Page 52 of Goaltender Interference

Softening, Gavin sat back in his chair. “Hey, I know that. And I know I thrust this situation on you rather unexpectedly. I appreciate the way you’ve handled it, to be honest. We’ll reassess as the season progresses but Iamglad I can relay your positive report to the ownership group. Now, let’s discuss prospects.”

Connor slumped back in his seat too, relieved to finally be talking about something much, much less complicated than Jesse Webber.

After the late lunch, Connor headed to his parents’ house to collect the girls.

“Where’s Jesse?” Evie demanded.

“Out with some of the team,” he explained, buckling Maura into her booster seat in the SUV.

“I think you’ve been supplanted as a favorite,” his mother said drily. “Evie will not stop talking about Jesse.”

“I think I have too,” Connor agreed with a sigh. And who could blame the kids? Jesse was probably way more fun than he was.

After hugging his mom and thanking her for her help, they headed home. Connor spent the afternoon with the girls, enjoying his time with them while Nolan stayed late to do a school project.

Jesse returned to the house shortly before supper, full of enthusiasm about hanging out with the guys that afternoon, and Connor let out a relieved sigh.

They could do this.

Connor settled several minor squabbles between the girls about pizza toppings and which movie to watch and Nolan returned as the pizza arrived.

As everyone settled onto the sectional and chairs with their plates of pizza and salad, Connor queued up the movie and hitPlay.

He froze when he turned back to the sectional and saw that the only open spot was between Jesse and Maura.

Jesse smirked, patting the cushion. “C’mon, get comfy.”

Connor wet his lips and settled into place, trying not to dislodge anyone else’s meal. He could feel Jesse’s body against his, lean and warm and long.

Connor wouldkillhim if he tried to cop a feel with the girls right there.

But while the movie played—something family-friendly that the girls would love but that Connor was probably gonna forget the moment it was over—Jesse remained on his best behavior.

So Connor ate his pizza, slowly relaxing.

Because of training camp and the season starting, he and Jesse had gone for a chicken and roasted veggie pizza with hot honey, the girls had chosen their favorite—pepperoni—and Nolan had asked for his usual, a spicy meat lovers style that he’d probably devour completely in the next few hours.

The Greek salad had been good too and after Connor had polished off his supper, he sighed with contentment.

Jesse did the same. “That was great. Thanks.”

“Thanks for saving the sectional.” Evie had nearly tipped over the container of marinara she was dunking her breadsticks in and it was Jesse’s quick reflexes that had saved the day.

“Shh, we’re watchin’ a movie,” Maura admonished him.

“Sorry, Maura-girl,” Connor said contritely, reaching out to set his plate and Jesse’s on the side table. He settled an arm around his daughter, feeling pleasantly tired and content.

She wiggled to get comfortable and he re-settled the blanket over both their laps. Evie did the same to her blanket, draping it over Jesse and leaning her head against his upper arm.

Jesse exchanged a smile with Connor and Connor sighed again, the tension that had been knotting his shoulders for months finally beginning to loosen.

He’d be exhausted tomorrow but for now, things felt … good. And it had been a long, long time since he’d felt that way.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The morning of the first day of training camp, Jesse woke up in a great mood.

He bounced out of bed, dressed in team gear, and jogged downstairs to find Connor leaning against the counter, staring into space while he sipped his coffee.

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