Page 96 of Face Off With Fate

The newscaster’s voice cut off my response.

“So, Coach Monroe, last weekend you were at the NHL Draft announcing the Stars pick, and soon you’ll be throwing the opening pitch at the San Jose game. What else do you have going on this offseason?”

His mouth tipped up in the barest of smiles. I’d take it. At least it wasn’t a glare.

“Yeah, it’s been a real honor to be selected for both.” He gripped Thatcher’s shoulder, giving him a shake. “When I told my guys they had a few weeks off before summer training to decompress, I didn’t realize that meant I’d have to pick up the slack for these things. Not my typical duties.”

The reporter laughed. “Speaking of that, historically, you tend to keep to yourself. So I have to ask—what’s prompted this change in your media presence? And can we expect to see more of you?”

His eyes found mine, and awareness zapped through me like a live wire.

My palms went damp, even though I’d known the question was coming. I’d sent the damn list myself. I straightened my back anyway, as if perfect posture would help me hold it together.

A smile bloomed on his lips, and my breath caught. This one wasn’t fake. Flutters and nerves swarmed in my stomach.

“Yeah, I don’t really like talking about myself. My players are the ones who deserve all the attention for the hard work they put in day after day.” Monroe folded his hands on the desk, easy smile still in place, but his attention back on the reporter. “I’m very thankful to be a part of the Stars organization, and they have a culture that highlights their staff as well as their players. It’s definitely been an adjustment to be more in the spotlight, and I think we all know I’m still learning how to be better at that.”

The joke earned him soft chuckles from the newscasters and Dalton.

“Yes, we have noticed that you’re improving in that area. This has been such a pleasant interview—I’m sure the viewers are thinking the same thing,” she said with a smile, doing exactly what I’d asked and steering clear of his recent negative press.

“Truthfully, I can’t take all the credit for the improvements. There’s someone new in my life, and she works hard to keep me in line.” Those blue eyes cut straight to me again. “Gotta make sure I brag about her.”

Blood pounded in my ears so loud I almost missed the reporter’s response.

“Well, then we can’t wait to see more of her.”

She followed his gaze, but hers landed on Itzel, who lifted her hand in a small, shy wave, color rising in her cheeks.

Monroe’s eyes never moved off me.

Not one word of that speech was in the document I’d sent him. I’d gone over that list so many times in the last forty-eight hours I could’ve recited it in my sleep, and none of it—none of it—looked like what he’d just said.

I blinked, swallowing down the realization of how deep I was in with this man.

“Wow.” Ari’s voice was careful, pitched low. “Quite a speech about the special someone in his life.”

“Yeah.” My throat felt strange. “Just like I rehearsed with him.”

Lie.

She let it sit there for exactly two seconds. “So, when are we going to talk about what’s going on between you two?”

“No clue what you’re talking about, Ari.” I kept my eyes on the stage, fixing them on the conversation about developmental camp like it was the most fascinating thing I’d ever heard.

She rammed an elbow into my ribs.

“Ow—”

“Those things he said.” She dropped her voice further. “They’re not about Itzel.”

“Of course they are.”

“Tonta.” She clucked her tongue. “We are standing in a room full of cameras and his eyes were only ever on you.” She tilted her head toward the stage. “He was talking about you. Now spill.”

I peeled my gaze off the stage. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“What do you mean there’s nothing to talk about?” A smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “He likes you. And based on those heart eyes he sent your way, I’m guessing a lot.”