Page 102 of The Wildest One

The Whales had won.

I could feel Ginger celebrating next to me. I even heard my mom clapping.

But I didn’t tear my eyes away from my father. I kept my grin wide, reinforcing that choosing me to be his head of marketing for his newest baby was the absolute right decision.

And no matter what, I wouldn’t let him down.

He patted my shoulder. “You’re doing a great job, Jolene. I don’t tell you that enough.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

Beck

Ilooked around the private VIP area of Musik, where most of my teammates, coaches, staff, and my family were all hanging out, and I raised my bourbon in the air. “To the winners!” An eruption of applause came from the room, and once everyone quieted, I added, “And to one hell of a season that’s going to bring us straight to the playoffs and finals.” I didn’t mention the Cup—we were too superstitious to say that word out loud. But everything else was free rein. “And to the Jamesons …” I was well aware of where Jolie was sitting—a spot on the couch, mid-room, nestled up next to Ginger. With a smile already on my face, I connected eyes with her. “I’m speaking for the whole team when I say you guys are doing a hell of a job and we’re grateful to have you as owners.”

Jolie gave me a grin and quickly turned toward the rest of the team, holding her glass high in the air. “To an incredible season, and may we end up on the very top.” She laughed.

In response, everyone hollered and clapped and cheered, “To the very top!”

I took a drink and turned toward Walker, who had moved in next to me. “Glad you came, buddy.”

He clinked his glass against mine. “Fuck, that was a good game. You played well. And that assist? Shit, I thought you were going to take that goal all for yourself.”

“I would have if I could, but the goalie was all over me, blocking me hard. I knew if I could fake him out, my right wing could get the puck in the net. Just like he did.” The bourbon was going down easy, the burn a refreshing feel after the beating my muscles had taken tonight. Practice made me sore, and game play made me ache something fierce. “Overall, the game was a solid start to the season. We play Florida at home next, and they’re going to be tougher than Montreal. Then we hit the road for ten days.”

“Your first away game will be Vegas?”

I nodded. “And we’ll be there for three nights.”

“Three fucking nights in Sin City?” His head fell back as he laughed. “What the hell are you going to do with all that time off?” He waited for me to respond and then said, “You know, trouble is easily found in Vegas. And if I know you, you’re bound to find some.”

“Nah, man, I’m going to be good.” I glanced toward Jolie. My backup goalie was sitting on the table in front of the two women, talking to them. Far too fucking close for my liking. “Pool time, lots of relaxation. I’m going to eat at Charred. And I’m going to sleep. I’m not going out.”

His brows rose as he smiled. “Isn’tshetraveling with the team?”

The emphasis wasn’t missed.

I nodded. “She’ll be at every game, staying in our hotel, attending each team meal.”

“Jesus.”

“I know.”

His green eyes moved in the direction of where Jolie was sitting. “Which one is she? Wait, she’s the redhead, right?”

“You didn’t meet her?”

Eden, Hart, and Colson had come into the locker room before the game, and I introduced them to Jolie, who was in there with her father. Walker didn’t come until after the game started since Charred had some large parties tonight and it was hard for him to get away. I just assumed at some point, maybe in the locker room after our win, they’d been introduced.

“I know the others did,” he said. “But we haven’t crossed paths yet.” He stayed looking at her. “You know, she might just be the trouble I was referring to.”

“Tell me something I don’t fucking know.”

He put his hand on my shoulder. “Any breakthrough?”

I huffed, “No. I mean, nothing concrete. There’s no question she wants to fuck me. You should see the way she looks at me.”

His stare left mine for a moment, and when it returned, he said, “Oh, I’m seeing that right now.”