrutiny that came with being linked to a professional athlete? For having whatever was developing between her and Jax subjected to public curiosity?

"No," she said finally, surprising herself with the certainty in her voice. "It's worth it. He's worth it."

Barb's expression shifted to something softer, more affectionate. "Look at you, all grown up and taking relationship risks," she said, though the teasing words carried genuine approval. "For what it's worth, I think Mountain Man is pretty worth it too. Especially after seeing him at the shelter."

The reminder of how gentle Jax had been with Charlie, how supportive he'd been of Oliver, settled Lauren's nerves somewhat. That was the man she was choosing to associate herself with publicly—not just the enforcer, but the thoughtful, compassionate man beneath the tough exterior.

The energy in the arena intensified as the second period progressed. Whether it was the rivalry with Philadelphia, the playoff implications, or simply the heightened intensity of late-season hockey, the crowd seemed louder, more engaged, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

Lauren watched as both teams battled for control, the deliberate separation between rivals obvious even to her now-experienced eye. Every time Jax was on the ice, a perceptible shift occurred—Philly players gave him extra space, teammates stood taller in his presence, fans leaned forward in anticipation.

She spotted number 22 on the Phantoms—Brady Wilson, the player whose cheap shot on Ethan had triggered Jax's viral fight. There was something calculated in his movements, a deliberate swagger as he skated near the center line, eyes scanning the Chill players with obvious challenge.

"Dr. Mackenzie?" a voice interrupted her observations. Lauren turned to find a young woman in Chill-branded attire smiling professionally. "I'm Alicia from Media Relations. Stephanie asked me to check that you're all set for the intermission interview."

"Yes, thank you," Lauren confirmed, adjusting the lanyard around her neck that identified her as an official team guest. "Just a bit nervous about the camera part."

Alicia's smile turned sympathetic. "You'll do great. It's just a few questions about the service dog program, very straightforward. Jax is a pro at these things—he'll make it smooth."

The casual confidence in Jax's media abilities struck Lauren as incongruous with his usually reserved demeanor, a reminder of how much of his life was spent in the public eye. Of course he was accustomed to cameras and interviews. It was part of his job, a side of him she was only beginning to fully appreciate.

"I'll come find you near the end of the second period," Alicia explained. "We'll have you miked and ready during the zamboni break."

As the young woman departed, Lauren's attention returned to the game. The Chill had tied the score, creating a tense back-and-forth that heightened the already charged atmosphere.

With five minutes left in the period, the crowd's energy suddenly spiked as Wilson delivered a vicious hit on Oliver, sending him sprawling across the ice. A collective growl rumbled through the arena, eyes immediately seeking Jax's reaction.

"Thompson's gonna murder him," a fan behind Lauren predicted with disturbing enthusiasm.

Instead, Jax helped Oliver to his feet, spoke briefly to him, and then skated to his position—controlled, professional, but with a dangerous edge to his movements that wasn't lost on anyone watching. Even from the stands, Lauren could see the calculation in his restraint, the strategic decision not to engage directly.

The rest of the period passed in a blur of tension, ending still tied 1-1. As promised, Alicia appeared to escort Lauren to the broadcast position. They navigated through service corridors, the roar of the crowd growing more distant as they moved behind the scenes of the arena.

"Nervous?" Alicia asked kindly as she attached a small microphone to Lauren's collar.

"A bit," Lauren admitted. "I'm more comfortable with four-legged patients than cameras."

Alicia laughed. "You'll be fine. Jax specifically requested you for this segment, you know. He usually avoids these interviews like the plague."

The casual revelation sent a warm flutter through Lauren's chest. "He did?"

"Oh yes. When Stephanie proposed the service dog program announcement, he insisted you should be the one representing the shelter side." Alicia adjusted the microphone pack discreetly at Lauren's back. "Between us, he's spoken more about you and those shelter animals in the past month than he's said in press conferences all season."

Before Lauren could process this, Jax himself appeared, still in his game uniform minus his helmet, his hair damp with sweat but otherwise looking remarkably composed for someone who'd just played forty minutes of intense hockey.

"Hey," he said simply as he joined her, his voice pitched low beneath the arena noise. "You made it."

There was relief in his eyes, a warmth that created a pocket of intimacy despite the bustling activity around them.

"Sorry I was late," Lauren said quietly. "The surgeries took longer than expected."

"You're here now," Jax replied, his gaze holding hers. "That's what matters." He stepped closer, their shoulders nearly touching. "You saved them?"

"The worst cases, yes. The German Shepherd was touch and go for a while, but he pulled through."

Something like pride flickered across Jax's face. "Of course he did. He had you."

The simple confidence in her abilities touched Lauren deeply. Before she could respond, Jax leaned down slightly, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "You look beautiful, by the way. That color suits you."

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