Chapter Twenty-Eight
Damon
Getting out of bed this morning was hell, just like I knew it would be.
The last time I was this sore was years ago for preseason training.
My legs are screaming, but I don’t care.
Sure, it’s been a while since I’ve played, but if yesterday proved anything, it’s that my soul still needs to play the game, even if it’s only a pickup game at the local rink.
I’m grinning from ear to ear, remembering how it felt to glide across that ice again, sore muscles be damned.
I’m determined to make pick-up games a part of my weekly routine.
Even with Joslyn ignoring me the entire day yesterday, some time on the ice has me feeling optimistic again.
I head off on my morning run with more enthusiasm than usual, even as my thighs protest. An hour later, I’m dressed and headed to the arena with steel in my spine.
Joslyn and I will be talking today, even if I have to camp out in her office until we do.
I’m not about to give her up without a fight.
When I arrive, the lights are already on.
Strange, I’m not the first one here today.
Well, that’s unusual. I round the corner to the reception area, screeching to a halt.
A young and attractive brunette is sitting at a new desk adjacent to Matilda’s.
Interesting. She must be the intern that Jacob hired.
I stop by to introduce myself, but she stands up and gives me a welcoming grin as I approach, jumping right in before I can even get a word out.
“Good morning, Mr. Hawk. Your meeting schedule for the day is on your desk. I’ve placed a star next to the meetings with the highest priority.
Mr. Robertson would like to meet with you for a few minutes when he gets in at nine.
You should have half an hour free to fit him in before your nine-thirty conference call with Seattle’s GM. ”
She’s all business. Her voice is competent, but soft-spoken. She’s ticking things off on her notepad while she talks. What a change of pace, pleasant and helpful. I could get used to this. It’s refreshing after Matilda’s disapproving sneers and snippy remarks.
“Josh Allen from the New York Ravens called earlier this morning and requested a return call by noon. I told him you would do your best to squeeze him in this morning.” She hands me a printout. I don’t even have a chance to look at it before she continues.
“Here’s a menu from the deli across the street.
Ms. Robertson asked me to order something for your lunchtime meeting today, so email me with your preferred choice.
Can I grab you a coffee from the cart? I’m about to head down there to get one for myself.
Mr. Robertson left me a card to use for office essentials.
He was very clear that coffee is an essential item. ”
She looks up at me with those eager, bright blue eyes, expecting my coffee order. I stand there, mouth agape like a fish out of water. It takes a minute, but I finally manage to articulate my coffee order before shuffling to my office in stunned silence. I message Jacob immediately.
Damon: The new intern is outstanding. Way to go, boss man. Can we keep her? I could get used to this. Also, thanks for the coffee.
To my surprise, he answers immediately.
Jacob: Yes, she is! I knew she would be. I’m working on keeping her. Believe me, there’s nothing I’d like more. I’m not buying you coffee every day, you cheap bastard, so don’t get used to it.
Damon: Who me? Cheap? Fine, I’ll buy tomorrow. It’s the least I can do for your stellar hiring ability. What’s her name? I didn’t want to ask.
Jacob: Melanie Harbough, but she likes to be called Mel.
Damon: Why does that name sound familiar?
Jacob: For the exact reason that you think it does.
His niece, but she doesn’t want anyone to know they’re related, so don’t use that name.
Just call her Mel and be done with it. I promised her she wasn’t getting this job because of her connections.
That was important to her. I’ll handle anything dealing with Mellie.
Damon: I’m a vault, man. Not a word. She doesn’t need any connections if this is her usual work ethic. She’s got Matilda beat by a mile. Also… Mellie?
Jacob: …
Damon: …
So, our new hire is the niece of the Denver Eagles’ owner.
I wonder why she doesn’t want to work somewhere more football-oriented.
Although I’ve heard Richard Harbough is also a hockey fan.
Interesting. And how about that ‘Mellie?’ I’ll be keeping my eye on those two.
I know guy talk, and that was a possessive statement from Jacob.
He’s warning me off. I smirk. He’s got nothing to worry about from me.
Let’s be real, I can’t keep my mind, or my hands, off his aunt.
Thank God, Joslyn didn’t cancel our lunchtime meeting.
I fully expected her to keep ignoring me today, and I was working on a plan to get her to talk to me, but I’m glad I no longer need to do that.
I’m not the kind of guy who stands around waiting for things to happen.
Once I make up my mind, I go after what I want. And I want Joslyn.