Blake types away at her computer while rattling off her next question. Reporter Blake is much more focused than Regular Blake. “How has the team been so far? Is there any animosity? Are there still things to work on to create a cohesive unit before the season begins?”
“Definitely,” I breathe, replying before Zhuri this time. “We’ve gotten the team together a couple of times since the announcement to help foster that. The more time we spend together before practices start in a couple of weeks, the better our teamwork will be on the ice.”
“Exactly that,” Zhuri adds. “I know there has been a bit of animosity from both sides, but it’s not to the extent that I expected, if I’m being honest. Everyone has really been working hard to get along, and that leaves me really optimistic about how our inaugural season will go.”
Blake continues firing off questions to us, and Zhuri and I respond as thoroughly as we can. After an hour, our coffee is all gone while she wraps up our interview.
“One final question for you both. What do you think of your co-captain’s ability on the ice?”
“Cameron is great,” Zhuri replies, and I can’t help the pride blooming through my chest. Hockey is about the only thing in life I excel at. “There’s a reason he’s so well-known. Even back in college, he was the first-line center as a freshman. He’s probably one of the best centers the game has seen.”
“I’ll be happy to accept compliments like that anytime,” I chuckle. “As for Zhuri,” I say now, turning my attention back to Blake, “she’s the best left winger I’ve seen. Not just a female left-winger; overall, she’s the best. I’m from Boulder, so I’ve always been a big Denver fan. I loved watching the Dragons and the way Zhuri just owned the ice. She has an extremely rare talent, and I’m looking forward to playing beside her as a Comet.”
Zhuri looks at me in surprise with a sweet expression on her face. “Thank you, Cameron.”
“I mean every word. You’re a damn great forward, Hart.”
“That should do it!” Blake smiles, closing her laptop before slipping it into her bag. “I’m going to head out of here now. Iwant to get this article written tonight so I can send it over to my boss. Thank you both so much for doing this!”
We say our goodbyes and watch as she disappears through the glass doors.
As soon as she steps away, a familiar blond walks up beside Zhuri and me.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite big brother and his mortal enemy?” Bodhi smiles, sliding into the booth across from us.
“Ah, you must be Bodhi,” Zhuri chuckles.
“What are you doing here, Bode?” I ask.
“Stopped by to treat myself to a fancy coffee,” he shrugs. “Gotta celebrate a little.”
“What are you celebrating?” Zhuri questions.
“My new equipment manager job.” Bodhi’s grin is so wide that it has to be painful.
“Now I’ll never be rid of you,” I chide jokingly, and Bodhi flips me off as he so often does.
Zhuri grabs his attention. “You working for the Comets?”
“I am.”
“Because Bodhi has no athletic ability whatsoever.”
“Be nice to your brother, Cameron.” Zhuri elbows my side, andouch, that fucking hurts.
“Yeah, Cameron,” Bodhi pouts. “Be nice to your brother.”
I glare at Zhuri. “Are you going to gang up against me with everyone you meet?”
“Probably,” she smirks, and the mischievous glint in her eye does something to me.
Well, to my dick specifically.
This playful side to Zhuri is starting to seem very dangerous, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying every fucking minute of it.
Honestly, I might be starting to enjoy it a littletoomuch.
twelve
