Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
Oakley
The sound of a buzzing alarm pulls me from the sweetest dream of a little girl and boy running through the field with a pack of dogs. Pushing up on my forearm I realize I’m resting on a warm hard chest. It wasn’t a dream. Memories of our epic night fill me and I realize I’m half-on, half-off of Dash and there’s no mistaking his state of arousal. I hope he woke us early enough to do something about the situation.
“Morning wood or is that for me?”
“It’s all for you. Forever.”
“Humm.” I’ve just gotten comfortable kissing a trail down his chest when his phone rings.
He frowns when he sees the caller Id. Glancing at me, he mouths Coach and hits the button to answer the call on speaker. “What’s up?”
“Are you on the road?”
“Not yet.”
“Get your ass moving. Another storm is blowing in.”
The drive is tense with icy spots and slow traffic. The wind gusts blow snow across our path, but there’s no new snowfall to impede our progress.
“By the time we make it to the stadium we’ll only have two hours before warmup starts. It’s going to be a tough game,” Dash says. “And Trevor is going to be pissy because coach insisted that he ride the bus with the rest of the team.”
I’ve been focused on my notes planning a dozen different responses and comebacks for the press conference after the game.
“Do you want to come to my place to shower and change before we go to the arena? Or can you get ready there?” Dash asks.
“The women’s locker room will be fine. I sorted my bag in preparation for that likelihood.”
“What can I do to help you?”
Placing my hand on his thigh, I smile. “Win today. It will make everything else fade away.”
He smirks. “Gotcha. One win coming up.”
At the arena he takes me to the office where Phil is waiting. He smiles, handing me a packet with a press card clipped to the front. “Man, am I glad you’re the one dealing with the press today. I thought we’d go over what’s in your new hire info and get you signed into all the team’s social media accounts, update you on anything new and then I’d show you around. We’ve got a little time before the local press starts trying to rattle your cage.”
“Perfect.”
“Watch over her, Phil,” Dash instructs before squeezing my shoulder, kissing the top of my head and leaving. I wonder if he even realizes what he did. I glance at Phil. He waggles his eyebrows but doesn’t say anything. After an intense hour and a half, I let myself into the women’s locker room with the key Phil gave me. Showered and hair blown dry I head to the locker where I stored my change of clothes.
Rounding the corner, wrapped only in my towel, I come face to face—ok, face to boob—with Sabrina. “What are you doing in here?”
“I saw you come in here. Trevor told me you were the new press contact for the Blades. Whose dick did you suck to get that job?”
“Humm, no one’s. I didn’t have to. It’s called credentials, a master’s degree, and a stellar dossier. I’m sure you understand hard work and commitment. Your daddy bought you a bachelor’s degree in fashion.”
“I went to school for that,” she snaps.
“Yes, three days for each class for each semester and you paid someone to do your homework.”
“That’s a lie.” Sabrina stomps toward me.
Crossing my arms over the towel, I hold my ground and glare back. “No, it’s the truth and I have the records to prove it. It’s called research.”
“You little bitch. I’m gonna slap you down.”
“Please come ahead and try. But before you do, I should warn you I have a black belt in karate and am working on my purple in Jiu jitsu. Are you sure you want me to mess up your hair? I’d hate to pull out your extensions. Your makeup looks really nice. Would you have time to fix it before the game if it gets smudged?”
“You cunt.”
“Or,” I continue, “We could just talk like adults. Congratulations on hooking up with Trevor. You are so much more his type than I ever was. And the two of you look really really good together as a couple. Your pictures are all over the press. You’re stunning by the way.”
Sabrina pauses for a moment, then straightens and flips her hair over her shoulder. Hand on her hip she strikes a models pose and studies me.
“When Trevor’s not showing off, he’s a damn good hockey player. He could go far in the league. But he needs to focus before game time. Don’t screw it up for him, stay away from him until after they win.”
“I know how to handle my man. I give him what he needs.” Her painted lips twist into a sneer.
“I’m sure you do. I’m sure the two of you are made for each other.
“Look, Sabrina, I’m no threat to you. I’m just a scrawny little wordsmith. I have no intention of interfering with the two of you. I just want to get the Blades through the end of this season with as much positive press as possible. Whatever trades happen next year… well that’s next year. The two of you will have time to work that out.”
There’s a shift in air as the door opens. Glancing up I see a stone-faced Dash walk in.
“Everything okay in here?” he asks.
“All’s good. Sabrina and I were just catching up. You know, girl talk.”
She nods and pushes past him to leave. I snuggle into his arms when he reaches me. “Whew, that was close. How did you know?”
“I saw her from down the hall. When she didn’t come back out, I got nervous.”
Cupping my face, he tilts my head to his. “A black belt in Karate and a purple in Jiu Jitsu?”
“I did take a year of Karate in college, and I bought a purple Jujitsu belt at a garage sale.”
His chuckle rumbles in his chest before he kisses me. Knees weak from his ravishment, I pull back. “I need to get dressed and meet Phil.”
“I’m going to have a guard hang outside the door until you’re done. No more surprises.” He runs his hand down my exposed hip and thigh. “When did you get the Phoenix tattoo on your thigh? It’s beautiful.”
“A year ago. I always loved the eagle wings on your chest. It felt like I was sharing something with you when I got it.”
“Maybe our next one we can get together.”
“I’d like that.”
The team was sluggish on the ice, but we won. Now we just need to get past the press conference. Coach answers his game questions then introduces me. Trevor, Dash and Gordy stand behind me.
The first question is from a female reporter congratulating me on the position and asking me how I feel being a female representative for the team.
“I’ve loved the Blades since I was a little girl. I’m proud to have the opportunity to be part of the organization. I have a master’s in communication and have worked for newspapers, television, and charity organizations. As for the job, facts are facts, and my job is to answer your questions truthfully.”
“The team seemed off today. What do you attribute that to?” the second reporter asks.
“The worst snowstorm of the year, traveling for long hours on a cramped bus, little sleep, junk food, and not much warm up time. Our opponents had two full days of rest. It was a tough game, but we won. We’ll do better tomorrow. Next question.”
“The Blades were on fire before today. Do you think having all the personal relationships and drama out in the open is going to help or hurt?” Reporter three.
“I think when your personal life feels good, is in order, then everything goes easier. The whole team got a few days off with their loved ones over the holidays. We’re ready for the rest of the season.”
“Gordy, it’s no secret that Trevor dumped your sister and now she’s dating your best friend. How is that going to affect the team dynamic?”
Oh shit. Here we go. I just hope Gordy sticks to the script. He glances my way before answering.
“Look, people date, sometimes it works out sometimes it doesn’t. It’s life. If she has no hard feelings, then neither do I.
“Hey, my best friend is now part of the family. Feels right to me.”
“Trevor,” the fourth reporter calls. “You’ve been seen with Sabrina White of the Arctic Bears organization. Are you under contract negotiations?”
Trevor steps closer to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. I hear Gordy hiss, but Dash must have settled him down because he stays in place.
“No. I’m happy to be a part of the Buffalo Blades and I have a contract. Sabrina and I were introduced by a friend at a party after Oakley and I decided we were just good friends. Still are.” He gives my shoulder an obvious squeeze.
I lean into the mic, “Thank you all for hanging around. The weather threw everyone a curve. After a good night’s sleep, we’ll all be back in the groove for tomorrow’s rematch. Game on fans.”
Dash steps forward, takes my hand and leads me down the steps and into the team tunnel. As the others pass us, he backs me against the wall. “You were amazing. So together, so poised. Damn, is there anything you can’t do? I am so proud of you.”
Leaning into me he cups my cheeks and kisses me.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Gordy’s growl tears us apart. Red faced with fury he grabs Dash’s shoulder and spins him.
I try to push between them. “Wait!”
“Gordon,” a female voice snaps the tension. “May I have a word with you. Now.” My mother’s voice freezes Gordy in place. We both look down the ramp to see Mom and Dad approaching via the team entrance.
“Ma?”
I glance at our mother, and she smiles at me before turning her attention and scowl back to my brother. “Now please, son. It’s important. Your father will stay with your sister and Dash.”
Dad looks down at me as he wraps an arm over my shoulder. “You good, girl?”
“Best I’ve ever been, Dad.” He nods before kissing the top of my head, then turns to Dash. “So, son, do you think you guys can win tomorrow?”
Dash’s stunned gaze meets mine. I smile and take his hand, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Yes, my father just officially welcomed him into the family.
“Yes sir, I think we can. We’ve got the heart for this and will do everything to make our dream of the cup come true. We won’t let you down.”
Dad pats him on the back as we walk toward the exit. “I know you won’t, son. Mother and I always have known. You never will.”