Page 13
Story: Pucking His Enemy
“Totally fine,” I say, flashing a smile I hope reads cool and approachable instead of deranged and sleep-deprived. “Just trying to find Human Resources. I’ve got my paperwork for the badge and all that fun stuff.”
He gestures down the hallway. “Right this way. Congrats, by the way. Always nice to see new faces.”
“Thanks!” I follow him, trying not to trip on my own feet or stare too hard at everything like a starstruck tourist. “Everyone says the Cyclones are a great group.”
He glances over his shoulder and grins. “They are. Most of the time. Hockey players can get rowdy, but it’s all part of the charm.”
I raise a brow. “Charm, huh? That’s what we’re calling it now?”
He chuckles and waves me toward a hallway. “HR’s at the end. Can’t miss it.”
I thank him and make my way down the corridor, passing half-empty offices and closed doors. Some muffled voices drift out, but otherwise, it’s quiet.
I knock, and the door swings open to reveal Martin from my interview.
“Katarina! So glad you made it.”
“Happy to be here,” I chirp, genuinely excited—if also mildly terrified I’m going to screw this up in spectacular fashion.
Martin introduces me to Gerald, a silver-fox type who looks like he belongs on a cereal box in a rocking chair. Apparently, he was a team nutritionist for decades and now consults for the Cyclones. Basically, the Gandalf of athlete diets.
“Anything I should look out for?” I ask, shaking Gerald’s hand.
He gives a warm smile. “Couple allergies to watch. And some of the boys like to push boundaries, but nothing dangerous.”
Martin snorts. Gerald winks. I file both reactions under noted.
“Anyone likely to throw a tantrum over kale?” I ask.
“Not kale,” Gerald muses. “But maybe the idea of fewer fried chicken tenders.”
Fair.
“Biggest tip?” Gerald adds. “Don’t let them see you sweat. Especially not the ones who think they’re gods on skates.”
I nod. That’s advice I’ve heard before. Kitchens and locker rooms have one thing in common: a few too many men who test your patience just to see if you’ll break.
But I don’t break easy.
By the time I leave, I’ve got my badge, my office keys, and enough adrenaline to power a small country.
I hop in my car, planning to treat myself to something greasy and celebratory. Maybe fries. Or tacos. Or both. I start to back out—
CRUNCH.
“Oh shit.” My stomach plummets. That wasn’t a curb. That was a car.
I slam it in park and jump out, already fumbling for my insurance card and practicing my bestI swear I’m not usually this clumsy smile.
Then I hear it.
“You better fucking have insurance.”
The voice is deep. Sharp. Laced with enough barely restrained fury to make my fight-or-flight instinct start scanning for exits.
I look up—and damn near swallow my tongue.
Six-foot-something. Cyclones jacket. Arms crossed over a chest built like a Greek tragedy. And those eyes—icy, electric, and glaring straight through me.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13 (Reading here)
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88
- Page 89
- Page 90
- Page 91
- Page 92
- Page 93
- Page 94
- Page 95
- Page 96
- Page 97
- Page 98
- Page 99
- Page 100
- Page 101
- Page 102
- Page 103
- Page 104
- Page 105
- Page 106
- Page 107
- Page 108
- Page 109
- Page 110
- Page 111
- Page 112
- Page 113
- Page 114
- Page 115
- Page 116
- Page 117
- Page 118
- Page 119
- Page 120
- Page 121
- Page 122
- Page 123
- Page 124
- Page 125
- Page 126
- Page 127