Page 60 of Slap Shot Scandal
Then Bennett strolls in—and he’s not alone.
My blood boils as he grins at Harbor like she’s a fucking game he wants to win. Flashing his damn dimple, he knows exactly what he’s doing.
Oh, hell no.
He’s not allowed to flirt with her. Now or ever.
Jaw clenching, I snatch my tie from my locker and wind it around my neck, doing my best to ignore the two of them laughing and chatting across the room. Now’s not the time for a confrontation with my brother. But I’m definitely addressing this situation with him again later.
I loop the silky fabric of my tie into a knot, sneaking a quick glance over at Harbor. In a navy pencil skirt and a light blue silky blouse, her hair falling across her shoulders in loose waves, she’s professional and polished and very, very fuckable.
Holy hell.
It’s gonna be a long fucking day.
Prince breaks my focus on Harbor, strolling in with a man I don’t recognize. He’s clean-cut, with sandy brown hair and a suit he probably had custom-made because he’s easily twice as broad as Prince. Doesn’t look to be much older than me.
Has to be the new coach, and I’m guessing he’s a retired player himself based on size alone.
Prince claps his hands once and the locker room falls silent.
“Boys, I’d like to introduce you to the new head coach for the Coastal Crushers. New season, new town, new branding—and most importantly, new leadership.”
My chest squeezes with eachnew. All this change might just kill me.
“After an exhaustive search, I believe he’s the absolute best man for the job. He can take this team where it needs to go. He’s got the mind, the experience, and the edge to lead the Crushers to victory. Meet Coach Mike Keller.”
The man steps forward and scans the room like he’s already clocking everyone’s weaknesses.
Prince continues. “He comes to us from the AHL. Last season, he was assistant coach for the Milwaukee Icehounds. Ran defense and special teams. Top five in the league in both categories. Three of his guys got NHL call-ups this year.”
A flicker of surprise goes up around the room. Clearly, this guy is good.
“He also coached in the OHL and turned a bottom-ranked junior team into playoff contenders. Player development is his thing—but don’t mistake that for soft. Under his guidance, next season’s going to be great. Coach—” Prince gestures to the coach and he steps forward, shrugs his shoulders.
“Appreciate the intro, Mr. Prince.” His voice is clear and calm. “I’m excited to be here with you all and I’m looking forward to the months ahead. As Mr. Prince mentioned, I was with Milwaukee. I’m a former player myself—D1 before I pivoted to coaching. My style’s fair, but firm. I’m not here to be friends, I’m here to win. So long as we’re all working toward the same goal,everything’s good.” He locks eyes with me and my gut tightens.
This is what real leadership looks like. Calm authority, the kind that doesn’t need to prove itself. Presence that commands respect without demanding it.
Everything I’m supposed to be for this team.
Except I’m failing because I can’t keep my focus off the blonde PR consultant who’s supposed to be saving us from scandal.
I’ve never had problems with a coach before and I sure as hell don’t want to start now.
I stand straighter, shoulders squared.
“I’ll be holding individual team meetings with each of you. Mini strategy sessions to go over strengths and weaknesses and what we’ll be focusing on during the pre-season. Sign-up sheet’s on my office door. This is mandatory.”
He shoves a hand in his pocket and steps back in line with Prince. Harbor snaps a few quick photos and I do my best to ignore her.
“Okay, meeting adjourned. We’ll be holding the presser in the lobby. Meet in the hallway in the next fifteen minutes.” Prince waves his hand and chatter immediately resumes.
“What do you think?” Callum leans over, a brow raised.
I shrug. “Seems fine. I like the winning part.”
“Same. Not sure how it’s going to go down with Bennett, though. He’s gonna have to tone it down and focus this season.”
