Page 29 of Heart Taker

“I better get going.”

I said something else I’m sure, but I was too intent on getting the hell away from Silas to remember what. Something about inviting his brother to our team gathering?

Walk away, do it now.

I said my goodbyes and headed across campus, following the pathway and the students, to the football field.

The lights were glowing, the band was getting set up, and the stadium seats were already full. Dave stood near the goal post with Nora beside him. The two were in a very animated discussion given their wild hand gestures and it didn’t surprise me. Both were strong willed and vocal about their opinions. Dave would probably be taking Nora’s place one day and maybe that was the problem between them. I couldn’t give a shit about rising in the college ranks myself.

Give me my skates and a rink, and I was set. College or the league, either way, I’d be content as a coach, not an administrator.

“Damien,” Dave called out when he looked over and spotted me. “I was telling Nora about the summer training camp. She’s pushing back on the extra items in the budget. Please explain to her that hockey is the most expensive sport ever, but it will earn itself out when we have top players vying for spots.”

“Knock it off, Dave,” Nora bit back, rolling her eyes. “I know all that. But I have a board to report to. I can’t sign off on extras for a program that has yet to be proven.”

“I should have brought my whistle for you two,” I quipped, and Dave playfully nudged my arm. “Look, the first year of any program is always a test. I’m limiting summer camp to six students, and the fees, as outlined in my proposal, will cover the basic costs. The add-ons are to cover travel expenses for two pro players that have agreed to offer workshops. But it’s worth it. Think of the press coverage. And, if these students get drafted eventually, even better. We’ll get interest from the league. Maybe even sponsorship money.”

Nora pursed her lips and nodded.

“I’ll agree to go to bat for it, but I’m not making promises,” Nora replied. “If needed, you’ll have to cut something out of your regular budget.”

I’d worry about that if the time came. And I wasn’t worried at all.

“And, if you don’t get a minimum of four students signed up, the pros visits are a no-go,” she added.

“Deal.”

“Good.” Nora smiled at me. “Now, we have a rally to launch. Let’s get an early start on that positive press coverage.”

Despite my hangover, I put on my best face.

CHAPTER 10

DAMIEN

A WEEK LATER—THE FIREHALL FUNDRAISER

I’d been busy all week preparing the summer camp schedule; finalizing the email to the team, sending out the workshop invitations to the pro players and their agents, and working with the school’s public relations office to get the press announcement ready. Which was going to happen formally at tonight’s Hot Shots Firehall Fundraiser.

Keeping busy was good because with the regular season over, boredom was setting in. Any time after a long season or a big win was always a downer. Not only for the players, but for me too. And after the rally and the flurry of interviews with media about our championship win, things got quiet.

I had too much time to think and it wasn’t all about hockey.

Ever since that night in Chicago, I couldn’t get the conversation with Selwin out of my head. I couldn’t get Silas out of my head. It had never happened to me before with any of my players. No way. I had strict rules about fraternizing with students or anyone I coached. To be honest, I’d never been so much as tempted before. Now I found myself hitting the gym every night to burn off this unsettling and out-of-leaguepreoccupation. My libido, which had been all but dormant, was suddenly out of hibernation.

Only, it wasn’t about a woman, but a guy.

I hadn’t seen that coming. I hadn’t seenhimcoming. And it was too late.

No, I could fix this. I needed a change. A weekend away. Selwin was right; a vacation was in order. I’d fly to New York for a weekend and resolve my problem. I needed to get laid as soon as possible. Or maybe there’d be someone here, tonight? Definitely. Why wait another week or two?

I needed distraction and I needed it now.

Adjusting my cufflinks one last time, I glanced at my reflection in the mirrored hallway. When I played pro, I wore a suit every game day. Now, I hardly ever wore one. This classic tux wasn’t new, but it was dressier than anything I owned. Hopefully, it wouldn’t get ruined like my last one.

Don’t even go there.

Unbidden, a vision of me standing in a wet shirt in front of Silas popped into my head. Only, I wasn’t the only one who was wet, and he wasn’t spraying me with champagne…

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