Page 20 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO (Second Chance Hockey Players #1)

Chapter fifteen

Hazel

T he air outside Avalanche Training Center is electric, filled with the chatter of teammates, clicking cameras, and the steady hum of anticipation.

Two days have passed since Liam and I ended up on the same ice rink - the same rink where we clashed, bantered, and played that ridiculous hockey game that left me frustrated, a little too amused, and a little too happy for my liking.

I can still feel the rush, adrenaline, and fun of it all. Just like I can still picture the way he skated circles around me, our banter, his smirk when he won, and the way my heart betrayed me by skipping a beat when our hands shook afterward.

We laughed. For the first time in ages, we actually laughed together. For a moment, it almost felt like old times - before everything fell apart. But that was only a fleeting moment of warmth and reminiscing because the weight of the past never stays gone for long.

I shake my head, pushing the memories aside as I focus on the present. Today is a whole different level of chaos.

“Alright, everyone!” Katie shouts, clapping her hands together for attention. “Gather round and listen up!” Everyone falls into a loose semicircle around her. She is holding a clipboard and looks far too excited for this early in the morning.

“We’re doing something a little different today,” she says, “instead of regular photoshoots, we are heading out to Autumn Cove for a unique project. Each of you will pick your favorite spot in town. You will have photos taken there, plus a quick interview about why you chose the location. Think of it as showcasing the heart of Autumn Cove through your eyes and giving fans a glimpse into who you are off the ice. We will just have one spot each today due to time, so choose wisely.”

The team murmurs with excitement, and I cannot help but smile a little. It is a good idea - getting them out of their usual environment and showing their personalities.

I glance at Landon, Brooke, and Lydia, and I can feel Lydia and Brooke practically bubbling with excitement beside me. Landon is trying to play the cool, calm, and collected “in-all-situation” guy but failing because I can see the excitement he is trying to hide in his eyes.

This is going to be different and maybe even fun.

“To make things smoother,” the coordinator continues, “you will be split into four groups. Each photographer will take five players. And since we know our dear photographers are not videographers, we have got someone to handle that part for each team.” She looks at us with a reassuring smile.

“Thank God,” Landon mutters under his breath, and I stifle a laugh. “Videography is not my thing.”

“All right,” she continues, her tone clipped. “Group assignments. Landon, you are with…,” she rattles off names I barely catch because I’m too busy trying not to fidget.

“…and Hazel, you’ve got Liam, Lucas, Mike, James, and Tomas.”

Fantastic. Of course, Liam’s in my group.

The guys shuffle over, and I take a steadying breath. Liam is his usual brooding, handsome self, standing just slightly apart from the others. Lucas and Tomas are already cracking jokes, and James greets me with his signature grin.

“Looks like we are stuck with you, Hazel. Don’t worry, I will behave.” James says, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets.

“Should I be worried you wouldn’t?” I quip.

“Oh, absolutely,” he says, shooting me a cheeky grin. “Don’t worry, Hazel. We will try not to give you a hard time.”

I force a smile. “Appreciated.”

“Speak for yourself, dude,” Lucas says, immediately jabbing at James. “Giving a hard time is your nature. After all, you have been doing it for years.”

“Hey, that’s not fair!” James protests. “You guys loved all the hard times. You know they were all funny, especially when directed at the coach.”

Tomas chuckles softly, shaking his head; Mike just rolls his eyes, while Liam says nothing but somehow manages to loom over the conversation.

“All right,” I say, clapping my hands. “Let’s figure out where we are going first. Whose car are we taking?”

“We’re taking my car,” James says, twirling his keys. “It’s got the most room.”

“Sure,” Lucas says, “but we are starting with my spot. It is close, and it makes the most sense. Non-negotiable”

“No way,” James counters, his grin fading. “Why does it have to be your spot? My spot is way cooler, and we all know it’s the best one for photos. Plus, it’s on the way to Hazel’s favorite place.”

“You don’t even know where her favorite place is,” Lucas fires back.

“Oh, please.” Tomas rolls his eyes. “You are both wrong. My pick is the best, and it is not even close, but it’s less crowded. I call first. We should start there.”

“What are you even talking about?” Lucas fires back, stepping closer. “We are not going all the way out to the edge of town just for some random spot you like. We will burn daylight.”

“Yeah, your spot is way out of the way,” James argues. “It’s a waste of time.”

“Wait, you guys are arguing, but we don’t even know what spots or places you’re talking about,” Mike says, leaning back against the car with an amused expression. “How are we supposed to argue about them if we don’t even know what they are?”

Tomas and Lucas both fall silent for a moment, realizing Mike is right. I cross my arms, raising an eyebrow.

Lucas crosses his arms. “Fine. My spot is the Autumn Cove Waterfall. It is iconic; it is stunning.

“Waterfall is cool and all,” James cuts in, “but it is nothing compared to the Overlook Ridge. Best view in the Cove, hands down.”

“Overlook Ridge?” Tomas snorts. “Get real. The Cove Marina is the best spot. The water, the boats, the sunlight - it is a no-brainer.”

Lucas narrows his eyes at Tomas. “The marina? It is crowded this time of day. You really think we are going to get good shots with people walking through them?”

“Exactly,” James adds, pointing at Tomas. “And it is not even close to being as cool as the ridge. Besides, the waterfall is way overdone.”

“Guys, they said, OUR favorite places.” Tomas says, rolling his eyes. “The Cove Marina is MY favorite spot.”

Lucas scoffs. “Whatever. The waterfall’s a classic for a reason. It is not like anyone cares about your pretentious ridge that’s miles out of the way.”

“Oh, here we go with the mileage argument,” James mutters, throwing his hands up. “For the last time, it is not that far. And if it was, it’d be worth it because the view is unbeatable.”

“And I’m the one who’s pretentious?” Tomas quips, stepping forward. “You are acting like we are hiking up Everest. My spot is literally right on the way. It is convenient, it is beautiful, and you don’t have to dodge tourists like at the waterfall.”

“You’re both missing the point,” Lucas interjects.

The argument escalates quickly. Voices overlap, hands gesture wildly, and the three of them are practically talking over each other at this point.

“You guys…,” I start, trying to cut in. No luck. They are completely ignoring me, their bickering echoing across the lot.

I glance around and realize the parking lot is empty. Everyone else has already left. Just us, and well, the videographer who is standing by his car and looking at our group like we have lost it.

Maybe we have. Seriously, why did I have to be surrounded by a bunch of 5-year-olds in adult bodies?

I look between Liam and Mike, hoping someone else will step in, but Mike seems amused, leaning against the car with his arms folded, and Liam…, well, Liam’s still leaning by the door, watching the chaos like it is an afternoon soap opera.

“Guys!” I try raising my voice to cut through the noise. “Guys, we’re not getting anywhere!”

No luck. They are completely ignoring me, their bickering echoing across the lot.

I glance at Mike, who raises an eyebrow and shrugs. “They’re committed; I’ll give them that.”

And, of course, when I look at Liam, he is still leaning up against the car, looking completely detached from the chaos. He catches me staring and offers a shrug. “You are the one in charge, photographer. Handle it.”

“Thanks for the support,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.

“Enough!” I shout, throwing my hands up.

All eyes turn to me.

“You’re acting like kids,” I say, planting my hands on my hips. “If you can’t agree, we’ll settle this the old-fashioned way: rock, paper, scissors.”

The silence that follows is deafening. Four pairs of eyes blink at me like I’ve just sprouted a second head.

“What?” I ask, shrugging.

“You’re joking,” Lucas mutters.

“Nope. Dead serious.”

“No, you can’t be serious,” James protests.

“Absolutely serious,” I reply, crossing my arms.

Tomas snorts. “You really think that’ll work?”

“It’s either that or you keep arguing until the sun sets,” I counter. “Your choice. Besides, it is simple, fair, and better than listening to you argue.”

“But…”

“No buts…, it is happening. You all know the rules - the winner gets to go first. Then second, then third, and so on. Let’s go.”

James groans. Tomas looks like he is biting back a laugh, and Lucas just shakes his head.

“I’m in,” Mike says, stepping forward, “this should be good.”

They form a loose circle, but Liam stays where he is, arms crossed, a scowl firmly in place.

“You too, Callahan,” I say, pointing at him.

He arches a brow. “I’m fine going last, so I’ll pass.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Yes, I will,” he replies, straightening up. “Not interested in playing a childish game.”

“That’s not how it works,” I reply, narrowing my eyes.

“Let them duke it out. I do not care where we go,” he says, his voice low and broody.

I roll my eyes. “Regardless of whether it is childish or not, you’re doing it. Everyone participates.”

His jaw tightens. “Hazel, this is…”“You are doing it,” I interrupt, pointing at him. “End of discussion.”

Liam sighs, looking like he is trying to summon every ounce of patience he has left. “You’re annoying.”

“And you’re not the boss here,” I reply sweetly.