She doesn't have to tell me twice. "Don't worry. I have no interest in hockey players."
"Oh, I don't care if you do." She smiles. "They are hot. But I know Emmett has strict rules for the team. Do not date a teammate's sibling and do not date the staff."
"It kind of says that in the contract."
"Oh yeah. But they are lax about it to an extent. You need to tell HR if there is something going on. And as long as they are aware, you are good," she explains.
"Do people generally date the players?" I ask.
"Not that I know of. I only joined end of last season."
We talk for a while longer, she's easy to get along with, friendly, welcoming.
Then Mike sticks his head in. "Joelle, they're about to start the morning skate. You ready?"
My stomach flips. "Ready."
20
EMMETT
I'm distracted, unable to focus, and can't think straight. All because of her. We're running drills. Standard pre-game warm-up. But I keep looking over at the bench where she’s seated. She's sitting with Mike, Sarah, and David, tablet in hand, watching us skate, taking notes, and assessing how we move. But all I can think about is yesterday, my fingers inside her, the way she came apart for me.
Focus, Black.
I take a shot and miss the net completely. Idiot.
"Cap! Where's your head?" Coach yells.
"Sorry, Coach," I call back. My eyes land on Joelle, and she's trying hard not to look at me. I skate harder, pushing myself, trying to get her out of my mind. It doesn't work. Because every time I circle back, my eyes find her. Automatically, like I'm programmed to look for her. She's talking to Sarah, laughing at something, and her face lights up when she smiles. She is so freaking beautiful. I miss my next pass, and Sully has to chase it down.
"What the fuck?" He skates up beside me, following my gaze. "Oh."
"What?"
"You're staring at Jo."
"No, I'm not." I vehemently deny that accusation, even though he is one hundred percent correct.
"You are. And you've been off all practice." He grins.
"I don't always have to be perfect," I grumble.
"Bullshit. Perfection is your fucking motto." He smirks.
"Drop it, Sully," I warn him, especially as Felix and Pierre or any of the other guys are skating around and could hear him.
"Can't drop it. This is gold." He's still grinning. "Emmett Black has a crush."
I skate into him and knock his shoulders. "Shut the fuck up."
"No one can hear me. It's cute."
“Fuck you." I glare at him. "I don't have a crush."
"Then what do you call it?" He raises a brow at me as we skate around each other. Thankfully, everyone else is distracted. It's not uncommon for Sully and me to have our moments talking one-on-one.
"Nothing. I call it nothing."
