Not all the feedback we’ve been getting has been positive, especially from the old-school fans. I understand, but as an organization, we need to move forward. Plus, you can’t make everyone happy, so you have to go with what you believe in.
“I completely understand. Change is hard for many people, yet it’s inevitable.” His soft, smooth voice sounds slightly sad at the last comment. Madison reaches out and rubs his shoulder. He smiles at her before turning back to me.
We talk more about hockey and competition in general. He’s had some amazing experiences in his life, and I’m feeling privileged to hear about them. On a whim, I decide to invite them to dinner after the game.
There will be a large number of attendees, and I am confident they’ll be welcomed with enthusiasm.
Joslyn’s son, Sebastian, will be there, and I’m both excited and nervous to meet him. I’ve already met her daughter, Lillian. We’ve been out to dinner with her and my daughter, Lexi, quite a few times. Our daughters seem to get along well and have become friends. I think it helps that Lillian graduated from DU with the same degree that my daughter is pursuing. Lillian would be a fantastic mentor for Lexi.
We’ve also invited a few of the players from the team, including Liam Ferguson and Madison’s brother, Walker, our two new captains. Liam and Walker both attended the same university and were teammates there. I hope that translates to them working well together on the ice.
To my utter surprise, Kenji agrees. I can’t stop the goofy smile on my face as I head back to Jos to inform her of my triumph.
“You’ll never guess who’s coming to dinner with us tonight,” I say triumphantly.
She gives me a secretive smile, the corner of her mouth turning up into a smirk.
“You already invited them, didn’t you? No wonder he said yes.”
She bursts out laughing.
“Of course I did! I mean, how could I not invite your man-crush, the famous Kenji Lee? You’re welcome.”
I love how she looks when she laughs. Her whole face lights up, flushed pink cheeks, gorgeous eyes shining with humor, and a laugh that’s brighter than the sun.
“Thanks, baby. I’ll admit to my man-crush on Kenji, but you’re still my one and only. Always.”
I wrap my arms around her and pull her close, kissing her lips softly.
“You’re my everything, Jos. I love you.” I say into the shell of her ear. I know that makes her crazy, and I’m not above teasing my lady a bit. Jos gasps before reprimanding me.
“Damon! What if the press sees? Are we ready for that?” Her concern is valid. We haven’t gone public with our relationship. We aren’t hiding our relationship. Everyone in our organization knows, and our families know. I don’t think we need to make a formal announcement. I don’t want to give the impression that our lives or those of our players are something that will be shared with the media. I’d rather set a precedent that we won’t talk about our private lives. In my opinion, it’s no one’s business but ours. Besides, I couldn’t give two fucks about other people’s opinions. She’s mine, and no way I’m letting her go. It might be news for a while, but it will blow over as soon as the next scandal comes along.
“Aw, are you worried about me, beautiful?” I tease.
“A little, yeah.” She’s suddenly serious, worry creasing her brow. “I just don’t want you to lose the respect that you deserve.”
“If that gets destroyed by some Internet trolls, then it wasn’t very strong to begin with. I’m confident that I can hold my own through a little scandal. Don’t worry about me.” I hug her tightly. I don’t like to see her worry, especially about me. I can handle myself.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got this. But if it makes you feel better, let’s talk to the new PR lady. I’m sure she’ll have an idea of how to handle things,” I reassure her. I make a note to stop by Meagan’s office first thing the next day. She sighs with relief and snuggles into me, and I melt. Could there be anything more perfect than this? My god, I love this woman.
“Game’s about to start,” I whisper in her ear.
“I know, I just don’t want to move. You’re comfortable and warm,” Jos mumbles before reluctantly letting me go and heading out to our seats. She shoots me a sweet smile full of love as she sashays across the suite. Ismile back. Not gonna lie, I’m admiring her ass as she walks away because my woman is hot AF.
The third period starts well, if a little frustrating. Both teams are fighting hard. We’re able to keep the puck down in their zone for more than half the time, but they’ve got a talented goalie, and we can’t get a puck in the net. Their first line is proving to be a problem for us. It doesn’t surprise me since Joslyn’s son, Sebastian, is their first-line winger. He’s an incredibly talented player. Our guys are struggling to keep up with him, and he’s making it look easy to out-skate them.
Reid Gauthier, our goalie, is up for the challenge, and despite Sebastian’s powerful slapshots, he’s a brick wall. As a GM, I can’t help but wonder if we could get Sebastian to play for the Wolves someday. The kid’s gonna be phenomenal if this is how he’s playing at the beginning of his career.
At first, I don’t notice, because it’s subtle, but after Sebastian’s last failed shot, I see it. There’s a disconnect between him and the other guys on his line. The other two guys are out of sync with him, yet they seem to be working just fine together. I chalk it up to first-game jitters until I see one of them try to make a shot on goal while ignoring that Sebastian’s open. The venomous glare that he gives him, before ignoring him to make his own shot on goal, lets me know it has nothing to do with nerves. I make a mental note to talk with Sebastian at dinner. Maybe he’s not loving his time in Philly.
I’m not the only one who notices the disconnect in the first line. Someone on the coaching staff picks up on it and adjusts our strategy accordingly. It doesn’t help with combating their defense, but it keeps Philly from scoring for the rest of the period, which is just as good.
I’m resigned to this game going to overtime, when a last-minute goal by Alex Bernier, our veteran right winger, surprises the hell out of me. He slips it in past the goalie on a rebound from Liam Fergusson, our Captain. Their goalie hesitates a second too long before moving to the other side ofthe net, and Alex is too experienced not to take advantage of it. The lamp lights, and the arena erupts in celebration.
There’s still a minute and thirty seconds left to go as we battle to keep the puck out of our zone. They pull their goalie immediately after the face-off, trying to take advantage of an extra man on the ice. Our defense steps up and keeps us in the game until finally the buzzer rings and the game is over.
The arena is deafening with the crowd’s celebratory cheers. It’s been a while since our fans have had something to cheer about, so the crowd’s response is unbelievably loud. Joslyn is jumping up and down beside me while trying to hug me at the same time. It’s hilarious. I laugh as I swing up into my arms, spinning around in triumph.
