Banks is the only one who doesn’t agree. There’s always someone with a stick up their ass in every company.
“Look around at the other franchises who have members of their teams involved. Buffalo has a stupidly amazing starting line that could tear apart the league if the rest of their team could live up to the type of gameplay that the trio does. Max, much like Felton but on a larger scale, has turned his shit around with Deryke’s presence in his life. He’s not only taken gold at the last two All-Stars Games, but he’s on the verge of breaking a hockey record that hasn’t been outdone in more than two decades. He’s not only in a better headspace, but his gameplay has improved tenfold.”
“He’s hockey goals for wingmen,” I say, nodding.
“I don’t know how much you keep up with other teams, but Arizona recently announced that two members of their team—Etna Yreka and Keno Edgewood—are getting married. Their games haven’t suffered but improved. I’m sure that there could be a very interesting case study regarding this trend, but as a whole, there hasn’t been a negative impact on any team.”
“With all due respect, Mr. Franklin, that’s not the same thing,” Banks says. “Those are teammates on level playing ground. This is a coach and a player subordinate to him.”
“In that case, I’ll go on record stating that there’s never been nor will there be any quid pro quo,” I tell him. “Which is only further evidenced by the fact that you’ve been watchingpractices. I’d wager a guess you’ve been paying very close attention to our games, so youknowthat’s the case.”
Marta nods resolutely. “Correct.”
“So the question is, are we really willing to lose our coach or one of our best players for falling in love?” Edries asks.
I feel Shively’s sharp inhale, though he doesn’t speak. Not in response to the question, anyway. “I meant what I said. I’ll leave Winnipeg before I end this relationship.”
Edries nods approvingly. “No need. With HR being aware that there is no policy against the situation, I, as owner of the team, am not going to approve any consequences.”
A part of me wonders if that’s how teams work. Does the owner truly have a say ineverything?I mean, theydo ownthe team, right?
Banks is obviously not thrilled. He sits back in his chair and crosses his arms.
“Very well,” Sylvan says, fighting a smile. “We will pretend this conversation didn’t happen, and you will continue with hockey as if you’re not together.”
“However, the secret is out,” Chase says, speaking for the first time. “Which means two things—you need to come clean to your team and prepare for any backlash. Regardless of the fact that we are supposedly in possession of the only copies of these images, I wouldn’t be surprised if more surface in the near future, exposing your relationship.Someoneis following you and has noted that Dasan stays at your house, Shively. It’s only conjecture at this point given the majority of these photos, but nonetheless, they’re out there, watching and waiting for a slip-up.”
“Do you want us to make an announcement, either obvious or subtle, before that happens?” I ask.
Chase weighs the idea. “Let me think about it. I suggest switching up your routine for now, and I’ll be in touch with that answer by the end of the week.”
“Sounds good.”
Silence settles around us as they stare at us, Shively still firmly in my arms.
“Are you okay, Shively?” Sylvan asks, his voice gentle. Concerned.
Shively sighs. “Yes. I’m sorry. If I’d been prepared, I likely wouldn’t have nearly had a meltdown. I know it might not have sounded this way, but understand that I love Winnipeg and I don’t want to leave the team. If I didn’t care about my job, I wouldn’t have reacted that way and we wouldn’t have hidden what we’re doing. Idon’twant to quit or be fired. But as Edries said, some things are worth the risk and some are worth losing your job over.”
I’m pretty sure Shively is going to pass out from the number of orgasms I’m giving him later. My chest is all warm and tight, my heart fluttering like I’m having palpitations. I would never want Shively to lose his job, and if I thought that was a likely outcome, I’d have stepped in so we could find a different solution.
Though I’m not sure why, I never truly feared he’d lose his job, so I was content enough to watch the situation play out. But to know that someone would give up the most important things in their life just to be with you? That’s a feeling I can’t explain.
A feeling I know from the other side of the equation, too, because I’d readily give up my position to keep my omega.
“Understood,” Edries says.
“I’ll be in touch,” Chase says.
With that, I think we’re dismissed, so I take Shively’s hand and lead him toward the door. He’s a little light on his feet, his balance feeling a little wonky, so I don’t rush us down the hall tohis office. Shively doesn’t speak as he shuts down and locks up. He doesn’t speak while I lead him down the hall and outside to my car.
Now, I’m watching, waiting for someone to appear who shouldn’t be here. Taking pictures. Invading our privacy for a quick payday.
Once in my car, I bring Shively’s mouth to mine and kiss him for a long minute. “Are you okay?” I ask, repeating Sylvan’s question.
He sighs. “Yeah. I was taken off guard and… panicked.”
“I get it. Looks like neither of us are getting fired.” That earns me a smile.
