Chapter Twelve
Damon
I enjoy coming into work when the office is empty.
It helps me think, and I accomplish so much more without distractions.
For the past week, I’ve been socializing more than working, especially with all the new people we’ve hired.
Joslyn, Jacob, and I are trying to make the new hires feel at home.
I don’t mind it, but the desk work is piling up.
I haven’t even looked at any of the player tapes Jonesy sent me.
Today’s plan is to tackle some of the work I’ve been putting off.
It’s only the middle of July, but there’s still so much preparation to be done for training camp in September.
This year, I plan to shake things up for camp.
I want to see what everyone is made of, including the guys returning from last year.
Every spot on this team will be earned—enough with the “good old boy network” from Tad’s reign of terror.
The more I find out about him, the more I realize how much of an asshole he was, not only as a boss but also as a human being.
I can only imagine that Kurt was the same or worse.
I keep trying to recall memories of Joslyn from my rookie days, hoping it’ll give me some insight into her marriage.
My stomach drops every time she talks about Kurt, and my gut tells me that it was even worse than I’ve imagined.
I do remember hating the way he treated her like an object, not a person.
I have a vivid memory of watching them leave the arena one night after a game.
She stumbled at the curb, swaying slightly on her high heels, but he didn’t even stop to help her.
He just looked annoyed and barked something at her.
I couldn’t catch what he said, but the irritated tone was loud enough for me to hear.
I’ll never forget the look on her face; she flinched at the sound of his voice before hurrying to catch up with him, shoulders hunched, face carefully blank.
He grabbed her arm roughly and practically dragged her the rest of the way to the car.
I saw red, but I was halfway across the parking lot, and they were driving away before I could get my temper under control enough to decide what to do.
My inaction that day is something I’ve always regretted.
I’d been an aggressive kid back then, on and off the ice.
After much personal reflection, I’ve realized that a part of my anger stems from the helplessness I felt about her situation.
I fantasized about riding in on my white horse and saving her.
How I was going to accomplish that was never part of the fantasy, but I was convinced she needed saving.
It breaks my heart to know my younger self was right, at least about that.
Every day, I wake up eagerly anticipating an opportunity to see her, talk to her, and be near her.
Her beauty makes me catch my breath every time she walks into a room.
She’s my type in every way, inside and out.
There’s an inner beauty to her, and it shines through everything she does.
I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want her.
If she weren’t my boss, nothing and no one would stand in the way of my pursuing her.
I’m not entirely sure the boss thing is going to stop me. Yeah, I’m pretty far gone.
The woman invades not only my dreams on a nightly basis, but my daytime reality as well.
I’ll admit I love it. Seeing and talking to her every day is incredible, but I want more.
I’m using every excuse possible just to be near her.
Even a casual touch is electric. It has my dick hard and my heart racing—hand at her back, on her arm to steady her on the stairs, a touch on the shoulder for encouragement.
I’ll take whatever she’s willing to give me, but I can’t help but want more. So much more.
My laptop beeps with a new email, pulling me back to the present.
I need to stop daydreaming and get to work.
I head to the break room to grab another cup of coffee before I key up the first of the tapes from Jonesy.
His note said he’d found an exciting lead on a Canadian player from Nova Scotia.
Seems the kid has an excellent chance at being part of next year’s draft.
Jonesy’s incredibly skilled at spotting young talent, so I always review anything he sends me. I sip my coffee and start the tape.
An hour later, I’m impressed as hell. This kid’s incredible.
There are a lot of talented kids out there, but he puts them all to shame.
It’s not just his skills with the puck or his speed, both of which are phenomenal.
It’s his innate understanding of the game and his inherent ability to know where to be at the perfect time. You can’t teach that kind of talent.
I make a note for Jonesy to keep an eye on this Ryder Davis kid. Looks like he’s currently playing for Denver University but wasn’t part of the draft this year. Right in our backyard. Way to go, Jonesy. At least we have some good prospects for the future. It’s not much, but I’ll take it.
Our organization has already secured some season tickets for this academic year, so I’ll make sure to check out a couple of games.
Maybe Lexi or Joslyn will want to go as well, or better yet, both.
Joslyn has such a fantastic relationship with her own daughter, and the thought of our daughters becoming friends warms my heart.
Two hours later, I’m interrupted by a loud bark.
I can’t help but smile with anticipation because a bark means Joslyn and Abby are in the office.
She comes in occasionally on Saturdays, and I’ll admit I was hoping she’d be in today.
Maybe I can persuade her to get some dinner at the diner again.
I’ve secretly begun to think of it as our place.
In seconds, Abby’s sitting patiently at my feet, waiting for a treat.
I may or may not have gotten a massive box of organic dog treats from .
I mean, who could resist those adorable eyes?
So yes, I am the proud new owner of a box of dog treats.
I’m sure I have “sucker” written across my forehead, but I’m not mad about it.
I hold out her treat, giving her soft ears a caress. She’s such a sweetheart. I’ve never had an opinion about dogs at work before, but I’m now solidly in the “yes” camp. I look forward to seeing her every day. Well, and her owner.
Okay, her owner, most of all.