12. Xander
I’m standing in the Bashers media room, a dozen reporters around me asking me questions during post-game press, clutching the teddy bear that Sophie threw onto the ice during tonight’s game in my hand.
I try not to chuckle as I watch some of the reporters look at the teddy bear. A few of them exchanged confused expressions.
Post-game press can be such a drag. The last thing I want to do when I’m exhausted is answer a bunch of questions about how well I played or how much I sucked.
But having Sophie’s bear with me is a way to make this a little more fun.
I glance down at it and smile. I’ve had lots of things thrown on the ice for me—mostly women’s underwear. This is the first time I’ve ever gotten a stuffed animal. And I honestly love it.
It’s so Sophie. Cute and sweet and unexpected. And different, in the best way.
“You were the top scorer during tonight’s game,” a reporter asks. “Do you think you’ve hit your peak or do you think there’s any room for improvement?”
“There’s always room for improvement,” I say, trying not to sound as bored as I feel. “No one’s perfect, and there’s a lot of things I can work on.”
“Your shots are hitting higher in the net these last few games,” a different reporter asks. “Is that a new strategy? To start targeting the goalie’s blind spot?”
“Uh, sure. I guess you could say that.” I try not to laugh. I sound like an idiot. Because there’s no interesting way to say, “Actually guys, the first time I hit a shot like that, it was by total chance, but I saw that it worked out so I’m going to keep at it for as long as it works.”
“Xander, recently there was a photo that went viral online of you sharing a kiss with your head coach’s daughter, who also happens to be the Bashers team physician. It was all over social media as well,” another reporter says. “Are you two in a relationship?”
I grin as I figure out what exactly I’m going to say. Short and simple is probably best.
“Yeah, we are.”
I’m quiet as everyone murmurs around me.
“And how does Coach Porter feel about his star player dating his daughter?” that same reporter asks.
I can feel my smile go tight as that familiar dread rattles through me. No way will I ever talk about that in front of a bunch of reporters.
“You’d have to ask him,” I say, keeping my tone light.
“How does it feel to have stuffed bears thrown at you instead of the usual panties?” someone else asks.
I chuckle and glance down at the adorable stuffed bear in my hand. “I like it. A lot.”
“Does this mean the panty dropper is officially off the market?”
This time when I smile, it’s one hundred percent genuine. “It does.”
* * *
Once I’ve showered and gotten dressed, I grab my bag and head straight for Sophie’s office.
Her door is open so I stand in the open doorway. She doesn’t see me at first since she’s staring at the screen of her laptop.
I smile at the focused frown she wears, the way those plump lips of her purse slightly when she’s concentrating.
When she looks up and sees me, she smiles.
“Hey.” She stands up and I walk over to her.
Her eyes fall to the stuffed bear in my hand.
She chuckles. “You don’t have to carry it around with you.”
“I want to.”
She smiles at me. “Congrats on the win. And for scoring the most points.”
“Thanks. The guys are heading out to grab a drink. You should come.”
“I don’t really drink.”
“That’s okay. You don’t have to drink. But I think you should come out with me. You’re my girlfriend after all.”
She flashes that flustered smile I adore. “Okay. Let’s go.”