Page 19 of Match Penalty

As a three-time hockey Olympian for Russia, Luka's got the résumé to back up his swagger—two bronze and a gold medal all before he turned twenty-five. This is his first season in the NHL, after coming back from retirement, and while it’s fun to flick him shit, we all know that a signature from Popovich would fetch more than just a hot dog.

Slade Matthews, our captain, appears at my stall. His presence commands attention without him even trying. "Cheer up, Dumont. It’s just practice. You’re allowed to screw up once in a while," he says, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Just don’t make a habit of it during games. And keep your eyes off my girl," he grins. “She's up there, too, and I don't need her thinking she can trade me in for someone younger. I'm well aware I married up," he says, elbowing my bicep lightly.

"Thanks for the pep talk, Captain," I reply, earning a few more chuckles.

But Slade isn't done. He leans closer, his voice dropping. "By the way, you're telegraphing your moves. And I don't mean on the ice."

I glance at him, brow raised. "That obvious, huh?"

He grins, but there's wisdom in his eyes. "Only to someone who's been there already—GM's daughter," he says, reminding me that he used to play college hockey for Penelope's dad back in the day. "Get your head straight first. The rest will follow."

Before I can respond, Coach Haynes steps into the room. The chatter dies instantly, like someone hit mute.

"Good work today," he says, his tone even but commanding. "Keep it up, and we'll hit the ground running come season opener." He pauses, scanning the room. "One more thing—the charity auction's coming up. Kauffman's expecting full participation from the team. Don't make me chase you down for donations."

A collective groan rises from the guys, but it's good-natured. Coach Haynes nods once and leaves, half the team grabs their gear bags and head out while the other half heads for the gym.

I change quickly, an idea forming. If I can't prove myself to Seven on the ice today, maybe I can show him another way. Show him I'm not the same guy who screwed up two years ago.

The hallway outside is quieter now, most guys having cleared out. I spot Penelope Matthews walking toward her office, her heels clicking against the floor, tablet in hand.

"Penelope," I call out, jogging to catch up. "Got a minute?"

She turns, her sharp eyes assessing me instantly. "JP. What can I do for you?"

I take a breath, steadying myself. "The charity auction—I want to help."

Her eyebrow arches. "I love the enthusiasm but didn't we already discuss this and decide it would be better for you to focus on the ice?"

"Yes, but I can do both. And it's for a good cause."

Penelope studies me for a long moment, then a small smile tugs at her lips. "This wouldn't have anything to do with what I saw at practice today, would it?"

I suck in my lower lip. It figures she didn't miss that. "I screwed up before. With Cammy. I want to make it right. And this isn't all about her. The Hawkeyes are giving me a shot. The least I can do is pitch in where I can. Prove to Coach Wrenley—"

"Ah… now I see," she says with a soft smile. "The coach's daughter is a tough one, Slade can tell you all about it. He gave up the NHL and spent four years on the Hawkeyes farm team to gain back my father's good opinion of him. Are you sure you want to go down this road? There's no guarantee."

"I just need a shot—one shot at the second chance."

She studies me for another moment, then nods. "Okay. But JP?" Her voice hardens, reminding me that before she was GM, she was a player's wife who knows exactly how this world works. "Don't make me regret this. Cammy's not just my employee—she's family."

"I understand."

"Do you? Because if you hurt her again, you'll have more than just Seven to deal with. I know I'm not technically supposed to have a favorite on the ice, but no one said anything about the administrative staff. I'd really hate to have to kick you off this team for causing her any more pain."

I meet her gaze steadily. "I won't hurt her."

"For your sake, I hope you don't." She glances at her watch, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. "She and Aria are helping out the legal team today, but she'll be back in my office tomorrow."

A voice calls out to Penelope—Dr. Kendall Hensen. The Hawkeyes in-house doctor.

"I was just coming to see you," Penelope says, beaming at Kendall, then turns back to me. "Good luck, JP. You're going to need it," she says with a smirk.

I nod and then head for the exit.

First order of business—ice this knee.

Then tomorrow, I’ll convince Cammy to give me a second chance… at helping her with the auction.

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