Page 160 of Silver Fox Puck

Jake, Kingston and Gator are in the back. Arms crossed. Expression carefully blank. But they’re here, in silent support.

Kenzie isn’t.

She wanted to be. I told her no. Because this? This is my job. My career. My decision.

I exhale, steadying myself, then lean into the mic.

“I’m not going to drag this out,” I say.

Cameras click. Reporters lean in.

“I know you all have questions. So let me make this easy.”

A brief pause.

Then—the truth.

“I’m in a relationship with Kenzie Williams.”

The room erupts.

Flashbulbs go off. Voices overlap, questions shouted over each other. I lift a hand, silencing them.

“This is not a scandal,” I continue. “This is not some story for the blogs. Kenzie and I met before I took this job. What’s between us is real. And it has no bearing on my position with this team.”

Someone shouts, “But her brother plays for the Eagles—”

“Jake Williams is a professional athlete,” I cut in smoothly. “And I am a professional coach. That hasn’t changed.”

Another voice: “So you’re saying there’s no conflict of interest?”

“I’m saying that my personal life doesn’t impact my ability to lead this team.”

Someone else: “So you’re confirming this relationship has been ongoing?”

I meet the reporter’s eye, unwavering. “I’m confirming that Kenzie Williams is an important part of my life. And I won’t let speculation or gossip define something I know is real.”

The voices start up again, but this time, another one cuts through the noise—Jake’s.

“I think that’s enough.”

Every head whips around.

Jake leans against the back wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

“This doesn’t change how I feel about my coach,” he says, his voice even, strong. “He’s one of the best. And it damn sure doesn’t change how I feel about my sister.”

A beat of silence.

Then—chaos.

Reporters explode with questions, but me?

I just smirk.

It’s done.

We’ve won.

---