Page 72 of Pucking My Grumpy Roommate
His eyes softened. "Come on. Time to meet the rest of the team."
The next hour passed in a blur of introductions. Austin stayed by my side, his hand rarely leaving the small of my back as he introduced me to teammates, coaches, and management. To my surprise, most of them seemed genuinely interested when Austin mentioned my research.
"So you're fighting superbugs?" One of the goalies leaned in, fascinated. "Like, actual microscopic supervillains?"
"That's... actually not a terrible analogy," I admitted, warming to the topic. "They're constantly evolving new defenses, like supervillains getting better armor."
"And you're developing weapons to fight them? That's badass."
I caught Austin watching me with undisguised pride as I explained my research in superhero terms to increasingly interested hockey players. Something warm unfurled in my chest—he wasn't just including me in his world; he was genuinely proud of my place in it.
"Austin Callahan, as I live and breathe."
A female voice cut through our conversation. I turned to see a stunning blonde in a skintight red dress approaching, her smile predatory as she focused entirely on Austin.
"Camille," Austin acknowledged, his posture stiffening slightly. "I didn't realize you'd be covering this event."
"I never miss a chance to chat with Minnesota's favorite defenseman." She placed a perfectly manicured hand on his arm, completely ignoring my existence. "Especially now that you're back on the active roster. We should schedule that exclusive interview we discussed."
"I don't recall discussing an exclusive," Austin replied, his tone cooling several degrees.
Camille laughed as if he'd said something charming. "Always so modest. Remember that little celebration after you won the conference finals two years ago? You promised me first interview when you made your comeback."
My stomach twisted uncomfortably. There was clearly history here—the kind that involved champagne and private promises.
"Kate," Austin said, deliberately shifting to include me, "this is Camille Wilson from Channel 9 Sports. Camille, this is Dr. Kate Ellis, my girlfriend."
Camille's eyes flicked over me with the brief disinterest of someone evaluating and dismissing a non-threat. "Charmed. A doctor? Of what, exactly?"
"Microbiology," I replied. "I study antibiotic resistance."
"How... unique." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Austin usually prefers more straightforward company."
I felt rather than saw Austin tense beside me. Before he could respond, a teammate called him over for what appeared to be an urgent conversation with one of the team owners.
"I'll be right back," he said to me, his eyes conveying an apology. "Two minutes, tops."
As soon as he stepped away, Camille's fake smile dropped. "Look, I'm sure you're very smart and all, but some friendly advice? Don't get too comfortable."
I blinked, taken aback by the sudden hostility. "Excuse me?"
"Athletes like Austin have a type, especially during recovery. The 'something different' girl who makes them feel better aboutthemselves during a rough patch." She sipped her champagne, eyes never leaving mine. "Once he's back in the game—literally—he'll go back to women who understand his world."
My cheeks burned, but something in me refused to retreat. Dr. Barnes's words echoed in my mind: determining whether they are the right partner.
"That's fascinating," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Tell me, does making other women feel insecure usually work well for you professionally? Because scientifically speaking, territorial marking behaviors rarely function effectively outside their evolutionary context."
Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose. "Cute. But I've known Austin for years. I've seen his patterns."
"And I've been living with him for months, watching him rebuild himself piece by piece." I met her gaze directly. "I know exactly who he is—with or without hockey—and that terrifies you because you only understand the public version."
Camille's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Austin returned, his hand immediately finding the small of my back.
"Everything okay here?" he asked, glancing between us.
"Perfectly fine," I replied, smiling sweetly. "Camille was just explaining some fascinating behavioral patterns to me."
"We'll catch up later, Austin," Camille said, retreating gracefully. "About that interview."
