Page 10 of Match Penalty

Her eyes narrow further, suspicion flaring. “What did you just say?”

"Nothing you’d care to hear," I reply, leaning back as if I hadn’t just bared a fraction of my soul.

Her glare could cut through diamond, but before she can retort, Penelope’s door swings open.

“JP,” Penelope says brightly. "Did you get your key from Cammy?"

"Just about to," I say, reaching for the envelope.

Cammy, ever the professional, hands it over without another word, her focus already shifting back to her computer.

Penelope glances between us, and for a moment, I wonder if she notices the tension. But she just smiles. “Cammy, did you get the list from Autumn this morning? We’ll need everything ready by next week for Everett’s first big event as the new owner.”

"Yes, I printed the list earlier, and I’m already making notes for Brynn and me to meet up and brainstorm," Cammy replies, her voice neutral.

I glance at the printed sheet on her desk, reading the list out loud.

“Kids with Cancer Foundation Auction – Item Collection List. What’s that?” I ask, glancing at Cammy and then Penelope.

"We're helping Briggs Conley’s charity to raise funds for family condos near the cancer center. The Hawkeyes have been heavily involved with the charity since Briggs started it years ago, and Cammy volunteered to head up the auction item collection," Penelope explains.

"Sounds like a big project," I say casually.

"Not your concern," Cammy says under her breath but loud enough for me to hear, her tone colder than the rink three floors below us.

Penelope nods. "It is. Everett Kauffman is expecting this to be the biggest fundraiser that the charity has ever seen, which means Cammy could use some help.”

My ears perk up. “What kind of help?”

Cammy shoots me a look that says if I volunteer, she’ll change her mind about that prison sentence and stab me with the pen after all.

“Just someone who could help facilitate between the locker room and our office. Someone who knows the players and can convince them to participate with more than just signed gear and cash donations. Not that we don’t appreciate those,” she adds quickly.

"Like a liaison?" I ask.

Penelope lights up. "Exactly!"

“I could pitch in if you need,” I offer.

It sounds easy enough, and it's for a good cause.

Cammy shakes her head instantly, her eyes darting from me to Penelope. "That's really not necessary—"

“Really? Are you sure? Having someone on the team would be a huge help for Cammy,” Penelope says, the sound of hope in her voice.

“Whoa, hold on…” Cammy jumps in, “The season starts soon, and he should be focused on the season opener… right?” she asks, looking between us. “Besides, Brynn and I have it covered, I promise.”

Penelope's lips purse in disappointment but then nods in agreement.

“She’s right,” Penelope says, causing Cammy’s shoulders to relax a little. “You have a lot on your plate as it is. And the team needs you more than we do. I’m sure one of the assistant coaches would be willing to help out.”

A cell phone rings inside Penelope’s office, cutting through the tension. She offers a quick goodbye and disappears inside, the door clicking shut behind her.

Cammy might be right about one thing: my focus should be on the ice. It's been over a year since I’ve played at a professional level, not since the Stanley Cup—a moment that feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. But I know her suggestion wasn’t for my benefit. Cammy doesn’t want me in her orbit, let alone involved in the auction project.

I should be laser-focused on my comeback, proving to the Hawkeyes that signing me wasn’t a mistake. Solidifying my place within the Hawkeyes gives me two things:

One, proving to everyone—including myself—that I belong here.

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