Page 10 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance (Midlife Meet Cute #6)

Zach

Some people say you only get one shot. That’s usually true in hockey. One clean breakaway, one chance to bury the puck. You miss, you regret it. Simple.

But Rebecca? She’s not a game. She doesn’t just belong to the season—she defines it. And every time I think I’ve figured her out, she surprises me.

Like today—running the meeting like a boss, even with a sabotaged setup and a smile that didn’t crack once. I wanted to be angry on her behalf. Still do. But mostly? I was proud.

Proud and maybe a little distracted by how sexy she looked while she interviewed Gabe. Large and in charge is an understatement. She was also radiant—confident, capable, and so clearly passionate about this team—it nearly knocked the wind out of me.

And the worst part? I don’t think she even realizes just how magnetic she is when she’s in her element. But I noticed—and it hit somewhere deep, primal.

I trail a step behind her as we walk back to her office, wondering if now’s the right time to suggest another dinner date. You know—strictly professional. Like a debrief to discuss her thoughts about Gabe.

With carbs.

But before I can open my mouth, she mutters something under her breath. I don’t hear it all, but I do catch one word.

“Jack.”

And just like that, dinner can wait. Because I’m not letting that guy take another shot at her unchecked.

He’s standing outside Rebecca’s office, chatting with Gabe and Olivia like he belongs there. I may not know the man personally, but I recognize a shark when I see one. And I don’t mean the hockey team. He even has the cringey smile to match.

Rebecca quickens her pace to join them. “Jack, so nice of you to join us.”

“Of course.” He returns the smile, but there’s an edge in his voice—too smooth, too rehearsed.

I fall in beside her, just behind and to the left, and Jack’s eyes flick to me for half a second before bouncing back to Rebecca like I don’t matter. I clench my hands at my sides, resisting the urge to knock that smug look off his face for even thinking she’s someone he can talk down to.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner,” he says. “I never received a meeting confirmation and assumed it was canceled. Harper let me know.”

Rebecca’s smile tightens ever so slightly. “We just finished introducing Gabe to the players and staff, so your timing is perfect, actually.”

Jack adjusts the cuff of his blazer like he’s preparing for a photo op instead of a conversation. “Ah, well, I’m sure it all went smoothly. Hopefully, Gabe here wasn’t overwhelmed by the colorful personalities on the team.”

Gabe chuckles politely, but I catch the slight furrow in Rebecca’s brow. Jack’s trying to undermine her. Subtly, sure—but it’s there.

I bite back a comment. Barely.

Because she doesn’t need me to defend her.

Not when she straightens her shoulders, lifts her chin, and says, “They’re passionate. That’s what I’m looking for in a team—and in a coach. Gabe handled them perfectly.”

And just like that, she shuts him down with a grace that’s all power and zero venom.

I don’t say a word. Just file the moment away. Because every time she does this—holds her ground, defends her vision, and proves she’s the one in charge—I fall a little harder. I have a feeling Jack’s about to realize she’s not someone you push around.

His smirk returns, as oily as ever. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Though, I do wonder if some more oversight might help the team stay focused. After all, passion without discipline can be messy.”

He says it as if he’s offering a helpful tip. Like he hasn’t just insulted both the team and Rebecca’s leadership in one breath.

My jaw tics, but Rebecca beats me to the punch.

“That’s why we’re bringing in someone with experience and emotional intelligence,” she says, her tone sweet but ironclad. “Someone who knows how to read a room and lead with respect.”

Beside her, Gabe looks vaguely impressed. Olivia outright grins.

Jack doesn’t. His gaze sharpens, flicking between us as if he’s recalculating.

“I’m sure you’ve got everything under control,” he says, but it lands more like a challenge than reassurance.

Rebecca just smiles again—cool, composed, completely unshaken. “Yes, I do.”

I’m not fooled. I’ve spent enough time around her lately to know that smile is her battle armor. And right now, she’s wearing it like a shield.

Jack shifts his stance, hands in his pockets now, trying for casual.

But there’s something calculating in his eyes.

“Well, I’m glad to see you’ve got support.

” He nods at me like I’m her assistant or her bodyguard.

“It’s always helpful to have someone close by when the pressure starts to build. Especially in your position, Rebecca.”

It’s a low blow. Subtle but unmistakable. He’s not just questioning her leadership—he’s questioning her ability to handle it alone. In front of Gabe, no less. He’s trying to sabotage the interview, as well as let me know my presence here isn’t welcome. Not in his playbook, at least.

Before I can step in, Rebecca speaks, her voice soft but razor-sharp. “I’m more than capable of handling pressure. But I do appreciate working with people who want to see this team succeed—for the right reasons.”

Jack’s smile falters for a moment.

Then he nods, flashing his shark-like grin again. “Of course. Well, I’ll let you all get back to it.” And with that, he turns and strolls away as if he didn’t just try to shake her foundation.

But he didn’t. Not even close.

From the way Rebecca exhales slowly, jaw tight, she’s either questioning herself or strategizing her next move. I’m hoping for the latter because I’m done standing by while that guy plays power games.

I give her a subtle nod to let her know she handled Jack to perfection.

Rebecca holds my gaze for a long beat, her stormy eyes flickering with something—softness, maybe? Gratitude? Difficult to tell, but it feels like a moment of understanding passing between us.

She swivels to Gabe and Olivia. “I would like to apologize for that. Jack’s having a hard time with the transition.”

A knowing look passes between Gabe and Olivia before her voice chimes in, warm and gentle. “If I had a dollar for every Jack I’ve had to smile through… And if you don’t mind me saying, you do it well.”

Rebecca lets out a real laugh, the tension finally cracking. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Gabe stares at Rebecca as if he’s considering the weight of his words. “I’ve coached through my fair share of office politics. But you? You’re built for this. You kept your cool, stayed in control, and didn’t let him take the wheel. That’s the kind of leadership I’d like to work with.”

Rebecca straightens at that, confidence settling back into her posture like it never left. “Good. Because I’m ready to offer you the job.”

His grin is immediate. “Then I’m ready to say yes.”

Olivia claps her hands, and I can’t help but smile, too. For the first time today, the mood shifts—from tension to triumph.

And right there, standing beside her, I know one thing for sure. I’d follow this woman into any rink, any day.