Page 12 of Penalty Kill

“Is that why you hesitated when I asked for you to stay for a few extra months?” He asked.

“Kind of. I have a dream of traveling around the world. I want to see all seven continents. I want to live in different countries, immerse myself in different cultures. I want to understand people. I want to know them and love them.”

“That’s beautiful.” He stared at me and I had to fight not to fidget.

“Most people think it’s crazy.”

“I don’t. I think it’s amazing.”

Those words meant so much. I wasn’t used to people understanding when I explained my dreams. It certainly didn’t help diminish my attraction to him.

I was twenty-eight and still searching for myself. Chasing every whim like a leaf on the wind. I’d never regret my choices. Each experience added something to me. They built me into the woman I was, and Brandon thought that was enough. Well, enough for his boys. I was silly to wonder if that meant I was enough for him. Nothing could happen between us. He was my boss. The one who wrote the checks that ensured my freedom and funded my next great adventure. I was here to save up and finally live out my dreams. Forming any attachments was pointless; I’d be gone at the end of the contract.

5

Brandon

“You’re telling me she didn’t know who you were?” Hartman asked with a chuckle.

“I knew I shouldn’t have told you guys.” I ignored him and moved to the squat rack. I mentioned Sydney’s confusion during practice and they weren’t letting it go. The topic had somehow followed us into the weight room, gaining even more attention. I wanted them to drop it, but I knew better. The more you protested, the more the guys clung to a topic.

“Must have been humbling,” Erik teased. “When was the last time that happened?”

I looked to the ceiling while lifting the bar onto my shoulders and rolling it down a few inches before squatting. I focused on my form and breathing while the rest of them laughed at my expense.

“She’s not from here,” Reese said diplomatically. “Just because all the women we know eat, sleep, and breathe hockey doesn’t mean that’s normal.”

Nikolai grunted. “That’s good she didn’t know.”

The rest of the guys turned to the quiet Russian. If he chose to say something it was usually worth listening to. I finished my set and grabbed my water bottle while I waited for him to continue.

“She didn’t take the job because of who you are or what you do.”

I nodded. “Yeah, she had no idea what I was going to offer to pay her either. She saved Milo from a broken arm or leg before I told her anything. That’s what made me hire her.”

“Not her long legs or perfect smile?” Olli asked as he passed me for his turn to squat.

I narrowed my eyes at him while the rest of the guys seemed to move closer.

He shrugged. “What? Emma’s words not mine.”

“Wait, she’s hot too?” Jason, one of the younger guys on the team, jumped into the conversation.

This was the first time in a long time that so many guys were interested in my life. I mostly kept to myself, not sharing my personal drama with the team. I was closest to Olli and Hartman, but being one of the oldest guys on the team, and having the oldest children, set me apart. I didn’t go out with them after games or discuss girl problems with the younger guys. Up until recently, I was the boring married guy. I even earned the nickname ‘Dad.’

“She’s attractive, yes.” I felt uncomfortable talking about my sons’ nanny like this, but I’d have to be blind to not recognize that Sydney was a beautiful woman. Also, a very off-limits woman.

“Dad’s blushing!” Eric called loud enough to gain the attention of everyone in the weight room.

I shot him a glare and turned to Olli. “Hurry up.”

He smirked and did one more deep squat before replacing the bar and moving out of my way. This was why I didn't spend much time with the guys on the team. They were like school girls sometimes. Thriving off gossip and drama. Plus, they were relentless with their teasing. The best thing I could do was not react. Like I did with Milo and Finn when they were acting up.

I smiled to myself. I was either with this roomful of little kids or at home with mine.

“You do know what this means, right?” Reese bumped shoulders with Erik while they watched me with devious smiles.

“What’s that?” Erik encouraged his brother-in-law.