Page 59 of The Game
I consider mentioning my conversation with the coach and decide that talking with Sarah is a good option.
“Coach actually told me that he thinks I need to do something different as captain for the team,” I say, and see her intrigue.
It’s refreshing to talk with her; she understands the dynamics of hockey, and I consider her a friend who will be honest with me.
“Different how?” I tell her what the coach told me—that he thinks the newer guys are struggling to find their place and that we all should do more social things together.
I also tell her about the extra practice with Caleb. He seemed more confident on the ice today, still some struggles, but at least he didn’t seem scared to mess up.
It’s been fun to skate with him and the guys, bringing some joy back into it.
Sometimes it can become too serious. Taking the joy out of the game. Our sessions have been focused, but we’ve had a laid-back vibe, which I think we all can appreciate.
She thinks over what I just told her.
“I have an idea: what if you started inviting the team over for game nights? Here in your apartment?” I groan out loud.
“Hell no, this is my space. I’m not inviting a bunch of hockey players into my home,” I say.
The thought alone makes me shudder.
What if they trashed my place? Just when I’ve had it renovated, at least the bathrooms.
“You invited me,” she says and shrugs her shoulders.
“You’re different.”
The words are out before I have the chance to stop them.
The intensity in her gaze makes me want to reach out and draw her closer.
“Anyways, I think you should consider it. It would be a way for the team to bond and see you in a light beyond just being their captain. I think you would benefit from it,” she tells me, and even though I’m not too keen on the idea, she makes a good point.
“And you? Would you come too? You could use the time wisely and create some content for social media.”
I can almost hear the wheels in her head turning, wondering how she can come up with an excuse out of this.
It would be a good place to create some content and show the world that we’re more than a hockey team that meets strictly to do our job.
“I don’t know, captain. I wouldn’t want to intrude on your fun if you decided to call some high-end escorts or something.”
The glimmer in her eyes widens my smile.
She stands up from the couch to stretch her legs.
“You know, I could still report you for physical assault. Hitting an NHL captain the first time we meet isn’t really a good look for you,” I taunt her as I stand up as well.
Even with her high heels, I still hover above her, making her tilt her head up towards me.
The business meeting is definitely over.
“Well then, I’d just report you for sexual misconduct, considering you called me a hooker the first time we met.”
She’s so pleased with herself, probably happy to have something to hold over my head.
“If you’re going to report me for sexual misconduct, then I’ll at least make the most of it.”
I close the gap between us, dragging her body into mine before pressing my lips against hers.
