Page 35 of Offside Secrets
As my two confidants began to scream, I realize I didn’t know human vocal cords could reach that octave. Pretty sure dogs three blocks over just perked up.
“But,” I say firmly, trying to subdue the chaos. “It was a mistake. That man has a preternatural way of making me forget who I am.”
Both women groan in unison.
“Oh, come on!” Anna sniffs.
“Sutton,” Elle’s voice takes on that patient tone she uses when she’s about to lecture me. “That man is obviously wanting you.”
“And he’s so into you,” Anna adds. “The man researchedcar batteries for you. He stayed to help you jump your car after hours. He was your plus-one to a gala where he had to wear a tuxedo and make small talk.”
“Now wait there,” I interject, pretty sure she’s got that one wrong. “He needed the exposure?—”
“He needed to be close to you,” Elle interrupts. “Sutton, the man is gone for you. Anyone with eyes can see it.”
I whirl around to face Anna. “And what happens when the board finds out? When the media gets wind of it? ‘Team Owner Caught Making Out With Player.’ It looks cheap. It looks like I can’t keep my hands off the people who work here.”
Anna’s expression shifts, becoming more serious. “Is that really what you think? That it looks cheap?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” I slump back into my chair. “I worked so hard to be taken seriously in this league. Plenty of people already question every decision I make, already assume I don’t belong. If they think I’m sleeping with my players?—”
“But you’re not sleeping with your players,” Elle points out. “You’re attracted tooneplayer. Your captain. A man who clearly respects you and, I’m willing to bet my next paycheck, also cares about you.”
“A man who works for me,” I remind them.
“So did Dixon when I started dating him,” Elle says quietly.
The room goes silent. Anna looks between the phone and me, eyebrows raised. “Oh, here we go.”
“That’s different,” I say finally, knowing that my words are about to be countered like nobody’s business. Elle and Dixon’s love story came together in a way that was like watching two puzzle pieces finally lock onto each other for life. It was supposed to happen, and was going to happen, no matter what.
“You’re impossible.” Elle’s sigh slams against the speaker. “How?”
“Well, to start, you’re not the owner of the team.”
“No, but I am a coach. I have authority over him in practice, in games. There’s still a power dynamic. And it shifted the day I started here as a coach.” Elle’s voice is gentle but firm. “Do you remember what you told me when I was freaking out about dating him?”
I close my eyes, knowing exactly what’s coming. I could play dumb here, but instead, I simply stay quiet, giving Elle the runway to make her case.
“You, my sweet dear friend, told me that we are the ones who make the rules. That if two people can handle their professional relationship like adults, then there’s no reason they can’t explore something personal.Youtold me that my happiness mattered, too.”
“But—”
“Uh-uh,” Elle says, clipped. “Why doesn’t that same rule apply to you, Sutton?”
Anna nods emphatically. “She’s right. You literally told Elle that she deserved to be happy, that she shouldn’t let fear make her decisions for her. Why are you any different?”
I stare at both of them, feeling cornered. “My family owns the team. It wasn’t that long ago I was made the face of this franchise, because a certain brother of mine was making a mess of it. If I screw up, it reflects on everyone. The players, the staff, the fans?—”
“And if you’re miserable?” Elle asks. “If you’re so busy protecting everyone else that you forget to protect yourself? What good does that do anyone?”
I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes out. Because deep down, I know they’re right. I know I’m letting fear drive, the same thing I accused Elle of doing when it came to Dixon.
Anna leans forward, her voice softer now. “Sutton, I’vewatched you run this team. You’re smart, you’re fair, and we all know you’re tougher than half the men in this league. You think anyone’s going to question your competence because you’re dating Campbell Stockton, the man who leads this team on and off the ice?”
“They questioned me being in charge when I took over from Jimmy,” I remind her. “Let’s not forget, it’s always different for the woman.”
“Fine. Two can play this game. Let’s not forget you proved them wrong,” Elle says. “Just like you’ll prove them wrong now…if you choose to pursue this.”
