Page 21

Chapter 21

Paige

I stormed out of the building, my mind reeling from the confrontation with Ryker. What the hell was his problem? One minute he acted like I didn't exist, the next he was all possessive and intense, as if he had any right to be. My hands shook as I fumbled with my keys, finally managing to unlock my car door.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I slammed the door shut and gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. I started the car, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The memory of his mouth on my body sent shivers down my spine. It was maddening. Despite everything, I wanted him. Always had.

But that was a dangerous path. If I wanted to do my job and clean up the mess at the Serpents, there could be no distractions. No matter how much my body betrayed me with its longing, I had to stay focused.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The heat of his touch still lingered on my skin, making it hard to think straight. I couldn’t let him get under my skin like this. Not when there was so much at stake.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, the city's lights blurred in my vision. The sound of Ryker’s voice echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of our clash. He infuriated me beyond reason, yet something about him drew me in, like a moth to a flame.

I couldn't afford this distraction. Not now.

I pulled into the parking lot of Rylan's Department Store, the neon sign flickering in the evening light. My heart still raced from the confrontation with Ryker, but I pushed it aside. This event was about the kids and their families, not my tangled emotions.

As I parked, I noticed a small crowd had already gathered. A couple of sports journalists and paparazzi loitered near the entrance, their cameras poised and ready. They were a nuisance, but they weren’t my main concern. I focused on the parents and children milling around near the entrance, their faces lit with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

After I quickly did all I could do with the makeup I had to cover up the mark Ryker left on me, I stepped out of the car, straightening my jacket. I approached them with a warm smile. A young boy clutched his mother’s hand, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked up at the towering store.

“Hi there,” I said, bending down to his level. “My name’s Paige Adams. Are you excited for today?”

The boy nodded shyly, his grip tightening on his mother’s hand. The woman smiled at me gratefully.

“We’ve been looking forward to this all week,” she said. “Thank you for organizing it.”

I stood up and extended my hand. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot to us.”

I moved through the small crowd, introducing myself and thanking each family for being there. The parents seemed relieved to have someone acknowledge their presence amid all the chaos. The kids, though nervous at first, began to open up as I chatted with them about their favorite sports and what they were looking forward to in school.

A little girl with pigtails tugged at my sleeve. “Will we get to meet the players?”

I smiled down at her. “Absolutely! They’re just inside getting ready.”

Her face lit up with excitement, and she ran back to her friends to share the news.

Seeing their enthusiasm lifted some of the weight off my shoulders. This was why I did what I did—to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how small.

I glanced back toward the entrance where Ryker was supposed to meet me soon. The thought of facing him again sent a shiver down my spine, but I squared my shoulders and turned back to the families.

I stepped into Rylan's Department Store, the buzz of anticipation filling the air. The players were gathered near the entrance, their expressions a mix of excitement and nerves. I could feel Ryker’s stare boring into me, glaring at my throat, but I focused on the task at hand.

“All right, everyone,” I said, clapping my hands to get their attention. “Thank you all for being here. This is a big day for these kids, and we want to make it special.”

The players nodded, some shifting on their feet, others glancing around the store.

“We’re going to partner each of you up with a child,” I continued. “You’ll be their buddy for the day, helping them pick out school supplies and clothes. It’s important to make them feel comfortable and included.”

I scanned the room, making sure everyone was paying attention. Ryker stood at the back, his arms crossed, eyes locked on me. Ignoring him was easier said than done.

“Does anyone have any questions?” I asked.

Asher raised his hand. “What if the kids want something that’s not on the list? Are we supposed to stick to a budget?”

“Good question,” I replied. “We do have a budget, but there’s some flexibility. The goal is to make sure each child leaves with what they need for school. If they want something extra within reason, go ahead and get it. We’ll sort out the details later.”

Asher nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer.

I looked around at the rest of the players. “Anything else?” No one else spoke up, so I smiled. “All right then. If there’s nothing else, I’m going to address the press outside and then we can begin.”

The players started to disperse, chatting amongst themselves as they prepared for their roles as mentors for the day. Ryker’s gaze never wavered from me, but I refused to let it rattle me.

Stepping back outside into the fresh air, I approached the small cluster of journalists and photographers waiting eagerly for a statement. Today was about making a difference for these kids and showcasing the positive impact our team could have on the community.

I took a deep breath, pushing thoughts of Ryker and our earlier confrontation out of my mind. I stepped back out into the cool evening air, the press immediately turning their attention to me. Cameras flashed, and microphones were thrust forward as reporters called out questions. I held up my hand for silence, flashing them a bright smile.

“Good evening, everyone,” I began. “Thank you all for being here today. We’re excited to kick off this back-to-school event and make a difference for these wonderful kids and their families.”

A reporter from the local news channel raised her hand. “Ms. Adams, what inspired you to organize this event?”

“Well,” I said, glancing at the families gathered nearby, “we believe that every child deserves to start the school year with confidence and the necessary tools for success. Actually, the suggestion was from Ryker Kane himself. This event is about giving back to the community that supports us and ensuring these kids have everything they need to thrive.”

Another reporter chimed in, “How do you think events like this impact the team’s relationship with the community?”

I smiled, considering my words carefully. “It strengthens our bond with the community. It shows that we’re not just about what happens on the field but also about making a positive impact off it. It’s about being role models and mentors for these kids.”

A reporter’s voice cut through the polite murmur of the crowd. “What do you say to people who think this is just a bandage on a stab wound? Ryker Kane and two other Serpent players assaulted a fan, and you think taking a few kids shopping is going to make people forget that? There are rumors he’s going to sue the organization for damages.”

I felt the weight of everyone’s eyes on me, but I didn’t flinch. Instead, I met the reporter’s gaze head-on.

“First of all,” I began, keeping my tone even and calm, “the incident you’re referring to is still under investigation, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to comment on specifics. However, I can assure you that the organization takes any allegations very seriously. As to whether any legal action is going to be taken against the organization, I cannot speak to that. That would be up to the fan. But I would hope he’d carefully consider his options.”

The last thing I needed was anyone finding out that the fan had, in fact, sent a letter about damages. But no one needed to know that, and maybe he could still be dissuaded.

The reporter opened his mouth to interrupt, but I held up a hand to stop him.

“Secondly,” I continued, “this event is not about erasing or ignoring past mistakes. It’s about doing something positive for our community right now. We believe in accountability and making amends, but we also believe in taking actionable steps to support those around us. We’re not here to sweep anything under the rug. We’re here because these kids deserve a great start to their school year. We’re here because our players want to give back and be part of something bigger than themselves.”

The reporter seemed taken aback by my directness. He glanced at his notes, then back at me. “But don’t you think?—”

“What I think,” I cut him off gently but firmly, “is that actions speak louder than words. Today’s event is one of many ways we’re working to build a better relationship with our community and show that we care.”

The crowd murmured in agreement, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I’d handled it without justifying any wrongdoing or letting the situation spiral out of control.

“Thank you for your question,” I added with a polite nod before turning back to the rest of the press. “Any other questions?”

Another reporter raised her hand with a smile. “What are you most looking forward to today?”

I returned her smile, grateful for the shift in focus. “I’m looking forward to seeing these kids’ faces light up when they find just what they need for school. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing we’ve made a difference in their lives.”

The cameras clicked furiously as I continued, “We’re grateful for this opportunity to give back and show our appreciation for the support we receive from our fans and community members.”

“What are your hopes for today’s event?” someone else asked.

“My hope,” I said earnestly, “is that each child leaves here feeling valued and excited for the upcoming school year. I want them to know that they matter and that we’re here to support them in any way we can. Thank you all for your questions.” With that, I turned my attention back to the families waiting eagerly by the entrance. “Come on over, everyone! Let’s begin!”

The kids’ faces lit up with excitement as they hurried toward me, their parents following close behind.

We headed into Rylan's Department Store, the cool air-conditioning a welcome relief from the summer heat outside. The kids buzzed with excitement, their eyes wide as they took in the aisles filled with colorful backpacks, shiny new sneakers, and rows of neatly stacked school supplies. The players mingled among them, towering over the children but bending down to meet them at eye level.

I took a deep breath and pulled out the list of names. “All right, everyone,” I called out, gathering their attention. “We’re going to partner up now. When I call your name, please come forward.”

I scanned the list and began reading off names, my voice steady and clear. “Jaden Martinez, you’ll be with Asher.”

Jaden’s face lit up as he ran over to Asher, who greeted him with a high-five.

“Emily Nguyen, you’re with Leo.”

Emily hesitated for a moment before shyly approaching Leo. He crouched down and gave her a reassuring smile.

One by one, I matched each child with a player. Each pairing brought a new wave of excitement and nervous giggles from the kids. I couldn’t help but smile at their reactions.

“Ryan Thompson, you’ll be with Weston.”

Ryan practically bounced over to Weston, his energy contagious.

I continued down the list until every child had been paired up. As I read the final names, I glanced around to make sure no one was left out.

"And Dylan Munoz, you're with Ryker Kane," I finished, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach.

I watched as a young boy with tousled hair and wide, curious eyes approached Ryker. Dylan looked up at him, clutching the strap of his worn backpack. Ryker's eyes softened just a fraction as he crouched down to Dylan's level.

"Hey, buddy," Ryker said, his voice gentler than I’d ever heard it. "You ready to pick out some cool stuff for school?"

Dylan nodded vigorously, a shy smile creeping onto his face. "Yeah."

“All right,” I said once everyone was paired up. “You all know what to do. Head out into the store and help your buddy find everything they need for school. Have fun!”

The kids cheered and tugged on their partners’ hands, eager to start their shopping adventure. The players followed suit, some giving playful nudges or words of encouragement as they set off into the aisles.

I watched them go, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. This was what it was all about—seeing these kids happy and excited for school.

As the groups dispersed throughout the store, I took a moment to gather my thoughts and make sure everything was running smoothly. The day had started off rocky with Ryker’s attitude and that tough press conference question, but seeing those smiles made it all worth it.

I couldn’t help but glance around for Ryker. His presence always seemed to linger in my mind like an unfinished sentence.

Ryker extended his hand, and Dylan hesitated for a moment before taking it. Together, they moved toward the aisle of backpacks. Ryker pointed out different options, engaging Dylan in conversation about his favorite colors and superheroes.

"How about this one?" Ryker asked, holding up a bright blue backpack adorned with comic book characters.

Dylan’s eyes lit up as he reached for it. "This one’s awesome!"

Ryker grinned, ruffling the boy's hair. "Good choice."

As they moved on to the school supplies section, I noticed Ryker making an effort to involve Dylan in every decision. He let the boy pick out pencils, notebooks, and even a set of colorful markers. Each time Dylan made a choice, Ryker offered encouragement and praise.

I couldn’t help but feel a warm squeeze in my chest as I watched them interact. There was something heartwarming about seeing Ryker, usually so cold and distant, connecting with this young boy. It was a side of him I hadn’t seen before—one that hinted at a depth beyond his gruff exterior.

When they reached the clothing section, Dylan hesitated again. "Do you think these will fit me?" he asked, holding up a pair of jeans.

Ryker nodded confidently. "Let's try them on and see."

He guided Dylan toward the fitting rooms, giving him space but staying close enough to offer support if needed. After a few moments, the boy emerged from the fitting room to show his mother and Ryker. Ryker clapped him on the shoulder. "Looking good, buddy."

Dylan beamed up at him, his earlier shyness replaced by newfound confidence.

Watching them made me realize that maybe—just maybe—there was more to Ryker than I’d initially thought.