Page 29 of Slap Shot Scandal
“I still have to run the idea by Mr. Prince, but the youth league’s interested in you guys working with the kids. That would be a great photo op. A few key players—like you and your brothers—skating with the little ones. Plus, it could help build the local fan base and stoke excitement for the upcoming season.”
Her words tumble out in an excited rush. While I appreciate her enthusiasm for pumping up the team’s image and fanbase, I don’t particularly want to be used as a pawn in her little PR chess game.
“No.” I growl out the word, the harsh sound echoing in the enclosed chamber of the car.
“What? What do you mean ‘no’?” Her head swivels in my direction, her golden ponytail whipping over her shoulder.
“What part of the one syllable answer confused you?”
“All of it.” Glossy lips pressing together, her nostrils flare. “You’re going to have to work with me on this sort of thing, Captain.”
“I don’t recall ‘work with me’ being in my contract.”
“It’s implied in the fine print. Right between ‘don’t sabotage the PR consultant trying to save the team’ and ‘don’t act like an arrogant asshole.’”
I tighten my grip on the wheel, something hot flaring in my gut. “I know how to read a contract, Hurricane.”
“Then read the room. Your team needs help. And I’m here to do just that.”
Aggravation shoots through me. “I don’t want to use neighborhood kids in a cheap bid to build goodwill. That’s not right.”
“We’re not using them. We’re connecting with the children in the community and building relationships.” She puts heavy emphasis on the last part,communityandrelationships.“You do know how to build relationships, right? Or am I overestimating you?” Her tone slips into snark and my dick twitches in my pants.
Not the time, boss. You twisted motherfucker.
“Of course I do,” I snarl back at her, my gaze pinned on the road.
“Would your last three girlfriends agree with that assessment?”
“I love that you gave me three, Hurricane. Considering how little you think of me.”
A tiny sigh escapes her lips and she sinks back against the seat. “I don’t think poorly of you.” Her voice is soft, almost gentle. “But you fight me at every turn. We’re on the same team. For now. How about we act like it?”
I huff out a heavy breath, gut rolling. From nerves, anxiety.
From her.
Sliding into the Visitor parking spot in the condo lot, I cut the engine and glance over at her.
“You’re a temporary member of this team. I’ve been here and I know what works and what doesn’t. Personally, and for the rest of the guys. None of them are going to like this idea. Guaranteed.”
She scrunches those full, pink lips up and stares me down.
“We’ll see about that. I’m pitching the idea to Prince this afternoon. If he gives me the green light, it’s likely ago. But tell you what—I’ll compromise. If it’s a yes from Prince, I’ll float the idea with the rest of the team. If everyone hates the idea, I’ll pivot.”
I frown, mulling over her negotiating strategy. “Still don’t like it. But fine.”
“Deal?” Her voice tips up, tinged with hope.
“Deal.” I force out the word through gritted teeth.
This woman’s maddening.I’m not sure I’ll survive an entire season with Little Miss Sunshine and all her bright ideas.
“We’re late. Let’s go.” I hit the unlock button and climb out of the driver’s seat, every inch of my body tense—and we were in the car less than ten minutes.
It’s gonna be a long damn season.
“Yoo-hoo!” Gia, a busty brunette, waves us over to the double glass doors of the light blue stucco condo building.
