Page 15 of Slap Shot Scandal
Earn it.
God, he sounds just like my father.
Prove you belong here. Show me you’re championship material.
I should have seen this coming. The second I landed this job, I did a deep-dive on the team, researching every player, the coaches, the administration. I know about Weston’s childhood, his brothers, his hockey star father, the death of his mom. His stats in college and the pros. Hell, I even know what he eats for breakfast.
Reading about his background, of course he’s going to have trust issues. Especially in light of his coach’s recent betrayal. However, I underestimated how deep those issues run.
“Sorry I’m late.” Mr. Prince bursts into the room,swiping at his brow and breaking the icy tension between me and Weston. “The media’s swarming out there. Did you two discuss the plan, the rebrand?” Prince glances at both of us, his lips tight.
“Yes, I went over the plan with Mr. Steele. Here’s a print-out for you, complete with timeline.” I whip out Prince’s copy and he grabs the paper, then collapses into the seat next to Weston.
“Wow, this is great.” Prince scans the plan, his salt-and-pepper head bobbing. “The charity component, ‘Hockey with Heart,’ the potential for merch. Very clever.”
Weston rolls his eyes, shaking his head slightly. “You don’t think that’s—I don’t know—too gimmicky?”
“Not at all. The slogan’s catchy and positions us as the team that cares.” Prince rubs his chin, considering the catchphrase. “We could use it in all our social media. It’s a great hashtag.”
“I agree. I’m already thinking about merch options with the slogan. And we could have it stitched on the jerseys, right on the sleeve. A pink heart and a hockey stick.”
“Very cute. Exactly the vibe a competitive professional hockey team wants.”
Weston’s sarcastic tone rankles me, but I don’t take the bait. Not in front of Prince. He’s the big boss, the guy I need to impress right now. I can tackle Weston later.
“It’s the vibe you’re going to need. With rumors circulating about Coach Evans—the gambling and the affair—” I cut my gaze at Prince, his frown deepening. I wonder if he’s even begun processing the fallout of all of this or if he’s focusing on work to avoid dealing with his emotions. “You need a softer touch. Something more community-focused, to draw the attention away from those two issues.”
Weston puffs out a breath, both palms spread flat on the table. Scars criss-cross his middle knuckle and I wonder if he got the mark on the ice or in a fistfight with one of his brothers.
“It’s too soft. What’s the team mascot gonna be, a freaking teddy bear?” Weston scowls at me.
“I was kicking around a seahorse, actually.”
“Aw, hell no. We’re professional hockey players, Ms. Hayes, not some youth rec league. We play against the Sabers, the Bolts. We can’t be the Fighting Seahorses!” He throws his hands up in exasperation and Prince grimaces.
Professional hockey players.Like I don’t know what that fucking looks like. I’ve been around pro hockey since before I could walk. I know exactly what intimidates opponents, what the fans love.
“What about barracuda?” I counter quickly. “They’re predators, fast and aggressive.” I swish my hand side-to-side through the air, mimicking a quick swimming motion. His expression shifts and my chest lightens.
“That’s…” His voice loses its edge as he considers the idea. “No, doesn’t work. This is hockey, not marine biology.” He folds his arms across his pecs and I press my lips together, aggravated.
“I see we have a lot of movement to get on the same page here. Unfortunately, Weston, we don’t have much time. A press conference is set for this afternoon. I’m going to need you to be aboard the plan one thousand percent. And, as the team captain, I’m counting on you to sell it to the rest of the boys. We don’t need to work out all the logistics—we can keep putting our heads together on the finer details, like the new mascot—but I am pushing the ‘Hockey with Heart’ slogan through. I really like that and see a lot of potential there. Well done, Harbor.” Prince grins at me and Weston scowls, more pissed off than ever.
Cheeks flaming, I flash Prince a tight smile, doing my best to ignore the daggers Weston’s shooting in my direction.
“Thank you, Mr. Prince. I love all the possibilities the tagline offers. Do you want me to build out a slideshow presentation to present to the team? Running it by you first, of course.”
“Sure. Visuals always work well, thank you. Shortlist mascots as well.”
“Great…” Weston murmurs, and Prince’s forehead creases.
“Weston, why don’t you and Harbor spend some time heads-down on this together? Since you didn’t love the seahorse idea.” He chuckles, a deep, throaty laugh, and a hot flush creeps up my neck.
Spend even more time alone with the man?Seems like a terrible idea.
“Oh, I’m sure Ms. Hayes is too busy with her visuals and uniform design ideas.” Weston levels his icy stare at me and I square my shoulders, sitting up straighter.
“I have time. The mascot is a critical component for the new team branding. Happy to brainstorm with you, Captain.” I fold my hands together and smile sweetly at him, fully comprehending what game we’re playing here.
