Page 36 of Offside Secrets
I sink down into my chair, feeling the weight of their expectations, their encouragement, their faith in me. “What if it doesn’t work out? What if we try this and it ruins everything? The team chemistry, our working relationship?—”
“What if it works out?” Anna interrupts. “What if instead of trying to figure it all out and see the whole map and where it leads, you stop and take the time to enjoy the ride?”
I look at her, then at the phone where Elle’s waiting for my response. Two of the strongest women I know, both telling me the same thing: that I deserve this. That I don’t have to sacrifice my personal happiness on the altar of professional perfection.
And it’s at this moment I feel the power of these friendships helping me. Breaking me open, pulling out my most vulnerable side, exposing my innermost worries and what’s been brought to the surface by one Mister Campbell Stockton.
“I’m hesitant,” I admit quietly. Fully trusting the two women who have my back. “Not scared. But I am hesitant.”
“Of course you are,” Elle says. “But you’re also Sutton Mahoney. You trust your gut and make decisions, and then you deal with whatever comes next.”
Anna grins. “Besides, if anyone gives you grief about it, I’ll remind them—we all will—that you run this team, not the other way around. And Campbell will probably just smile atany naysayers until they forget what they were complaining about.”
“That smile of his could solve a lot of the world’s issues,” Elle says, her voice incredulous. “Seriously. The man should be a model with those cheekbones.”
Despite everything, I laugh. “His faceisridiculously disarming.”
“See? You’re already thinking about his face,” Anna teases. “That’s progress.”
“You say progress, but honestly I feel worn out.” I shake my head, but I’m smiling now. “You two are terrible influences.”
“The best kind,” Elle agrees. “Speaking of which, are you going to the away game next weekend?”
I laugh, recognizing that tone. “Let me guess. You’re asking because you know I’ll get a suite, and then you can stay in it instead of some room amongst the team?”
“Yes,” Elle replies without shame. “That, and I want some female company on this trip. I’m tired of watching fans camp out in the hotel lobby waiting for autographs.”
“Please!” Anna chortles. “Last time I tagged along, Ollie and I caught you in the parking lot talking to a group of girls and signing jerseys.”
“Okay, fine,” Elle acquiesces. “I want a nice room to stay in with a little smidge of luxury, is that so wrong?”
“Fair enough,” I say. “You’re welcome to join me. But don’t think this means I’m going to spend the whole trip analyzing my love life.”
“Oh, you absolutely will,” Anna chimes in. “And you need to make sure one of you tells me all about it. I’d come, too. if I wasn’t already headed out of town this weekend for work.”
“You won’t miss much.” I groan. “This is going to be a disaster.”
“The best kind,” Elle repeats with a laugh. The room fallsquiet for a moment before she continues, asking a question I need to figure out a response for: “So what are you going to do about Campbell?”
I look out the window again, down toward the rink where Campbell’s probably running drills, being the leader this team needs. The man who stayed late to help me with my car, who researched batteries like it was the most natural thing in the world, who made me feel safe and seen at a gala full of people trying to diminish me. The man whose kiss has thrown me for such a loop I’m considering changing my name and moving to an island in the Caribbean. There’s no ice hockey there…I think.
“I don’t know yet,” I say honestly. “But, I do know that I’m not going to let fear decide for me.”
“That’s my girl,” Elle says proudly.
Anna claps her hands together. “This is going to be so much fun to watch.”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t get too excited. I haven’t decided anything yet.”
“You kissed him back,” Anna points out. “That’s deciding something.”
And as much as I hate to admit it, she’s right. The moment I walked back out my front door and launched myself into Campbell’s arms, I crossed a line. Now the only question is whether I’m brave enough to see where that line leads.
CHAPTER 13
CAMPBELL
The team bus idles outside the arena, diesel fumes mixing with the crisp morning air. I’m already settled into my usual spot—third row back, window seat—scrolling through my phone while the guys filter on board. The familiar chaos of an away trip fills the air: Sawyer arguing with Owen about who forgot to pack extra socks, someone’s music bleeding through headphones, the rustle of snack bags and energy drinks.
