Page 96 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
"Liam…" she whispers, her voice catching.
Handing back the mic to the reporter, I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment, feeling her steady heartbeat against mine.
Pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, I speak softly, for her and her alone.
"I love you, Hazel McKee."
A tear escapes, but she smiles through it, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I love you too, Liam Callahan. Maybe more."
I chuckle, wiping the tear from her cheek with my thumb and brushing her hair back.
“I’d prefer an intimate proposal though,” she says.
"Really, already asking for a proposal?" I tease.
She laughs through the tears. "What? Isn’t that on your to-do list."
I grin. "It most certainly is. Anything the queen wants."
The crowd cheers louder as I pull her into another hug, holding her tight like I’ll never let go.
Chapter thirty
Hazel
It has been a month since the Avalanche won the championship, and the energy hasn’t died down. Autumn Cove is buzzing again today, this time for the Avalanche rebranding campaign. The sports center is packed with fans, athletes, and sponsors. Banners hang from every corner, featuring the team’s victory shot. Liam stands front and center, grinning in triumph, stick raised high. He hates seeing his face everywhere, but I cannot help but smile every time I spot one.
The event is sprawling. Large screens flash highlights from the season, pictures of the players, and shots of the stadium roaring with fans. There is a photo booth where kids and adults alike pose with Avalanche jerseys and mock trophies. Booths are set up to showcase NextPhase Performance Technologies’ new line. Liam’s company has gone all out, with displays of sleek wristbands, high-tech footwear, and lightweight gear that looks more like something out of a sci-fi movie than sports equipment.
I’m moving through the crowd, my camera in hand, capturing moments. A group of young players is laughing as they try on the gloves and helmets, while a group of kids poses in front of a life-size cutout of Blake in his goalie gear. One of them notices me and waves. I snap a quick shot, grinning as I lowered the camera.
The main stage is the centerpiece of the campaign. Liam stands near it, deep in conversation with a sponsor. He is dressed in a sharp black blazer, Avalanchecolors subtly woven into his tie. His presence commands attention, and every so often, someone stops him for a quick handshake or photo.
I focus my lens on him, catching the smile on his face. He glances my way as if sensing my gaze, and a small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. My chest tightens, familiar warmth spreads through me.
As the campaign moves into full swing, the team steps on stage to roaring applause. After the coach gives his speech, Liam steps to the mic and the crowd falls into a silent murmur, their attention zeroed in on him.
“Good evening, everyone,” he starts, his eyes scanning the crowd. “Thank you for being here to celebrate not just our team but what this campaign represents - growth, innovation, and community. Today is not just about the Avalanche. It is about every athlete who pushes themselves harder, who refuses to quit.”
He glances back at his teammates standing behind him, giving them a nod before turning his attention back to the crowd. “Over the years, we have seen ups and downs. We have celebrated victories and learned from defeats. But through it all, what has kept us going is you - our fans, our community, our family. This campaign is our way of giving back, of saying thank you for sticking with us through every goal, every penalty, every fight on the ice.”
The crowd erupts into applause; the energy is palpable. Liam waits, letting the cheers settle before continuing.
“But tonight, it is also about looking forward. About innovation. Which is why, at NextPhase PerformanceTechnologies, we have been working tirelessly to develop tools that do not just improve performance - they transform the way athletes train, play, and recover. I am proud to announce the launch of our new line of products – wristbands, footwear, and lightweight gear.” He gestures to the screen behind him, which flashes images of the new products.
“Some of you have even tried them on…” Excitement flickers through the crowd, heads turning toward the product displays where the products gleam under spotlights. He explains what each product does and how they are useful, especially for young athletes. He also declares that he will be going home with one of the products.
Applause erupts, and he continues. The goal? To help athletes push boundaries without compromising safety.”
The crowd cheers again, and Liam’s smile softens. “And I want to take a moment to thank the people who helped bring this vision to life,” he says. “Our media team, our photographers, and everyone behind the scenes who captured the spirit of our team and told our story in a way that’s inspired me personally.” His eyes lock on mine.
He wraps up with a grin. “I will not bore you with more speeches. Thanks for your support, and most importantly, have fun.”
The crowd erupts in cheers, music pumping back through the speakers. He steps away from the mic, his teammates clapping him on the back. My heart stutters as he walks towards me and sits next to me.
Without a word, he takes my hand in his, fingers warm and steady.
