Page 11 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO (Second Chance Hockey Players #1)
Chapter nine
Hazel
P ulling up outside the Avalanche Training Center, I let out a groan when I spot Brooke and Lydia chatting animatedly with Landon, who is leaning against his car, phone in hand. Dang it. I am late.
Grabbing my bag and equipment from the passenger seat, I step out, boots crunching against the gravel, and head toward them. Brooke notices me first, a grin lighting up her face. “Look who finally decided to show up!”
“I’m late by one minute,” I counter, rolling my eyes.
“One minute is still late,” Lydia teases, hands on her hips.
“All right, all right, sorry for keeping you waiting,” I reply, adjusting the strap of my equipment bag. “Can we go in now, or are you going to lecture me,” I turn to look at Lydia, “On lateness?”
They laugh, and after a few pleasantries, we head toward the entrance together.
“Wait, are we outfit twinning?” Lydia asks, her voice tinged with amusement.
I glance down at myself and then at her. Sure enough, we are all in boyfriend jeans, though each of us has styled them differently.
Lydia has paired hers with a fitted black turtleneck and white sneakers, giving off an effortlessly chic vibe. Brooke paired hers with a tailored cream blouse tucked neatly into her jeans and black heels.
As for me, I have a simple white button-up tucked loosely into my jeans, scuffed ankle boots, a delicate gold chain, and tiny hoop earrings. My hair is tied back in my favorite ponytail.
“Well, we’re clearly on the same wavelength,” I say with a small laugh, adjusting the strap of my camera bag on my shoulder.
“Definitely,” Brooke says with a grin.
“Great minds think alike,” Lydia agrees.
“Huh, ladies,” Landon sighs, putting his phone away.
The sliding doors whoosh open, revealing the expansive training center.
A few players in Avalanche jerseys walk by, and I cannot help but admire the blend of modern design with elements that scream hockey - trophy displays, framed jerseys, and the faint, distinct scent of the rink.
Lydia’s eyes widened like a kid at Disney World.
“It’s huge,” she says.
“Wait until you see the rink,” someone says with a knowing smile, then walks by.
Turning a corner, the door across from us swings open, and Liam steps out, his jersey on and a towel around his neck. His sharp gaze flicks over us, landing briefly on me before moving on.
Brooke’s voice drops to an exaggerated whisper. “How cool is it that the big boss is also a team member?”
“Very cool,” Lydia agrees, “I’ve been dying to see him in his element.” She nudges me with her elbow. “What do you think?”
I shrug, keeping my expression neutral. “Yeah.”
Her eyes narrow, but thankfully, she lets it drop. Ever since I found out Liam and I were neighbors, I have made it a point to avoid him as much as possible. So far, we have only bumped into each other twice, and each encounter was about as enjoyable as stepping on a LEGO.
A lady approaches us, an apologetic smile on her face. "Sorry I wasn’t there to meet you at the door. I am Katie, one of the media coordinators and assistant coach. Welcome to the Avalanche Training Center! I’ll be your guide for the day."
She gestures for us to follow her. “We will head to the locker room first so you can meet the team. After introductions, you can set up by the rink for some shots during practice.”
Landon leans in toward Lydia. “This is pretty cool, right? I have never been this close to an actual hockey team.”
“Or a hockey star,” Brooke adds with a grin, her eyes sparkling.
The moment we enter the locker room, the atmosphere shifts. It is bustling yet somehow orderly, with players finishing lacing up skates, adjusting pads, or chatting amongst themselves. The scent of leather and sweat is distinctive but not overpowering, adding to the electric energy of the space.
Katie claps her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Gentlemen, if I can have a moment!” Everyone gradually quieted down, turning their attention to us.
“I would like to introduce you to the photographers who will be working among the team for the duration of the campaign and game season. Please meet Lydia Reynolds, Brooke Carter, Landon Hughes, and Hazel McKee.”
The moment my name is mentioned, I see a couple of glances linger on me, a beat too long, and some eyebrows raised in recognition.
Of course, they will know my name…, it’s a small town, and I bet I was the subject of a good story.
I keep my face neutral, giving them a polite nod as I adjust my grip on my bag.
“They will be capturing your best moments during practice. So, look sharp.” Katie winks, prompting a round of chuckles.
She turns to us. “As I said earlier, this is practice. We will have a dedicated session later if you need more shots. For now, just get what you can.”
We nod.
Katie gives a satisfied nod. “Alright, I am leaving you guys to it. Be nice.” She levels a pointed look at a few of the louder ones before turning on her heel and walking out.
As soon as she is gone, one of the players, tall with shaggy blond hair, grins and steps forward. “I don’t know if this is appropriate,” he begins with a playful lilt, “but I have to say, it’s an honor having three beautiful women here.”
“Smooth. What am I? Chopped liver?” Landon mutters.
Brooke beams, Lydia snickers, and I smirk.
“Alright, um…, here’s what we’re going to do…,” I start, only to be cut off.
“I’m sorry,” a guy with sharp blue eyes steps forward. “This might be biased, but I have to say, Hazel, I am your biggest fan. During my studies in photography, your works have come up so many times as a reference, no offense to the rest of you,” he says to the three smirkers beside me.
“None taken.”
“It’s fine.”
“I’m offended,” Landon says, causing Lydia to slap his arm.
“Anyway,” the guy, whose name is James, continues, “In my eyes, you are by far the most beautiful lady I have seen in a long time. I kind of had, well, have a teeny crush on you. Okay, that’s TMI…”
A chuckle bubbles out of me. “Why, thank you. And you are not so bad yourself - you have got a lovely smile. And thanks for admiring my work. I would love to see some of your pictures before I leave if that is possible.”
His grin stretches wider, eyes lighting up. “Yes. Oh, are you single? Please be single. Say you’re single.”
Subconsciously, I glance at Liam, who’s staring daggers at me. Before I can respond, his friend smacks the back of his head. “Tone it down, Romeo.”
Laughter ripples through the room. I bite back a grin, tilting my head. “Well, let’s just say I’m…, unattached.”
He clutches his chest dramatically. “There’s hope yet.”
I shake my head, amused. Brooke leans closer to me, whispering with a giggle, “You’ve got an admirer already.”
“Seems like it,” I murmur, glancing at the guys as they finish gearing up.
“All right, all right,” Katie comes back, clapping her hands lightly. “Get your butts out there before the coach comes out of his office.”
The guys chuckle and exchange playful shoves before turning back to their gear. I catch a glimpse of Liam standing by the far row of lockers, slipping his gloves on. His gaze flicks to me, his expression unreadable. His jaw tightens for a brief second before he turns away.
Katie gestures to us. “Come on. Let me take you to the rink so that you guys can set up. Try to stay out of the way of the drills, and you will be golden.”
“Before you leave,” James says, “I have got to ask - do you guys, skate?”
For whatever reason, my eyes inadvertently drift to Liam again, his cold gaze locked on me. My stomach twists briefly, but I snap my attention back to James. “Yes, I do,” I say evenly.
“A woman after my heart,” James says with a theatrical sigh, clasping his hands over his chest.
I roll my eyes, laughing under my breath as we make our way toward the rink.
“In case the question is still relevant,” Landon chimes in, “I skate too. Not to brag or anything, but I’m pretty good.”
“That is you bragging. Now, go set up somewhere and leave us ladies be.” Brooke says and nudges Lydia. “There are so many handsome guys here. Oh, my goodness.”
Lydia shakes her head, laughing. “Don’t you have a boyfriend?”
Brooke shrugs, setting up her tripod like it is no big deal. “It is not a crime to appreciate God’s creation. I mean, just look at them.” She gestures toward the players warming up on the ice, a dreamy expression on her face. “He really took His time with some of these guys. Especially Callahan.”
Landon waves them over suddenly, his voice carrying across the rink. “Hey, Brooke! Lydia! I need an extra hand here!”
They exchange annoyed glances before heading over to help him, leaving me alone to adjust my equipment.
I pull out my lens cloth and begin cleaning the glass, focusing on the small task. The noise of skates cutting into the ice and distant laughter fills the air. I do not even notice anyone approaching until a voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“Hi Hazel.”
I glance up, startled, and see Matt and Logan standing in front of me.
“Matt, Logan.” I nod politely, straightening up. “How are you?”
Logan crosses his arms, leaning against the rink barrier. “We’ve, or rather, I have been good. How’ve you been, Hazel? You look..., different. In a good way,” he adds quickly, his tone light.
“Thanks,” I reply, keeping my voice neutral.
Matt studies me. “I know this isn’t the best time, but…, why did you leave town?”
Logan elbows him. “Dude, seriously? Not now.”
Matt ignores him, his eyes still on me. “I just want to know. I have been curious. I know you have been curious. Hell, almost everyone in town was, and is curious to know why she left for no reason back then.”
I shrug, my smile fading slightly. “I do not see how that is any of your business. But if you must know, what more did I have to do with a town that harbored people who gave me nothing but pain and heartache?”
Matt’s brows furrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s in the past now,” I say, my voice firm.