Page 28 of Puck Fest
Dammit, he’s too perceptive. I need to end this conversation before I say something I can’t take back.
“The clinic runs for another forty-five minutes,” I say, looking at my tablet instead of at him. “I suggest you get back to it.”
He doesn’t move. Just stands there, watching me with those green-gray eyes that see too much.
“Anyone ever scale those ‘boundaries?’”
“That’s not an appropriate question.”
“Why not?” He shrugs. “We’re just talking.”
“We’re not ‘just talking.’ You’re a player under my supervision. I’m your PR director. That’s the extent of our relationship. It doesn’t entail personal conversations.”
“Relationship.”He repeats the word like it means something. “Interesting choice.”
“Professionalrelationship. Don’t twist my words.”
“I’m not twisting anything. I’m just trying to figure you out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out. I’m doing my job.” I nod toward the kids. “Just like you need to start doing.”
He pushes off from the boards with a snort then skates backward a few feet. “If you say so.”
“I do say so.”
He glances at the kids, who are starting to gather back on the ice. “Guess I should get back to work.”
“Yes. You should.”
He leaves, kicking up snow on the ice, and I’m left alone at the boards with my tablet and my carefully constructed walls…or boundaries.
They’re whatever the hell I need them to be when he’s around.
The rest of the clinic goes smoothly. The kids love Masterson. I take my notes, and we don’t speak beyond what’s necessary. When the last kid leaves, he gathers his equipment without a word.
I’m packing up my things when he shows up in front of me.
“Same time next week?” he asks.
“Yes. I’ll send a confirmation email.”
“Confirmation email. Very professional.”
“That’s the goal.”
“Is it?” He shifts his bag to his other shoulder. “Or is the goal to keep everyone at arm’s length so you never have to risk anything?”
“I’m not here to take risks. I’m here to manage your probation period. And to ensureyoudon’t take any risks.”
“Right. Got it.” He sweeps a hand through his damp hair and I bite the inside of my mouth because he looks sexier now than I’ve ever seen him. “Must get lonely, though. All those walls.”
I square my shoulders. “I’m perfectly fine, thank you.”
“If you say so.”
He walks away with a knowing smirk and I suddenly feel way too exposed. Because he’s not wrong.
I just can’t afford to acknowledge it.
