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“Well, I better get going. I’ve got to find the president and Dean Chancer. I’ll see you on the field shortly.”

As soon as Damien walked away, I let out a sigh of relief.

For once, the season couldn’t end soon enough.

Damien

What the fuck was I doing here?

Right. The rally.

I’d enjoyed my share of those when I was student. And I had to make an appearance at this one whether I wanted to or not. Unfortunately, I had the hangover from hell, with my head throbbing, my eyes dry, and my equilibrium so off balance I’m surprised I could walk a straight line.

More than that, I was on edge like I never was, and I blamed it all on those damn martinis last night.

Never again.

Selwin was going to get payback the next time I saw him. I didn’t know how, or when, or what, but I’d think of something. Between the alcohol and that discussion about my personal life, ugh, I wanted to forget the whole damn thing.

Until I spotted Silas. Fuck, why did he have to be the one I noticed?

Like on the plane ride and on the bus. Normally, I slept or listened to an audiobook to relax.

I’d tune everyone out. But not this time, and not him.

When Silas walked past me, despite my sunglasses and my feigning sleep, I noticed everything.

The stealthy grace of his walk, the intense expression in his eyes, and worst of all, the way his ass filled out those jeans.

I’m still hungover.

The campus was crawling with students and teachers, and the noise of chatter made my headache flare.

But, out of the throngs of people, only one of them drew my undivided attention.

Silas looked imposing as usual, with his height, his broad shoulders, and of course, those tattoos.

Did he have them everywhere? I’d seen them on his chest and arms, but what about…

Get yourself under control, goddamn it.

My phone buzzed and I quickly glanced at the message. It was Dave asking me to meet him on the football field. He was already there with Nora.

Talk about a bucket of ice water.

Better than a bottle of champagne.

When I looked up again, I channeled my inner coach and put my stoic face in place. Not that it lasted.

Without knowing who the younger man standing beside Silas was, it was clear to me that they were siblings, and watching Silas offering a protective arm to his brother made me smile.

Josiah was a few inches shorter, and not nearly as big as my defenseman, but then again, he’d been sick.

My respect for Silas as a person wasn’t in question.

But I did wonder how he managed everything; a demanding school schedule, hockey practice, looking out for his brother, a part-time job. He worked hard, seven days a week.

But who was there for Silas when he needed a break? Not that I should be concerned. It was none of my business. Obviously, he was handling everything. Better than I ever could.

Instead of being rude and ignoring him, I made my way over and forced myself to be polite.

Polite and proper. Even though Silas was staring at me like he’d never seen me before.

Without his skates on, he met me eye to eye, and it was way too close for comfort.

Neither one of us was known to give in first, so when he looked away, panic began to swirl in my gut.

“I better get going.”

I said something else I’m sure, but I was too intent on getting the hell away from Silas to remember what. Something about inviting his brother to our team gathering?

Walk away, do it now.

I said my goodbyes and headed across campus, following the pathway and the students, to the football field.

The lights were glowing, the band was getting set up, and the stadium seats were already full.

Dave stood near the goal post with Nora beside him.

The two were in a very animated discussion given their wild hand gestures and it didn’t surprise me.

Both were strong willed and vocal about their opinions.

Dave would probably be taking Nora’s place one day and maybe that was the problem between them.

I couldn’t give a shit about rising in the college ranks myself.

Give me my skates and a rink, and I was set. College or the league, either way, I’d be content as a coach, not an administrator.

“Damien,” Dave called out when he looked over and spotted me.

“I was telling Nora about the summer training camp. She’s pushing back on the extra items in the budget.

Please explain to her that hockey is the most expensive sport ever, but it will earn itself out when we have top players vying for spots. ”

“Knock it off, Dave,” Nora bit back, rolling her eyes. “I know all that. But I have a board to report to. I can’t sign off on extras for a program that has yet to be proven.”

“I should have brought my whistle for you two,” I quipped, and Dave playfully nudged my arm.

“Look, the first year of any program is always a test. I’m limiting summer camp to six students, and the fees, as outlined in my proposal, will cover the basic costs.

The add-ons are to cover travel expenses for two pro players that have agreed to offer workshops.

But it’s worth it. Think of the press coverage.

And, if these students get drafted eventually, even better.

We’ll get interest from the league. Maybe even sponsorship money. ”

Nora pursed her lips and nodded.

“I’ll agree to go to bat for it, but I’m not making promises,” Nora replied. “If needed, you’ll have to cut something out of your regular budget.”

I’d worry about that if the time came. And I wasn’t worried at all.

“And, if you don’t get a minimum of four students signed up, the pros visits are a no-go,” she added.

“Deal.”

“Good.” Nora smiled at me. “Now, we have a rally to launch. Let’s get an early start on that positive press coverage.”

Despite my hangover, I put on my best face.