Page 37 of Playing the Pucking Game

Storm: You got this, Little P. See you later

I blow out another breath before putting my cell on do not disturb and slipping it into my purse.

As I approach the arena’s main entrance, my entire body trembles with nerves.

But the second I step inside and the familiar scent floods through my nose, I relax.

I’ve spent almost as much time here as I have in my own home.

From as early as I can remember, I’d be in the stands with Mom and Rett, and it hasn’t stopped since. All my life, I’ve either been supporting the Vipers or playing my own games with Casey by my side.

Fuck, I used to love playing together.

The highs from the wins used to be so incredible. And losing wasn’t so bad either because I had my best friend to commiserate with.

“Parker,” a friendly female voice calls, and when I look over, I find Esme Clifton, the Vipers’ senior HR manager, waiting for me with a smile playing on her lips.

“Hey,” I say, making my way over.

“It’s so good to finally have you here,” she says, sounding genuinely excited.

“It's good to be here.”

“I hope you’re ready; we’ve got a full day planned for you.”

“Bring it on.” I need a distraction right now more than I ever have.

“We’re going to head up to my office to finalize paperwork. I’ll get you set up with your passes and equipment before handing you off to Jarad Lennon, so he can give you a tour of the facilities and get you settled. Brooke Owens has then requested that you join her to make some content so that she can announce your arrival on socials. If you’re still with us at that point, Jarad wants you to join him and Dillion at the team’s afternoon practice session before meeting the guys.”

“Okay,” I breathe, already feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. Especially the social media element.

Sure, I post on my socials, and I’m as addicted as the next person, but I don’t have any kind of following. Something tells me that is about to change if the Vipers’ social media team is going to get their hands on me.

Am I really ready for this?

The role itself, yes. I’ve been training for it for years. But everything else that goes with it? I’m not so sure.

“Ready?” she asks.

Forcing a wide smile onto my lips, I nod. “Lead the way.”

She chats away about the holidays as we ride the elevator to the fourth floor, where her office is located. I answer questions where necessary, but she mostly talks about returning to New York to see her family for a few days.

As we get closer to her office, I know my time holding things back is coming to an end. I’m going to have to update her about my temporary address change; it probably also needs to go on record that I’m living with one of the players.

“Come in and take a seat,” Esme says, holding the door open for me.

“Oh, wow,” I breathe as I take in the view across town from her large windows on the other side of the room.

“Stunning, isn’t it?” she says as I move closer and just stare out.

“Oh, um…” I startle, taking a step back, embarrassment heating my cheeks.

“It’s okay, I might have been here a few years now, but every now and then, I still stand there like that, wondering how I ended up here. Take a moment,” she says understandingly as she takes a seat behind her desk and wakes up her computer.

I allow myself ten seconds before I sink into the seat across from her.

“I’ve moved in with Lincoln Storm,” I blurt, needing to get the words out.