Page 66 of Slap Shot Scandal
“That’s an awful lot of trust, Steele.” Pete raises a brow at Weston. “Especially after the season you all just went through.”
Weston’s eyes find mine. “In hockey, you have to work together and trust your teammates. That’s the only way to win out there.”
Warmth floods my veins as my dad’s words echo in my head.
Trust your team. It’s the only way to win.
“Sounds like you’re ready for a new season, Steele. I look forward to seeing you out on the ice.”
The cameras click off and the lights go up, cool relief rushing through me.
We did it.
Weston stands and the sound technician scurries over, unclipping the mic from him. He shakes Pete’s hand and then steps away from the stage, moving in my direction.
“Great job.” I beam at him, resisting the urge to reach out and hug him I’m so happy.
“Thanks.” He scrubs his palm over the back of his neck. “We good?”
The question stings, disappointment creeping around the edges of my happiness. The professional distance is back, his easygoing demeanor gone the second the cameras stop rolling.
“Yeah. We’re good.”
“Cool. Thanks for your help.” Loosening his tie, Weston strides out of the room and I’m left staring at his broad back.
I should be celebrating. Together, we just delivered a flawless media performance, the kind of interview that gets played and replayed.
Instead, I’m standing her crushed and alone.
A professional victory’s never felt more like a personal defeat.
CHAPTER 17
WESTON
Ican’t get out of the media room fast enough. My tie’s choking me out, and I’m way too fucking hot.
I’d love to blame it on the pressure from the interview, but I know it’s not that.
It’s her.
Harbor.
The way the golden flecks in her eyes sparkle when she laughs, the tinkly lilt of her voice, that damn freckle behind her earlobe taunting me.
I have to get away from her before I do something I can’t undo.
I’m so amped up, I head straight to the locker room and change into gym clothes, then hit the treadmill. I’ll run her out of my system, get back to where I was two weeks ago.
Focused.
On hockey, the game I’m getting paid to play. The game I love.
Not on the beautiful blonde PR consultant who’smaking me question everything I thought I knew about priorities.
My entire identity’s built around being the guy who puts the team first. The captain who never lets personal wants compromise professional responsibilities.
But Harbor Hayes is unraveling that discipline one dazzling smile at a time.
