Page 30 of Silver Fox Puck

He’s standing with a few other guys, stretching out his shoulder while one of the younger players talks animatedly beside him.

"Yeah, yeah," Jake says, smirking. "Keep talking, rookie. We’ll see how much you’re running your mouth after you take a few hits in drills today."

The younger guy grins but doesn’t back down. "I’m quicker than you, old man."

Jake snorts. "Right. Keep telling yourself that."

A few guys laugh, and I take the moment to step forward. The second Jake’s eyes land on me, his posture straightens.

I nod. "Williams."

He nods back, eyes sharp as he extends a hand. "Coach."

We shake hands—a solid, professional grip.

No hesitation.

No tension.

Just mutual respect.

Good.

Because I need him on my side.

Before I can say anything else, one of the other players leans in, smirking. "Hey, speaking of old men, how’s it feel knowing you’re about to be coached by a guy who was still dropping gloves when you were a rookie?"

Laughter ripples through the group, but Jake just shrugs. "As long as he knows what he’s doing, I don’t give a shit how old he is."

I raise a brow. "That supposed to be a compliment?"

Jake grins. "Yeah. Take it while you can."

More laughter, but before I can reply, one of the guys behind him pipes up.

"Just don’t go too hard on Williams, Coach. His little sister will kill you."

It’s a joke. Just offhand locker room chirping. I don’t think much of it.

But then another player laughs. "Yeah, you’ve never met Kenzie, right? She doesn’t play around when it comes to her big brother."

Kenzie.

My chest goes tight.

It’s a common name. I’ve heard it before.

And yet, the moment it leaves his mouth, something sharp flickers through me.

Something I don’t fucking like.

My shoulders stay loose, my face unreadable, but my pulse is a different story.

Because suddenly, I can hear her voice in my head again.

Low, teasing, full of something wicked.

No takebacks, Silver Fox.

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