Does Bexley Hart have what it takes to lead this team? The old GM set her up perfectly to win the cup last year, but with the continued spiral of star Noah Fields, the GM needs to step up and take action with this team.
Fuck me.
Another day, another article about how it’s my fault our star player isn’t holding his own. It’s not like I make the coaching decisions. Sure, I talk with Coach Barney daily, but I can only do so much. If I cut Noah now, the fans—and press—would have my head. There’s no winning in this position.
The knock on my door has me locking my phone and trying to push the article out of my head.
When I open the door, there he is.
Nick.
In a Black Diamonds tee that stretches across his impressive chest and a pair of jeans, he shouldn’t look as good as he does.
It’s almost criminal how sexy this man is.
“Hey, Bex.”
The timbre of his voice does nothing to help cool the feelings that he stirs up in me.
“Hi. How’s Oreo doing?” I ask as he brushes past me, leaving his shoes near the front door. He smells clean, like the soap he uses. It sends tingles rushing through my veins.
Stop it, Bex. No feelings for this guy. You’re helping each other.
“Much better. Hopping around like he was never sick.”
“I can’t imagine how cute he is,” I tell him, leading him toward my dining room.
“He really is.” Nick stops short when he sees everything spread out across the wooden table. “Gardening?”
“I take it this isn’t something you’ve done before?” I laugh, walking over to one of the large, ceramic pots.
“Can’t say that I have.”
“Remember, shared interests.”
“And how is this supposed to help you?”
I grab the trowel and hand it over to him. “Because it makes me more approachable. Less ‘all about hockey’ and more relatable, I guess.”
Nick laughs. Warm and smooth, it sends funny feelings to my insides. “You’re only guessing about that?”
I shrug a shoulder. My sweater falls over it, and I don’t miss the way Nick’s eyes catch on the exposed skin there.
“I don’t know why a woman loving hockey is so intimidating to them. Are they afraid I’m going to try and show them up with everything I know?”
Nick nods. “That’s exactly it.”
I roll my eyes. “I don’t feel like I should have to make myself smaller to impress them.”
“I didn’t say that,” Nick corrects, taking a step closer to me. His sock-clad feet graze my bare toes. There’s something sointimate about it, that I have to look away to try and find relief for everything he’s making me feel. “You’re a smart and powerful woman, Bex. You shouldn’t try and change yourself for anyone.”
Why couldn’t Nick be my date for tomorrow? I know this is what we agreed to. To each schedule a date and see how it goes. But it’s not what I want now. Not after I’ve gotten to know Nick more.
“You’re going to help me repot some of my plants.” I steer the conversation back to safe ground.
“Some?” Nick’s eyes are wide as he takes in the various plants littering my entire dining room table. “This is more than some, Bex.”
“Well, they’re getting too big for their pots and they need more space.”
