They settled into their now more familiar back and forth, and Country didn’t hold back any punches. He was all too aware he resembled a kid in elementary school tossing rocks to get Jenna’s attention. He hoped it was working.
At intermission, Country jumped up before Glen could catch him and made it to the snack table before the door to the booth opened. He feigned interest in the array of snacks laid out, all the while listening for the click of the handle.
"Country," John Allen boomed, his voice carrying over the murmur of the off-air analysts and production crew. "I hoped I’d find you here.”
“I’m not very reliable, so that makes sense.”
John laughed and waved off his comment. “I knew you’d show, I meant finding time to snag you between shots.” John stopped at the end of the table and put a hand on his protruding stomach, catching his breath. “I know we don’t have much time, so I’m going to get straight to it. Have you ever considered taking your talents from the rink to the studio full-time?"
Country popped a pretzel in his mouth, his thoughts spinning. No. He hadn’t thought about it, and he had no interest in thinking about it. Making videos with Polk was one thing, but sitting here in a shirt and tie twice a week? Sounded like his personal version of hell. Given that this was Jenna’s boss, he swallowed his original response. "Can’t say I have."
"Think about it," John leaned in like they were both in on a secret. "We could use a guy like you. Someone who knows the game and has more charm than Kessler. Not that he’s not charismatic, but you know what I mean."
“Charm's for first dates and job interviews, and I haven’t had a good track record with either.” Out of the corner of his eye, Country caught Jenna stepping out of the booth clasping her tablet.
He stepped back from the table. "You know, I think I need to hit the washroom before I sit back at the desk.”
"Money's no object, Country," John called after him. "I’m sure it could help the ranch.”
Country turned and blinked. “What did you say?”
John shrugged. “I did a little research. I think it’s honourable that you’re maintaining the family farm. Not many who’re willing to stick it out these days.”
Country nodded, then turned and strode through the door. Jenna had already disappeared somewhere down the hall. “Shit.”
_____
Jenna holed away in the production booth, leaving only twice to retrieve her headphones from her office and use the washroom. So far, her strategy had worked. Even though she had to stare at Country all night, at least the screen offered a level of protection.
Owen stuck to her like glue, and this was the night that his lack of independence was going to come in handy. She had already come up with a post-production task to give him after they walked into the studio that would require them to walk together back to her office. Country would have no reason to come that direction on his way down to his truck in the garage.
As they exited the booth, Jenna nudged Owen and was about to ask him to accompany her to the office when Owen turned.
He reached out and grabbed Country’s elbow. "Hey, I don’t think we’ve been introduced.”
Jenna’s heart fluttered like a helicopter seed in a spring breeze as Country’s eyes landed on her. “No, I don’t think you have. Owen, this is Country Maddox.”
“Owen Allen.” He held out a hand and they shook. “Fantastic point about the power-play strategy.”
"Thanks.” Country’s eyes flicked to hers. “If only strategizing life were as straightforward as hockey."
Jenna almost swallowed her tongue.
Owen chuckled. “Seems like you’re doing well on both counts.”
She needed to get out of the studio. Jenna tried again. “Owen, I have something?—”
“My girlfriend and I were dying over this video.” Owen pulled his phone from his pocket and swiped then turned the screen to show Country. “Jenna, have you seen this?”
She pursed her lips as Owen turned the screen to her and pumped up the volume. Country was standing in a living room she didn’t recognize—probably his—with jeans slung low on his hips and his shirt off, pointing his beer at the screen.
Country grinned, “That’s why I’ll only ever have one love.”
Polk was laughing so hard, the frame shook. “Who, Kisnett?”
“Hell, no! A beaver with a stick!”
Owen dropped the phone and wiped his eyes. “Bud, I could watch your content all day.” Jenna fought the smile that threatened to curl the edges of her lips.
