Page 34 of The Game
They’re close to securing a spot in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup, as long as they don’t mess up near the finish line. The NHL regular season runs from October to April.
After that, the top 16 teams will move on to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Chicago Coyotes are getting closer to the Cup, improving each year. If they make it to the playoffs, it will make the season even more exciting for my internship, so I’ve got all my fingers crossed.
Even without the playoffs, there will still be lots of exciting things happening, but hopefully, this will make the experience even better.
The guys and their social media profiles will also benefit from the extra attention they’ll get if they reach that stage. So far, our strategies are working well.
We’re seeing growth on most platforms, and our content is performing strongly. I’ve been meeting with several of them each week to review ideas and plan, making things easier and more predictable for both them and me.
I didn’t lie when I told Alexander that he’s the only one who hasn’t made time for me yet.
I’ve met with all the other players at least once. He may have a busy schedule, but something tells me he likes to drag this out to mess with me, too.
Still, I’m ready to get our meeting over with on Thursday. I’ve been researching his profiles and noticed he mostly posts about hockey, like many other players.
Still, he has a large following, including many women.
Nothing excites us more than a sweaty, testosterone-fuelled man playing hockey.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind, Alexander makes a perfect shot, right into the net, causing the arena to erupt with cheers as the guys celebrate on the ice.
I sigh, pondering how difficult it will be to get over my attraction to a man who is so remarkable in many ways.
The Coyotes secure another victory, and once our responsibilities behind the camera are finished, we head back to the bus.
Several players are staying at a hotel for the night, since four hours on a bus in a single day isn’t ideal for high-performing athletes. Include that most of them are well over 6 feet tall. Even with a nice bus like the one the team has; there’s not much room for their long legs.
I’m sitting in my seat, wondering if the team captain will make an appearance.
I hate to admit it, but my curiosity is piqued, knowing he probably has a standing offer with the woman from the press conference.
Maybe with any willing woman in that arena, to be honest.
We’re nearing drive-off, and he still hasn’t come.
That sinking feeling in my stomach intensifies, and I’m angry at myself.
I have no reason to feel this way.
We might have a connection and chemistry that burns brighter than any flame, but I should know better than to lust after a man I can’t be with.
I should be grateful he’s working out his tensions with someone else.
Still, the last thing I feel right now is gratitude.
No matter what I tell myself, there’s a voice in my head that keeps reminding me how amazing we could be together.
Our chemistry alone makes my heart race; just a single glance my way ignites it. Imagine how he’d make me feel—with his touch, lips, and body.
Just as the driver announces we’re leaving, I hear a voice calling from outside the bus.
“Hold up!” Alexander jogs onto the bus, freshly showered and dressed in a black tracksuit. His hair is damp, and when my eyes meet his, the breath of relief escapes before I have the chance to stop it.
He’s not with another woman.
His smile is dazzling as he spots me and comes right over, then slumps into the seat next to mine.
