Line Change: Utah Fury Hockey Book Three

by Mulliner, Brittney

  “You expect me to find a black-tie event worthy dress in a day?”

  He smiled. “I believe in you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Sure, all you have to do is put on the tux in your closet. It seems so easy.”

  “Chloe will help you.”

  He was right. I’d have to let her know now and maybe she could help me out.

  “Okay.”

  “You’ll come with me?”

  I nodded.

  “As my girlfriend?”

  “Of course, isn’t that what I am?” We’d been a couple for weeks now. I didn’t understand why he needed to ask.

  He didn’t respond immediately, but finally nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Okay, good. Get your food. It’s in the fridge. I have work to do.” I stood and grabbed my laptop. I needed to start searching for places in the city that would have an appropriate dress and see how soon I could get in.

  I looked up when Noah sat back down next to me. He smiled at me then reached for the remote and changed it to a game. Of course.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Noah

  This was going to be a long day. When I got up Colby had left me a message saying she was going to be running errands all day but would be at the game. I appreciated the consideration of letting me know where she was. I probably should have done that last night.

  I showered and dressed in my suit before leaving for the arena. The game was early, at five today, so I needed to get down there. We had press meetings before, so we would have time to get ready for the dinner tonight. From what the guys told me, this was a pretty big night.

  Chloe was in charge and it was mostly to give people the opportunity to meet and mingle with the players. She had them every few months, inviting the season ticket holders, and sponsors. She said when people felt like they knew us on a personal level they were more likely to spend money. That was fine by me. Anything I could do to help the team was something I was on board with.

  “Malkin, you’re at the first table with Erik and Reese.” I nodded to the assistant with the headphones directing us. I handed off my bag and went to the table. There were three mics set up, so I sat on the left and waited for the other guys.

  A few reporters and photographers were already in place, waiting.

  I smiled and nodded at a few who made eye contact. I wasn’t used to being here early. I was usually shuffled in somewhere in the middle and immediately thrown to the wolves.

  “How’s it going, Malkin?”

  I smiled at the man sitting in the front row.

  “Great. I’m excited for the game.”

  “You’re still starting?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He nodded but didn’t ask anything else. That was fine with me.

  A moment later, Erik and Reese walked up and joined me. Reese leaned over and clapped my shoulder. “How you doing?”

  “Good.”

  Erik smirked at me. “Did you talk to her?”

  I looked around, making sure no one was paying attention to us. Most of the reporters were on their phones and the guys with cameras were looking at their equipment.

  “Yeah, we’re good. I asked her to come to the dinner tonight with me.”

  Reese started laughing and Erik shook his head.

  “What?”

  Reese looked at me with pity. “You just now asked her? You’ve known about it since you got here.”

  I shrugged. “It wasn’t really on my radar. I didn't realize it was like prom.”

  Erik smirked. “It’s worse. This matters more.”

  Reese nodded. “There are way more eyes on this. I hope she can find a dress in time.”

  Guilt suddenly filled my belly. I didn't think it was that big a deal. I figured she had something she could wear.

  “Will Chloe have something she can borrow?”

  Reese shrugged. “Not that she hasn’t already been photographed in. If Colby shows up in one, people will talk about it.”

  Geez. I had no idea it was this cut throat. I thought it was just a fancy dinner. I didn’t realize there was a fashion show involved.

  “She left early this morning to try to find one.”

  “Poor Colby. Chloe can’t even help her. She’s completely booked all day setting up. I’d be surprised if she can make it to the game.”

  I cringed. Colby was probably panicking.

  Erik pulled out his phone. “I’ll text Madi and have her help. Hopefully her day isn’t too packed, and she can get someone else to cover her patients.”

  “That would be great. Thanks.”

  I should probably be helping too but I didn't know what I could do.

  Someone walked on stage and introduced us, as if the reporters didn’t know who was sitting in front of them. They went through ten minutes with this group before moving to the next table.

  It all passed in a blur. I did my best to answer when questions were directed at me, but I was worried about Colby. It wasn’t fair that I did this to her. I hated that I made her stress. As if she didn't have enough going on in her life.

  When we had a break, I texted her to see how she was doing, but I didn’t hear back before I had to head into the team meeting.

  Coach had us pumped. I already felt good about playing Michigan, but after the talk I knew we had this in the bag. As long as I played like I had in practice, we would be fine. I needed to focus on my only job. Block the puck. I wasn’t letting it past me. I wanted Olli to be able to take a nap.

  We finally were free to go to the locker room and hang out before changing. A few of the guys started a game of foosball. Others were snacking and chatting, but I needed to block everything out.

  I found a recliner, put on headphones, and zoned out.

  My phone vibrated, and I contemplated ignoring it, but if it was Colby I wanted to know. I checked, and she sent me a text. I opened my phone and she said she was set and on her way to the game.

  I laughed and closed my eyes. She did it. I knew if anyone could pull it off it would be her. She was an expert in dealing with time constraints and impossible tasks. She could add that to her resume. I’d back her up.

  I focused on the music. Visualizing plays.

  There was a tap on my shoulder and I opened my eyes to see Hartman standing over me. I pulled off my headphones. “Yeah?”

  “It’s time. Go change out.”

  I turned off my music and went to my locker. This was when my body went into autopilot. It was all muscle memory that got me dressed and out to the ice to warm up. I did a few laps to warm up my legs and looked into the section where the Pride sat. Colby was sitting with Madi and Emma in the second row. She smiled and waved, and I nodded as I passed.

  She made it. She was here to see how hard I’ve been working this week. I knew there were people watching who had more of an influence on my life. The owner, coaches, and general manager to name a few, but I was playing for her tonight. I wanted to show her I was working as hard as I could to keep us together.

  She might not have understood that until I explained it to her, and that was my fault. This whole relationship and communication thing was new to me.

  I was ready. I just wanted the clock to start. I went through the motions of them introducing our team and skating out with the guys. I barely stood still long enough for the national anthem. When Hartman went to the center for the first puck drop I struggled to contain my energy.

  I shook my head.

  It was time to focus. The second the puck hit the ice, Hartman passed it to Erik. I watched it like a hawk stalking its prey. I wasn’t going to let the puck get past me.

  Michigan got possession and turned toward me. I watched their center come down the ice and took my chance. When he went to pass it, I was there. I hit it behind him and straight to Reese. He charged toward their goal and took a shot.

  It went in. The noise in the arena was near deafening.

  I nodded when Reese looked back at me.

  I was in the zo
ne. This game mattered. I could feel it. This would be the one that decided my fate.

  I wasn’t going to give them any reason to pass on me. I would not slip up.

  When our line changed I hurried to the bench and took a few gulps of water. As much as I wanted to rest, I wanted to be out there more.

  “Nice job, Malkin.” I gave a half smile to Hartman before turning back to the game. A few other guys agreed, but my attention was on the ice.

  My leg was bouncing. I wanted to get back out there. The puck passed by our left wing and into our zone. I held my breath while the defenders tried to block, but the Michigan center was able to shoot. I almost closed my eyes, but I had to watch. Olli caught it with his glove, inches from going in.

  I sighed and Coach yelled at us to get ready. I was. A whistle blew, and our line went back on.

  We ended the game with three goals to zero. I couldn't take all the credit, but I felt like I’d done my part. I was proud. That was all I could ask for.

  A few guys slapped me on the back on our way through the tunnel. They knew how hard I’d worked, and I appreciated that. My job wasn’t over though. I wouldn’t lose this intensity. I couldn’t relax until I had a signed contract. Maybe then I could breathe again.

  “Hurry up guys, we need to get to the Capitol building in thirty minutes.” Hartman usually gave a short speech after the game, but not tonight. We might have won, but we were far from done for the day.

  My tux was waiting for me. I’d completely forgotten about it, but Colby brought it for me. She was incredible. And intuitive. It was like she knew what I needed before I did.

  I smiled and hurried to shower. Luckily, there wasn't much I had to do to get ready. Get dressed and comb my hair. Done.

  I waved to the guys as I headed out. I pulled out my phone and called Colby.

  “Hey.” She answered.

  “Hi, where are we meeting?”

  “I drove over with Madi, and we just finished changing. I’ll meet you in the parking garage.”

  “Sounds good.”

  I went to the elevator and rode up. There were a few people milling around. I waved to my teammates. It was strange seeing them so cleaned up. We had to wear suits to games, but tuxes were the next level. I couldn’t help but laugh at the few with long, full beards. They seemed out of place with a black bow tie.

  “There you are.”

  I turned and saw Colby walking toward me. She wore an elegant silver gown. Lace covered her arms and shoulders, but the material changed to a light, shimmery silver at her waist. She looked like a princess.

  I smiled. “Hello, Cinderella.” She looked stunning.

  She smiled and touched her hair. It was pulled up in fancy bun. “You look quite dapper.”

  “Thanks. I don’t think I look worthy of being next to you, though.”

  She blushed. “You think I look okay?”

  I stepped forward and put my hands on her shoulders. “You’re breathtaking.”

  She looked up at me through her thick lashes. “Thank you.”

  “Are you ready?”

  She nodded once.

  I bent down and kissed her forehead. I couldn’t resist, and when she didn’t stop me I added a kiss to her cheek, for good luck.

  I led her to my car and made sure her dress was all in before shutting her door.

  There was an actual red carpet set up in front of the entrance to the building. I looked over at Colby and saw her staring, like a deer in headlights.

  “We got this.” I tried to reassure her.

  She looked at me and smiled. “Okay.”

  The valet opened her door and I stepped out to meet her. Cameras flashed faster than I knew was possible. I took her hand and led her up the stairs. When we got to the top there were people waiting to direct us. They had us take pictures together down the carpet and asked for just me as well.

  “I think we’re almost done.” I whispered to her as we smiled. She was doing well, but I was over this. I knew it was a part of being a professional athlete but that didn’t mean I liked it.

  “You’re all set. Head on in.”

  I thanked our assistant and took Colby’s hand. She sighed and seemed to relax with each step we took away from the cameras.

  “You ready to have some fun?” I whispered.

  She laughed. “How do you know this will be fun?”

  “Cause Chloe planned it?”

  “Good point.”

  There were already plenty of people walking around and sitting at the tables. Chloe greeted us and pushed us to the dance floor.

  “There’s supposed to be dancing before dinner and no one is. Go start.”

  I looked to Colby, and she didn't seem eager to argue. “May I have this dance?”

  I led her in the direction of the dance floor and turned to her when we were in the center.

  She put her hands on my shoulders and finally smiled. “This is when you put your hands on my waist.”

  I followed her direction and then froze. “Now what?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You’ve never danced?”

  I shook my head. “Prom was not a priority when the championships were at stake.”

  She laughed and began taking steps to one side then the other. “Just sway.”

  I followed her and felt a little ridiculous. Not only were we the only people dancing, but everyone watching could see how clueless I was.

  “Relax.” She smiled up at me and I decided to ignore everything else.

  Just focus on her. I met her eyes and smiled. “Thanks for coming tonight.”

  “I wouldn't miss it.”

  “I’m sorry I didn't ask sooner. I really didn't realize it would be such a big deal.” I dipped my head. “This is my first dance.”

  “You missed prom?”

  “We had a game.” I shrugged. “It wasn’t a big deal at the time, but now I felt like I missed out on a life experience.”

  She laughed. “Well, next time you need to give me more notice.”

  “I promise.” I leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. “But you pulled it off. You looked amazing.”

  Her blush returned. “Thanks.”

  She looked away and I studied her. She was gorgeous. She was kind and caring. She was my best friend. But what I felt for her was beyond that. Mom was right. The perfect girl had been handed to me on a silver platter and so far, I’d been an idiot.

  I didn't want to keep making that mistake.

  “Colby?”

  She looked back at me.

  “I need to tell you something.” I finally got the words out.

  “Okay.” She looked a little worried. I guess I wasn’t starting this off the best way I could have.

  “We’ve only known each other for a few weeks.” She nodded. “But I want you to know, you’re so much more to me than my assistant or even my friend.”

  She stopped swaying for a moment before starting again.

  “Everything I told you last night is true. You’re all I can think about. I’m working as hard as I can to get that contract, so I can stay here. Stay with you.” I smiled. “I want to be with you.”

  She blinked, and her mouth opened, just barely.

  “Colby, I know this might be moving too fast. I know we did things out of order, but I want to be with you. I want us to be a couple, for real.”

  She looked shocked. “Really?”

  I nodded.

  “Noah. That's what I want. I want to be with you.”

  “What about the contract? What will Bryce do?”

  She shrugged. “We’ll figure it out.”

  It felt like my heart had shot through the ceiling and was flying somewhere near the moon.

  I bent down and kissed her. I didn’t care if anyone was looking. She pressed into me and deepened the kiss. A moan escaped me, and I tried to pull back before I embarrassed myself, but her hands found their way in to my hair and pulled me closer.

  It was heaven. Being with her. Having
her know how I felt. It was all perfect.

  “I’m falling for you.” I kissed her again before she could respond.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Colby

  Last night was a dream. The day was a bit of a nightmare, but in the end, it was worth it. Madi was a lifesaver. She knew the store that would have exactly what I needed.

  Seeing Noah in a tux had almost been too much. He was so handsome. I didn’t want to share him with the rest of the world, but I knew it was what we had to do.

  The dinner and rest of the night was a blur, every moment after Noah confessing his feelings seemed to melt together.

  I reached for my phone and saw dozens of messages and notifications. What was going on?

  I clicked on the first one. It was a link to Sports Now’s website. Did they already have his interview posted?

  I read the headline and my heart froze.

  “Rookie falling for his princess”

  Seriously?

  I scanned the article. There were pictures of us walking the red carpet, then a picture of us dancing together. Our heads were bent together, smiling.

  Someone told the press what Noah said? They didn’t hear the first part of our discussion, thankfully, otherwise they would have known we weren’t really together. They’d heard him say he was falling for me.

  That was a private moment.

  It was just for me and him.

  How did this get out?

  Press wasn’t allowed inside. Chloe was strict about that. So how did they get this picture and quote?

  I looked through my texts. There was one from Bryce. I hoped he wasn’t upset about it.

  I clicked on his name and read. “Good job!”

  What? What was that supposed to mean? I responded asking him. I wasn’t going to play the guessing game.

  He replied quickly. “The press ate up the story. Noah’s everywhere.”

  He thought I fed this to the media? Of course, I didn’t. But someone did.

  Who would do that?

  Who would sell him out?