Page 6 of Defensive Desire

The way she leans into him, into the quiet confidence in his stance, it's like they just…fit. Like puzzle pieces clicking into place.

It's crazy to watch. Connor's got Lucy now too. Coach has paired up with Natalie after the worst kept secret ever. Hell, even Ryder's been spotted with some redhead at Ridgeview.

One by one, my teammates are falling in love. Finding their person. Getting soft.

For a split second, I let myself imagine having someone in my corner like that. Someone to share doe-eyed looks with across crowded rooms. Someone who'd understand my silences, someone like… like…

No.

I shake the thought away, squashing it like a bug under my boot.

Love's not for me. Never has been.

"So all the details will be in your emails," Sophia continues, her voice stronger now with Blake beside her. "We'll need everyone's participation and I'm sure this will be easy with guys like you. Each player will partner with a local business to create promotional content and increase community engagement."

From the back of the room, Eli Thompson, our former enforcer turned tavern owner, shouts, "Just auction 'em off again! The ladies of Iron Ridge would empty their bank accounts for a date with these pretty boys!"

The room erupts in laughter as Eli locks eyes with Lucy, who's cheeks are now shining the brightest of red.

I roll my eyes.

That charity auction was a fucking nightmare. Some banker's wife paid fifteen grand to have me teach her kid how to check properly. Ended up being a decent kid, but still.

"Sorry, Eli. No auctions this year," Sophia laughs. "Instead, you'll be creating content, appearing at events, and connecting with the town. The team with the most engagement by the start of the season gets exclusive use of the arena café space."

My ears perk up at that.

Café? I know someone who'd love the chance at another opportunity to grow her business.

Not only grow, but the arena café is prime real estate for any entrepreneur. Foot traffic from every home game, tourists, youth leagues.

For a small business like Emma's new coffee start up, that kind of exposure would be...

"I'll partner with Emma," I announce before I've even processed the thought fully.

The room goes quiet.

Sophia must have been half way through a sentence, because her mouth stays wide open as I push off the wall with steely determination.

I don't know why, but my gut tightens at the thought of anyone else stepping in.

It’s not just about the coffee or the community program.

It’s about Emma.

And the fact that if anyone’s going to help her make her dreams come true, it’s going to be me.

Across the room, Blake raises an eyebrow, Connor smirks, and Coach Brody looks mildly confused at the whole thing.

"Right.. Logan you want to go with Emma Carter? From Chapter and Grind?" Sophia clarifies, clearly surprised by my sudden enthusiasm.

I nod, not bothering to explain myself.

I don't need to justify shit to anyone.

Ryder, the perpetual pain in my ass, opens his mouth. "But I was going to—"

I silence him with a glare that's dropped bigger men than him.