Page 4 of Hot Damn
The GM’s sharp voice pulls me out of my head.
“What’s our official line?”
“No comment.”
She draws in a breath and I know the argument is coming but I can’t think right now. I need to see Whitney. See that she’s okay. Then I can get my head straight and work out what to do.
Before the GM can get a word out, I’m speaking. “I need a few minutes. It’s not going to change anything to rush this.” I swallow. “I need to see Whit.”
She eyes me for long seconds, her gaze softening before she nods. “Okay. Give me a minute and I’ll get you there or her here.” She barely steps away when the door behind her swings open and Whitney races in.
“Daddy.”
I spread my arms wide and lock them closed around my daughter’s body the second she crashes into me. I do what I’ve done her whole life. I hold her tight and rock.
“It’s okay, baby,” I murmur into her coconut-scented curls. “I’ve got you.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about it because I’ve never posted anything like that about you before,” she speaks in a rush against my chest where she’s burrowed her face like she’s done a million times before.
“Shh…” I stroke my hands up and down her back. “It’ll be fine. I’ll fix it.”
Whit pulls back but I keep her in my arms, can’t bear to let her go. “But that’s just it, Daddy, it won’t be. I’m already getting messages from my friends. It’s all over the internet. I’ve ruined everything.” The last word hitches and tears fill her eyes.
My heart clutches. If there is one thing guaranteed to bring me to my knees, it’s my daughter’s tears. I release my hold on her and bring my hands up to cradle her cheeks, lowering my face close to hers I say, “Whitbee, you gotta trust me on this. It will be fine.”
When she gives me a small nod I drop a kiss on her forehead,my eyes closing briefly, as once again I suck in the sweet scent of her hair.
“Beckett, we need to get on this.”
I look up to find Oakley James and… “What the fuck?” I let go of Whit’s face and shove her behind me. “What the hell is she doing in here?”
I glare at the woman beside the team owner. I have no idea why Oakley thinks it’s okay to have that woman in here, but she’s gone. Now.
“Get out. I’ve got nothing to say to you or your kind.” Every inch of me is vibrating with anger. This woman—this reporter—is the reason I’m in this mess. The reason everything I’ve worked toward my whole life is being threatened.
She doesn’t budge. Just pops one slender eyebrow and eyes me with amusement. Like she knows a secret that I’m not privy to.
“Didn’t you hear me?” I growl.
“Oh, I heard you. But it’s not your call whether I’m here or not.”
I glance at Oakley. “Why would you think bringing her in here is a good idea? She’s the reason this shit is happening.”
“Actually, I’m not personally the reason your secret is out but I can see why you might think that.” She steps forward, ignoring the scowl on my face, and extends her hand. “Cami Nelson.”
Her even tone and calm make me want to yell at her—shake her. But Mama Dot raised a gentlemen and those well-honed manners have me extending my own hand without thought. “Beckett Higgison.”
One side of her mouth kicks up. “I know,” she said with a firm shake.
I don’t acknowledge the heat of her hand in mine, the smoothness of her skin as it slides over mine.
And I’m definitely not going to take notice of the zip of electricity either.
Good looking women are a dime a dozen in the world ofprofessional hockey, and I’ve never succumbed to a fleeting flash of attraction. I won’t be giving in to this one.
But I’m not dumb either. I’ll accept it later—when I’m alone—then let it go. It’s the only way to keep Whitney safe.
“Cami, how should we deal with this?”
