Page 116 of Penalty Kiss
The vision he's painting is seductive—using my skills not as a weapon or a tool, but as a bridge. Connecting people, building something lasting and meaningful.
"I'd want to think about it," I say carefully.
"Of course. Take all the time you need." He pauses, then adds with studied casualness, "The salary would be competitive, of course. Full benefits, and you'd have complete creative control over community programming."
"Are you trying to bribe me, Mr. Wilder?"
"Is it working?"
I pretend to consider this. "Maybe. Depends on the office."
"Corner office, big windows, your own coffee machine."
"Now you're talking." I stretch up to kiss him, quick and sweet. "I'll think about it, I promise. But right now, I need to meet Lily. She says she has news."
"Good news?"
"The best kind, apparently."
"Tell her I said congratulations on whatever it is," he says, already turning back toward the blueprints on his desk.
"You don't even know what it is yet."
"Doesn't matter. Any news that makes Lily happy makes Levi happy, which makes my life easier. It's basic math."
I shake my head, still grinning as I head for the door. "I love your twisted logic."
"It's why you're marrying me!"
His voice follows me out of the office, and I'm still smiling as I step back into the main facility. The space has been transformed since this morning—what looked like chaos now shows clear signs of organization and progress. I can see the bones of what it will become: the gleaming ice surface, the stands filled with cheering fans, the locker rooms where dreams will be made and broken.
It's Cam's vision made real, and I've never been more proud of anyone in my life.
The drive to Candy Jar gives me time to think about his offer. Working with the team would mean stepping fully into my real identity, using my gifts openly instead of hiding them. It's terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.
By the time I push through the familiar door of Lily's shop, I've almost talked myself into it.
"There's my favorite future hockey executive," Lily calls from behind the counter, her face glowing with that particular radiance that means she's either had excellent sex recently or received excellent news. Possibly both.
"Who says I'm taking the job?"
"Your face says you're taking the job. You get this look when you're trying to talk yourself out of something you actually want to do."
I slide into the chair across from her usual spot, accepting the latte she's already prepared. "I hate that you can read me so easily."
"It's a gift. Speaking of gifts..." She settles into her chair with the kind of careful grace that makes me pay attention. There's something different about her today, a kind of contained excitement that seems to vibrate just beneath her skin.
"Okay, what's the news?"
Her grin could power the entire town. "I'm pregnant."
The words hit me like a warm wave, and I'm on my feet before I realize I'm moving, pulling her into a fierce hug that lifts her off her chair.
"Lily! Oh that’s so wonderful!"
"I know, right?" She's laughing and crying at the same time, the way people do when they're overwhelmed by good fortune. "Levi doesn't know yet. I wanted to tell you first, get your advice on how to surprise him."
I pull back, holding her at arm's length so I can see her face properly. She's absolutely radiant, her usual polish replaced by something softer and more luminous.
