Page 84 of Hot Stuff
“You’re being tight-lipped about your plans?—”
“Let me educate you on a few things. One,Iowe you nothing. Two, any plansIhave or do not have are irrelevant. Three, the question you should be asking is what does the Rogues organization have planned. And four, because I’m in a great mood and feeling generous, the Rogues plan to build a winning hockey team, a family, a community, that everyone involved with, including the fans, is proud of. Anyone outside of that doesn’t matter.”
“That attitude won’t win you friends in the league.”
Oakley laughs, the sound echoing through the room. “We’re not here to win friends. We’re here to win hockey games.”
Multiple questions fly at the podium, but Oakley ignores them and once again turns to face me. She doesn’t need to speak for me to know the conference is now officially over. And like the dedicated partner I am, I follow my woman out of the room.
I hear my name called out and it’s the first time anyone has acknowledged my presence. Ignoring the shouting behind me, I close the door and follow the others into a room across the hall.
When I close that door, Oakley and Natalie are talking with Dugan and Mortimer and I can see neither man is happy.
If they think they’re going to blame the mess we left in the other room on these women, they’re in for a rude awakening.
None of these women are about to back down. If they were men, and this debacle was happening, the league would be making a public apology.
I doubt that will happen.
Then again, these women seem capable of anything, so I won’t be surprised if there is one in the coming weeks.
Or if not an apology, at least extra effort in helping the Rogues off the ground.
I can’t help smiling, I can’t imagine the women of KAW wanting anyone’s help.
“Hey.” I turn to find Blake standing beside me.
“Blake.” I hold out a hand. “Great to see you.”
“Same.” We shake, then she leans closer and lowers her voice. “Any chance we can convene at your place for some private conversation?”
“Of course. There’s room for you all to stay.”
“Oh, I think the plan is to head out tonight but thank you.”
“Back to Baton Rouge?”
“No. We’ve got a plan to get you two hitched then we’re hunting a hot shot.”
She’s grinning and I have no idea at what, but it’s contagious and I smile back at her. “Are you talking a firefighter…”
“Nope. Although I have heard his slap shot referred to as being on fire.”
“A player?”
“I find it funny how you didn’t blink when I mentioned getting you two hitched.”
“That wasn’t the surprising part of your statement.”
“Guess not.” She tips her chin up. “They’re heading out.”
We watch in silence as Dugan and Mortimer leave. No one says a word for a good minute before Natalie turns to face me.
“The car’s out front to take us to your place.”
I glance at Oakley. “Let’s go then.”
“We’re waiting until the security team gives us the all-clear.”
