Truth.
“I’m making the best of it.” A tiny pang of guilt pings through me, flashing back to the bodyguards I hired.
My phone buzzes in my hand and I hold up a finger to Dr. Sparks. “Excuse me one sec.”
Daddy: Season ticket-holder meet and greet today. Bring Steele
Tori: The Captain, right? Weston?
Surely he’s not talking about Bennett.He’s suspended. Putting him in front of fans is a huge risk. And if there’s one thing the Prince family knows, it’s hedging risk.
Daddy: No. Bennett. They specifically asked for him
I stifle a groan.Why? Why him, of all the players?
Sure, he’s good. And I suppose some people might call him charming. Especially if they’ve never interacted with the man-child before.
Tori: He’s practicing right now
Daddy: As soon as he’s done, have him shower and change. Meet in Founders Lounge. Tell him to act presentable. No freestyling
Way easier said than done.
Tori: I’ll let him know
Daddy: See you in 30
Of course my father expects me to attend.
Never mind the mountain of work piling up with each passing second. Now I have to go supervise the cocky asshole in front of people who matter.
I slip my phone into my bag and glance over at Dr. Sparks. “Duty calls.”
“It always does.” She smiles at me knowingly, like she gets it. “Good luck, Tori.”
With a quick wave, I hustle over to the gate and wait for practice to end. The players stand in a circle, raptly listening to Coach Keller. Even Bennett seems to be paying attention.
Finally, the team huddles and shouts ‘Crushers!’ before peeling out and skating off the ice. Bennett glides in my direction, a broad smile on his face.
“Did you like that?” He leans against his stick, satisfied, sandy curls falling over his forehead.
“Good practice. Daddy needs you for a ticket holder meet-and-greet. In thirty.” I keep my voice flat and business-like. His smile fades a touch but doesn’t slide away.
“A meet and greet, huh? You sure you trust me?”
Pursing my lips, I assess him. “Not at all. But it wasn’t my call.”
A quick flash of hurt dances across his face and I almost feel bad.
Almost.
“And here I thought I was winning you over. I even got a clap out of you.”
“Don’t overanalyze, Steele.”
“That’s your job, right?” He steps off the ice, brushing past me, and I’m chilly again.
“Figured you’d keep me on a tight leash.” He glances back at me. “Especially when Daddy’s watching.”
