Page 27 of The Sin Bin

"I'm in," he said firmly. "Whatever the team needs."

Vicky nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, about this friend who took Chenny home." Her tone shifted, becoming almost casual. "The blond who's been at the last few home games? The one Norris says you've been comping tickets for?"

Jax fought the urge to squirm like a rookie caught sneaking out after curfew. "Dr. Mackenzie. She's a veterinarian."

"A veterinarian," Vicky repeated, amusement flickering in her eyes. "And she's attending hockey games because...?"

"Professional interest in sports injuries," Jax offered, the excuse sounding weak even to his own ears.

Vicky's laugh was short but genuine. "Eight years coaching you, Thompson, and that's the worst bullshit you've ever told me. But it's your business." Her expression softened slightly. "Just be careful. The media vultures are already circling. A new girlfriend would be catnip for them, especially during a playoff push."

"It's not—" Jax began, then stopped himself. Was that even true anymore? The daily texts, the shared care for Penalty, the trust that had led him to ask for her help with Oliver tonight—it was becoming something important.

"It's complicated," he finished lamely.

"Isn't it always," Vicky said with unexpected sympathy. "Just make sure whatever it is doesn't fuck with what we're trying to accomplish here. These next few weeks are going to determine whether we're golfing in April or making a run."

"Understood," Jax replied, recognizing the shift back to coach-player dynamics.

As he turned to leave, Vicky added, "And Thompson? The charity casino night next Saturday—the one for the team foundation. Bring her. Might as well get the media speculation over with on our terms."

Jax paused, hand on the doorknob. "You sure that's a good idea?"

"No," Vicky admitted with a shrug. "But it's better than having them catch you two sneaking around like teenagers. Plus, I'd like to meet the woman who's got my most reliable defenseman checking his phone every five minutes."

Jax's ears burned, but he nodded. "I'll ask her."

"Good. Now go ice those ribs. You look like you went ten rounds with a meat grinder."

"Just playing smart hockey, Coach," Jax replied with a hint of a smile.

"Smart ass," Vicky muttered, but there was genuine affection in her tone. "Get out of here. Big day tomorrow."

When Jax returned to the locker room, most of the team had cleared out. Only Kane remained, meticulously wrapping tape around a stick blade despite the late hour. Their captain was known for his pre-game rituals, a superstitious streak that had only intensified during his years wearing the C.

"Everything good with Coach?" Kane asked without looking up from his work.

"Yeah. She's bumping my minutes. More shutdown role, less enforcer shit."

Kane nodded approvingly. "Smart move. You've been solid defensively all season." He finished the tape job, setting the stick aside. "So, veterinarian, huh?"

Jax's head snapped up. "What?"

"Your girl. The blonde. Dmitri said she's a vet." Kane's expression was neutral, but his eyes held a knowing gleam. "She's been at what, three games now?"

"Yeah. Something like that." Jax busied himself with his gear bag, suddenly intensely interested in its organization.

Kane waited, the silence stretching between them until Jax finally looked up to find his captain watching him with barely concealed amusement.

"What?" Jax demanded.

"Nothing," Kane shrugged. "Just never seen you like this before."

"Like what?"

"Nervous. Checking your phone every two minutes. Actually smiling at texts." Kane leaned back against his stall. "It's weird, man. But good weird."

Jax exhaled slowly, running a hand over his shaved head. "I don't know what I'm doing, K," he admitted quietly. "She's smart. Professional. Way out of my league."

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