Page 40 of Second-Rate Superstar
With practiced precision, Cal hoisted Hannah over his shoulder and began to stride away, promising her, “You’re gonna pay for that.”
Peering up at us, she bit her lip, lust coloring her blue eyes. “Night, fellas!”
Benji chuckled once they were out of sight. “Best fucking show in town.” He clinked his beer bottle to mine. “And you just let her have free reign with your girl. Good luck to you.”
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. Only time would tell if I’d made a colossal mistake. My relationship with Dakota was fragile, but I was holding out hope that Hannah might remind her of Bristol and it would all work out in the end.
Yeah, I knew I was reaching, but what other choice did I have?
Chapter 10
Dakota
Braxton:I’m sorry. I tried to stop her. I really did.
What?
I stared down at the text from Braxton. He wasn’t making any sense. Before I could type out a reply asking if maybe he sent the message to the wrong person, the phone buzzed in my hand.
Unknown Number:Picking you up tomorrow at ten. Be ready.
Blinking at the phone, I was more confused than ever.
I’m sorry. I think you might have the wrong number.
Unknown Number:This is Dakota, right?
Uh, yeah. Whois this?
Unknown Number:Whoops, my bad. Not used to needing an introduction. Huh. That’s a strange feeling. But I digress. The name’s Hannah Moreau, but you can call me your hockey fairy godmother. Mistake number one was going to one of the guys for help. I’m the one you need to talk to for all things hockey. Those walking piles of muscles may be pretty to look at, but they’re basically monkeys with sticks. Skate. Shoot. Score. Repeat. If you want to understand the game on a deeper level, I’m your girl.
I’m assuming you know Braxton, then?
Hannah:Bingo! So, when I heard he was helping you out with your “research,” I stepped in.
Why did she put research in quotation marks? And why did she think she knew the game better than the players?
I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m good.
Hannah:Aw, that’s cute. You think you have a choice. See you tomorrow!
What just happened? Who was this woman?
There was only one way to find out. Switching out of that text thread, I opened the one with Braxton.
Wanna explain why I’ll be spending tomorrow morning with someone named Hannah?
Braxton:*Cringe emoji* She happened to overhear Jaxon talking about how you brought Natalie food while we were gone. Thank you, by the way. That was really sweet of you. And the next thing I know, she’s declaring that she will be taking over your hockey education.
Okay . . . But who is she?
Braxton:*Sighs* Where do I begin? Let’s see. She’s our head coach’s daughter. She’s dating a freshly retired player who now does TV commentary for the Comets. She’s the Comets anthem singer AND our travel coordinator—hence, why she was on the road trip. But if all those weren’t enough, she’s been best friends with Natalie since they were teenagers.
So, what you’re saying is . . . she knows her stuff when it comes to hockey.
Braxton:Oh yeah.
In your opinion, is it a good idea to pick her brain? She seemed a little intense, telling me we were hanging out together doing God knows what tomorrow instead of asking.
