Page 158 of Silver Fox Puck

Of course.

“Some people think this… situation affects your credibility. You’re coaching her brother. You’re responsible for leading this team. And now, your judgment is being questioned.”

I press my fingers to my temple, exhaling slowly.

I should’ve seen this coming.

“So,” she continues, “ownership wants a decision from you. Either you make a statement, go public properly, and stand by this relationship…”

She lets that hang in the air before adding:

“Or you quietly distance yourself and let the media storm pass.”

My jaw tightens.

“Take the night,” she tells me. “Figure out what you want to do.”

I don’t need the night.

But I take it anyway.

Because before I do anything? I need to see Kenzie.

On my way to my car to drive to Kenzie, I stare at my phone, my stomach twisting.

My name is trending and so is Kenzie’s.

And not in a good way.

I scroll through Twitter, my heart pounding as I scan the headlines:

“Unprofessional?” Fans Debate the Coach’s Off-Ice Choices

Did She Seduce the Assistant Coach? Hockey World Questions Kenzie Williams’ Role

The last one makes my stomach turn.

My fingers curl around my phone, heat flashing up my spine.

Seduce?

Like she’s some power-hungry puck bunny looking for a scandal?

Like I’m not a grown man capable of making my own damn decisions?

***

I knock on the door.

I barely knock before the door swings open.

Kenzie is standing there, barefoot, in one of my sweatshirts that swallows her whole, her green eyes wide and unguarded.

For a second, I can’t speak.

Because despite everything—the media, the headlines, the fallout—she’s still the only thing that feels like solid ground.

“Grant,” she breathes, searching my face.

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