Page 82 of Pucking My Grumpy Roommate
I measured my response carefully. "Kate's brilliant, as you obviously know. We're very happy together."
"How does a microbiologist end up with a hockey player? Seems like an unlikely match."
A million responses flashed through my mind, none of them appropriate for a team-sanctioned media event. I settled for diplomacy.
"Sometimes the best combinations are unexpected," I said, forcing a professional smile. "Kate sees the game differently than most hockey insiders, and I've learned more from her perspective than from a decade of sports analysis."
"And the fact that you've been winning consistently since you started dating her?" The reporter's smirk suggested he thought he was being clever. "Some fans are calling her your good luck charm."
My jaw clenched. "I don't believe in luck. I believe in hard work, scientific rehabilitation protocols, and excellent teammates."
"Scientific rehabilitation? Did Dr. Ellis?—"
"Next question," I cut him off, scanning the room for a less irritating face.
By the time I escaped, my shirt was sticking to my back with stress sweat, and my practiced media smile had hardenedinto something that probably looked more like a grimace. I'd dodge a hundred crushing body checks before volunteering for another press gauntlet like that one.
"The Rime Hydration deal is finalized," Tom announced, sliding the thick contract across his polished desk. "Two years, high six figures, with performance bonuses that could push it higher."
I nodded, paging through the dense legal text without really reading it. The money was good—not life-changing for someone on my NHL salary, but significant. What caught my attention were the obligations: photoshoots, commercial filming, social media requirements, and worst of all, promotional appearances across North America.
"That's a lot of travel time," I noted, frowning at the calendar of commitments.
Tom leaned back in his leather chair. "That's the price of premium endorsements, Stone. They want face time."
"Some of these dates conflict with Kate's research presentations."
A flicker of something crossed Tom's face—concern, calculation, or possibly both.
"About that," he said, selecting his words with obvious care. "I need to be straight with you."
"When aren't you?" I replied, instantly wary.
Tom steepled his fingers. "The scientist girlfriend—it's unexpected. Not bad, necessarily, but not what most brands are looking for from their hockey star."
Heat crawled up my neck. "What exactly are they looking for?"
"The usual. Someone photogenic but background. Supportive but not too accomplished. Someone who makes you look good without drawing attention away." He shrugged. "Dr. Ellis is brilliant, no doubt, but she doesn't fit the WAG template. Social media comments from your post have been... mixed."
"Mixed how?" I demanded, already knowing I wouldn't like the answer.
"Some fans love it—the whole beauty and brains with the hockey beast angle. Others think she seems stuck-up, too intellectual. Rime specifically asked if your relationship was 'serious' or just a phase."
I stood so abruptly my chair nearly toppled. "What did you tell them?"
Tom held up his hands placatingly. "I told them you were happy and that's what mattered. But Austin, this is the reality of endorsement deals. Your image is the product they're buying."
"My hockey playing is the product," I corrected him. "My private life is off-limits."
"Not anymore." Tom tapped the contract. "Not with these clauses. They want the full Stone Callahan package—the comeback hero with the perfect life."
I raked a hand through my hair, pacing the confines of his office like a caged animal. "Kate's part of my life. My perfect fucking life, as it happens."
"I'm not saying end things. Just... be strategic. Maybe keep your relationship more private. The long-distance element will help with that anyway."
I stopped short. "What long-distance element?"
Tom looked genuinely surprised. "These appearances. You'll be on the road constantly between games and promotion. Factor in her lab schedule, and you two will be passing like ships in the night."
