Page 81 of Triple Power Play 3
A chuckle vibrates within Ethan’s chest. “You never cease to amaze me, but I like it.”
“Me too,” I add. “Elijah, it is.”
37
JACKSON
“Listen up!” Coach shouts through the locker room. “Tonight, we’re hosting Huskies to the Rescue, a special event that showcases a local rescue center. Each of you will get your picture taken with an available dog, promoting adoption and raising awareness. This event was a massive success last year, so put on your brightest smiles and have fun. Oh, and one more thing: we still need a player to foster a puppy.”
A hush falls over the room, and every player averts their gaze—everyone except Grant and me.
Ethan lets out a heavy sigh. “Grant fostered last season. Any other volunteers? We have a genuine husky who needs to be adopted. I’m confident they’re cute and not at all a ploy orchestrated by the PR team.”
The group ripples with snickers and scoffs at his sarcastic remarks while management looks on with forced smiles.
The PR director shakes her head disapprovingly at Ethan, but I don’t miss the pleased gleam in her eyes. “The puppy is a he, and his name is Celly.”
I caught her staring at Coach during my interview. Okay, maybe notstaring, but definitely appreciating.
She appears to be around the same age as him, an executive type with yellow-blonde hair, much like his ex. I steal a glance at her hand—no wedding ring.
Annoyance twists in my gut. I swear, if she hits on him, I’m lighting her car on fire in the parking lot.
“I’m positive Patty,” he motions toward the woman who can’t keep her eyes off him, “will make sure Celly is taken care of while we’re on the road.”
PR Patty playfully purses her lips, and I get one of my genius ideas.
I raise my hand. “I’ll do it.”
Ethan’s head whips around, his eyes widening in a silent warning, as if to say,“Don’t you fucking dare.”
I smirk. It’s his own damn fault for keeping our relationship hidden from management and PR Patty. “We just moved into a new house with a yard. Aurora will be thrilled to have a puppy.”
He grimaces, his dark brows furrowing. He opens his mouth to refute but flounders.
Grant, who knows we live together, chuckles beside me and says, “Huskies are rambunctious. They require a lot of attention. Otherwise, they destroy everything.”
“Sounds familiar,” Coach grumbles, his eyes fixed on me.
I offer a half-assed shrug. “It’ll give the baby something to play with.”
His body jolts, his aggravated expression turning to one of horror. He extends his hands out, and his voice rises in intensity. “Absolutely not.” Catching himself, he takes it down a notch. “It’s not safe.”
I’d never leave our baby alone, dog or not. EJ is going to be spoiled.
Still, I continue the charade. “We have plenty of help at home. In fact, we just added a new member to the family. It’ll be fine.”
His cheeks flush, and his ears turn pink. He glares at me, but at least he’s no longer flirting with PR Patty.
Oh, and I guess we now have a puppy.
The door swings open, and in comes Celly, cradled in the arms of a young woman sporting a Huskies jersey. He’s adorable, wearing his very own tailored jersey and a matching pair of pale-blue eyes. Aurora will be totally enamored with him. I can practically hear her squealing.
“I want her—him.” Grant’s clipped words are rushed, his expression stern.
“You already have one. You adopted last year’s foster,” I argue.
PR Patty gestures toward us, and the media team and the girl with the puppy head our way.
