Page 34 of Rookie Attraction

“Between you and me, the team’s PR director, Hugo, wants to set me up with a fake boyfriend for my image. A football player who’s also come out.”

“Are you joking?”

“Do I sound like I’m laughing?”

“I wasn’t expecting that. I’d have thought they’d suggest a girlfriend. Does this mean the league is finally evolving?”

“New York wants to be a champion when it comes to inclusivity. Or so they say. I guess as long as I’m only seen out with one man, they’re good. They think it’ll get positive press until the next breaking news hits. I pushed back on the idea, but it’s coming from management, and Hugo made it sound like I don’t have a choice.”

“How long is this PR relationship supposed to last?”

“Two months.” I sigh. “I don’t want to jeopardize my contract, but I feel weird about it.”

“If they force your hand, play them at their own game, and put a strict time limit on it.”

“It still doesn’t feel right,” I murmur, running a hand over my head. “Anyway, I’ll figure it out.”

“I’m around if you need to talk. Speaking of which, we haven’t discussed tonight’s game or your new teammates.”

“We played, we lost. Not much else to say.”

“By one goal,” Damien adds. “It wasn’t a total disaster.”

“No, it wasn’t. And to be fair, Finn and I only had a week’s training with the team. Most of the players seem friendly, staff too.”

Except for Brady and St. Clare. I don’t want to worry Damien, so I keep that to myself for now.

“And what’s it like playing with Finn? I’m so proud of him too. Who would’ve imagined this summer that you’d end up on a team with one of my former players?”

“I know,” I chuckle. “And he did so good, D. For his first game, I was impressed.”

“Silas texted him earlier. The Rush were partying, you didn’t join them?”

My gut tightens.

“No, I skipped it. My sleep’s been fucked and I’m just starting to get back into a routine. Maybe next time. But I’m sure Finn’s having a blast.”

He’s probably got beautiful people crawling all over him.

“I sent him a congratulatory email, but give him my best,” Damien adds.

“I will.” I sigh and look out my window at the city skyline. “Now, enough about me and the Rush, how’s married life?”

“Incredible,” Damien replies with a dirty chuckle. “Silas and I connect on a level that I can’t even put into words.”

“That good, huh? Highly recommend?”

“A hundred million out of ten.”

“Even after the shit you went through with your ex?”

Damien’s ex-wife wasn’t a supportive partner. Not when he got injured and he never returned as a player. When his professional hockey career was done, she was done with him. Silas, however, is so in love with Damien that there’s no question he’s the priority.

“Fuck yeah. But you know what? I wouldn’t be the husband I am now if I hadn’t gone through all that. What doesn’t kill you, right?”

“And how’s the job?”

“Still good. But I’ve been scoping out NHL teams about an assistant coaching position. I want back in the league so bad, Sel.”