Page 112 of The Closed Off Captain

I take a step back and take in the player before me. Jason Knight, center for Indianapolis, and the guy who offered me a job. “How are you?”

“I’m good, but I’d be even better if you told me you decided to come work for us.”

I give him my professional smile, the one I’ve honed over the years. “I’m really happy working here but thank you for the offer. If I know of anybody looking for that position, I’ll let you know.”

He steps closer, and I fight the urge to step back. “We don’t want another PR agent; we want you, Chloe.”

“I really appreciate that, but—”

“It’s a really good offer. Did you look at it?”

I take a breath. “I did, but I’m really not interested.”

“Chloe.”

I turn at the sound of that voice and see Gunner and Aiden walking towards us, both scowling. Gunner walks right over to me and puts his arm around me casually; only, there’s nothing casual to the tightness in his body. “Are you still trying to get my girl to come work for your team?” His words are light, but there’s no missing the threat beneath them.

“Thought she wasn’t your girl anymore,” Jason responds easily, leaning against the wall as if he doesn’t have a care in the world.

“You thought wrong.” Gunner’s reply is low and slow.

“Hmmm. We’ll see. Well, I have a game to get to. See you boys out on the ice.”

Gunner’s hand tightens on my waist for a moment. “You good?” He’s still watching Jason walk away.

“I’m fine, Big C; nothing I couldn’t handle.” I pat his chest and glance around his shoulder to see Aiden walking away.

He spins me around and pulls me into his arms. “I know, but I still don’t like him.”

I run my hands over his chest. “Honestly, me neither.” I look up into his eyes. “You ready for your game tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“Coftman, let’s go,” somebody calls out from behind us.

“That’s my cue.” He kisses me lightly on the lips. “I’ll see you later.”

“Good luck on your game, and by good luck, I mean destroy them.”

His mouth curves into a deliciously sexy grin. “Yes, Ma’am.” I watch him go and wonder, not for the first time, how this man is interested in me. The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur, and it’s suddenly game time. My heart swells with pride for these guys, as it does every time before a game. The music starts, and the stadium rumbles with the sound. I watch as the lights begin and the images on the jumbotron slide across the ice. Pride for our team, our city, our history rolls over me as it does every single time I watch this. The crowd starts their chant as soon as the video is over.

“Let’s go Thunder, Let’s go.”

Teddy, our beloved announcer, announces all the Green Thunder staff, ending with the coaches. And then the lightning starts to flash, and the Green Thunder fans rattle the seats for the thunder, the tradition for every Green Thunder game. Teddy calls out each of our guys, and they skate out to the middle. Gunner is second to last; only Rico goes after him. He stands next to me as he waits his turn to skate out. He doesn’t acknowledge me in any way, as he is locked in and focused. I don’t say anything to him, so I don’t throw off his concentration. The crowd cheers for him as he skates to the middle. Rico is the last to skate out, and then it’s time for face-off. They all take their places, and I get my phone ready because it’s game time. After a few videos and still shots, I head back down the hallway and towards the stands. It’s been weeks since I’ve been able to sit andactually watch one of our games. I’ve worked during the home games and haven’t been to any away games for the last month. I’m eager to watch a good game of hockey, and I know the guys are going to provide it tonight. They’re having their best season ever. It’s still early, but a lot of sports authorities are saying they’ll go all the way. I certainly hope so.

I make my way through the boisterous crowd and find Sebastian’s family’s row. I haven’t sat with them for a while, but I feel good about it tonight. Everybody welcomes me with warm smiles and hugs as I make my way through the row. I finally land in a seat between Amber and another fan. “Hey,” Amber says with a quick side hug.

I settle back in my chair, ready to enjoy this game. I know right away it’s going to be a good one. Rico has an amazing save, and the crowd roars its approval. We get a few good looks at the goal but haven’t scored yet. We’re not even five minutes into the first period when Gunner takes Jason Knight into the boards. I grip the arm rests of my seat and watch it playout, hoping Gunner will back off and just let him be. But when they tangle again a few minutes later, I know that’s not going to happen.

Chapter 49

Chloe

At the end of the first period, it’s still zero to zero. “What’s with Coftman tonight?” Amber asks.

“They had a run-in before the game. Apparently, it bothered him more than I realized,” I say dryly.

Stephanie moves towards us and join the conversation. “What’s up with Gunner?” Stephanie asks.

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