Gage, page 5
At least, that’s how I choose to interpret it. Otherwise, he’s playing a weird game of footsie with me under the table.
I hold up my hand in a brief wave. “Hi. I’ll shoot you all an email with my contact information since I’ll be helping coordinate schedules for your interviews.”
“And Jenna will be handling all media associated with this,” Brienne tacks on, “so if you or your agent is contacted about it, you should refer them directly to Jenna. She’ll send you releases to sign. You may wish to have your agents and/or lawyers look them over. Our legal team has, but I’m not going to let them offer you advice. Your participation in this film is on an individual basis, even though you’re representing the team.”
One of the men raises his hand, a handsome guy I recognize as the starting goalie, Jesper Keane. “Are we getting paid to be in this film?” He flashes a cheeky grin at Brienne.
She laughs and shakes her head. “I pay you enough as it is. If you want extra money, go hunt down some endorsement deals.”
The guys all laugh, and Jesper says, “I’m in. I don’t need time to think about it.”
The other men rumble their assent, and Gage’s eyes come to me briefly before he looks to Brienne. “I’m in as well.”
Baden also accepts, and Brienne adjourns the short meeting. I stand from my chair, as do Baden and Gage.
It’s Baden who reaches out, squeezes my shoulder. “I’ll have Sophie text you about the party, okay?”
“Um…”
“You’re going,” he says, actually orders, and I frown at him. He shoots me a grin. “Yes, I’m going to push you out of your comfort zone, so deal with it.”
He’s gone before I can retort or decline or in any way be offended by his heavy-handedness. I also recognize he’s doing exactly what Emory did for me when I was in Arizona.
Pushing me toward potential.
“Tell me you’re going to the party,” Gage says from behind me, and I whirl around. I forgot he was standing there.
“Um…”
He puts his hand behind his ear, miming that he’s waiting to hear an affirmative answer.
I laugh and the only thing I’ll commit to is, “It’s a high likelihood.”
“Good,” he says with a broad smile. Why does he make my legs weak with just a smile? Is it because he’s asking me to be at the party? Is that more of my vanity being stroked?
I push those thoughts away. “So, what do you think about this documentary?”
“I think it’s a great idea,” he replies, pushing his chair back under the table and motioning toward the door.
I precede him, noting we’re the only ones left in the conference room. “Baden says you’re settling in well,” he says as we reach the door.
Chuckling, I nod as I step out into the hallway. “That seems to be the consensus every time I’m asked that question. But yes, I am. Still don’t have any living room furniture, but otherwise, it’s all good.”
“It’s a pretty big deal they’re putting you in charge of this documentary,” Gage says as I turn to face him.
“I don’t know that you can say I’m in charge, but I’m definitely going to keep things organized. I think I’ve got the ability to do that.”
“I’m confident you have the ability to do whatever you set your mind to.” Gage then glances at his watch before bringing those hazel eyes back to me. “I have to get going. I hope to see you at the party, yes?”
“Okay,” I say with a smile.
And with that, those few words have ensured my attendance.
CHAPTER 6
Gage
Winding through the throng of people, I smile and nod, shake hands and fist-bump and accept introductions to the significant others I’ve yet to meet. Brienne rented out a huge restaurant on the North Side for this impromptu get-together for the Titans organization. It’s not unusual for teams to gather for dinners or parties, but it doesn’t happen often due to the busy game schedule. Normally we have start-of-season or end-of-year parties as well as holiday celebrations, but this was needed. The team hit the ice cold, so to speak, and while the players are building unity, the families need to as well.
Still, it’s not something I think most organizations would do on the spur of the moment. It takes money and connections to shut down a restaurant for an evening, but from what I understand and have come to know about Brienne Norcross, I’m not surprised she did this. She knows this team needs as much help to unify as possible, and if it’s treating us to good food and drinks so we can kick back and socialize, I’m all for it. She knows what her people need.
Not everyone is in attendance. I know specifically Stone isn’t coming as he had other plans. I didn’t ask what those plans were, but I got the impression they have something to do with Brooks’s attorney—who I’m not sure if he’s warring or sleeping with—but more power to him. I also know Coen isn’t coming because I asked him, and he said it wasn’t his thing.
No surprise there.
Other than that, it’s crowded with not only players and their dates but with the management teams and theirs.
Buffet tables have been set up in different rooms with a variety of hot and cold foods, the flow designed to allow people to grab plates and mingle. Two open bars are running, and people are spread out nicely, so it’s not too loud.
There’s no denying that from the minute I walk into the restaurant, I’m looking for Baden and Sophie. Because if Jenna came to the party, she’ll be at their side.
After seeing her the other day at the documentary meeting, I’ve been counting down the hours to when I could see her again. I even went so far as to ask Baden in practice today if she was actually coming for sure, and he just smirked at me. He knows my interest, and he’s doing nothing to either dissuade or encourage it.
Essentially, he’s letting me fumble around this by myself, which is fine. I’m not even quite sure what my interest is. There’s no denying the attraction, but Jenna’s not the type you go roaring into something with. She’s introverted and mistrustful, not to mention hypersensitive to how others see her scarring. I witnessed that firsthand the day we met, so her attending tonight’s event says a lot about her determination to put herself out there.
I don’t dare think that she’s making an effort to come tonight because I asked her to, but one can hope.
As I pass my teammates, introductions are made. I meet wives and girlfriends and even dates who are nothing more than arm candy and a potential screw later this evening.
Finally, I see Baden talking to Bill Perry, the assistant coach. As I approach, Bill claps Baden on the arm and nods at me with a smile as he leaves.
I throw a thumb over my shoulder. “I didn’t scare him off, did I?”
Baden shakes his head. “Nah… just talking about Keller.”
“Say no more.” I hold up my hand to indicate I don’t need in on that conversation. Everyone has opinions about Keller, but whatever Baden and Bill were talking about was for coaches’ ears only. I glance around the room. “Where’s Sophie?”
Code for, Where’s Jenna?
Baden nods in the direction of another room. “Talking to some of the women. Darius’s wife grabbed her and insisted on taking her around for introductions. Apparently, Aneta has become the social cruise director for all the Titan women.”
“And you let her go?” I ask with a chuckle. While I don’t know Aneta all that well—just met her once—I’ve heard Darius complain about her enough. They were apparently sweethearts back in the Czech Republic before he came to play in the States, but I have no clue why they’re still married. He says she’s a gold digger who only cares about spending his money on the most expensive, ridiculous things, although he didn’t begrudge her breast enhancements.
I’m surprised Baden let Sophie go, not because Aneta would rub off on her but because Sophie won’t have any patience for that superficial stuff.
Baden shrugs. “She’s got to learn how to survive in this world if she’s going to be at my side.”
“Bullshit. You’re too overprotective.”
Baden grins mischievously. “Well… she’s not by herself, so I figured there was power in numbers.”
“Jenna’s with her?” I deduce hopefully.
“She is indeed, and I’m sure the two of them can handle themselves together.”
I’m sure they can, too, but now that I know Jenna’s here, I don’t want to sit around and chitchat with Baden.
“I’m going to grab a drink… check out the scene,” I say as I try to figure out which room they might be in.
Baden smirks. “You mean, you’re going to look for Jenna.”
Not a Sherlock moment. I haven’t hidden my interest, but I’m curious how he feels about it. “Is that cool?”
“If I didn’t like it, you wouldn’t be going to look for her,” Baden promises darkly before winking. “But I guess you’re a good enough guy that I shall allow it.”
Laughing, I punch his shoulder and leave him behind.
I am detained for a few more introductions, but eventually, I locate Sophie and Jenna standing with a group of women by the other bar.
And as I’d thought, both she and Sophie don’t look overly enthused to be among the other women, including Darius’s wife, Aneta. She’s a tall, dark-haired beauty with flawless hair, makeup, and clothes, but more importantly, she’s the center of attention. I stand back a minute and watch the dynamics, curious as to how this will play out.
Aneta’s doing all the talking, waving her hands and making sure to look each woman in the eye so she knows their eyes are only on her.
Except… she doesn’t look at Jenna. Passes right over her as she continues with whatever story she’s spouting. I don’t recognize the other women—no clue if they’re wives, girlfriends, or puck bunnies, but they’re engrossed. Aneta laughs about something, then whips out her phone and motions for the women to huddle in for a selfie.
Jenna and Sophie don’t move, but Aneta steps forward and grabs Sophie. Hauls her right into the group for a photo, completely ignoring Jenna. I can make a few guesses as to why. First, Sophie is known to be with Baden, and Baden is a coach and about the most famous person associated with this team, given his history. Aneta would consider Sophie an important figure in her social circle, even though anyone who knows Sophie knows she’d never have anything in common with someone as vain as Darius’s wife.
Aneta is specifically excluding Jenna, as are the other women. Sophie looks pissed at being forced to endure the group photo, but she makes no effort to pull Jenna in with her, and that’s the right call. Jenna would be mortified to have attention brought to the exclusion.
I study Jenna while Aneta purses her lips and pouts for the camera, taking different angles.
Jenna seems to have shrunken in on herself. I can tell by her body language she’s incredibly uncomfortable, the way her hand hovers at the collar of her turtleneck.
It looks good on her… the turtleneck. A deep blue that hugs her frame all too well and reminds me what a beautiful, curvy body she has. She paired the top with black, wide-leg pants, and very high heels peek from below the hem. Her long hair is loose and wavy around her shoulders, but I can’t see her eyes. They’re downcast.
Time for me to step in.
I stride across the room toward the women, and unfortunately it’s Aneta who notices me first. She flashes a pearly smile and pushes out of the group. “Gage Heyward… you gorgeous devil.” Her voice is husky, and her R’s roll with her heavy Czech accent. “Come take selfie with us.”
I glance at Jenna, whose eyes widen upon seeing me, then to Sophie, who looks relieved at my intrusion. I give her a quick wink, then give my regard briefly to Aneta while moving right to Jenna. “Sorry… no time. I’ve been waiting all evening to snag a minute with this woman here.”
Sophie dips her head and covers her mouth with her hand to hide a laugh. Aneta’s expression suggests she can’t believe I’ve shunned her.
I can’t imagine what she looks like now as I turn to Jenna, take her hands in mine, and lean in to kiss her cheek. “I’m really glad you made it tonight.”
When I pull back, Jenna is stunned, but I’m shielding her from the other women so they can’t see her shock. I squeeze her hands in reassurance. “Want to get a drink?”
She nods mutely.
Tucking her hand in the crook of my elbow, I glance at Sophie. “Baden’s looking for you. We’ll join you soon.”
Sophie’s eyes express her gratitude for pulling her from the situation. She jets out quickly.
I tip my head to the women staring agog. “Ladies.”
Jenna dutifully follows me out of the room and through two more to get to the other bar, far away from that crowd.
“What would you like?” I ask her as we step up.
“White wine is fine,” she murmurs. “And thank you for the save.”
I give our order to the bartender, requesting a beer for myself. Leaning an elbow on the bar, I look down at Jenna. “That wasn’t a save. I wanted to hang.”
“That was a save,” she declares with a slight eye roll. “I didn’t know one woman could prattle on so long about her lipstick collection.”
I bark out a laugh as the bartender hands me the drinks. I give Jenna the wineglass and throw a ten-dollar bill in the tip jar.
“Cheers,” I say, offering my beer bottle out to her. She lightly taps her wineglass, staring at me over the rim.
“Cheers.”
Those fucking eyes.
She sips the wine and… those fucking lips.
I tip my bottle back, concentrating on the fizz of ale going down my throat. I have got to stop thinking about her that way because Jenna needs a friend more than she needs me ogling.
“Let’s go find somewhere quiet to sit and talk,” I suggest.
“You don’t have to, Gage,” Jenna says quickly. “I know you rescued me from those women, but this is a Titan party. You should have fun… go hang with your friends.”
“You’re my friend,” I reply with a pointed look and take her elbow in hand. “And I want to hang with you.”
I lead Jenna into another room. We pass Baden and Sophie talking to Coach Keller. Sophie’s gaze connects with mine, and she mouths, “Thank you.”
For saving her from Aneta, I’m sure, but also for being a friend to Jenna.
Both work for me.
We find a table near the back, in the main dining area. Many of the tables are occupied by people taking some time to sit down and eat. Brienne is sitting with Callum Derringer and a handful of other execs, perhaps talking business, perhaps just getting to know one another better.
I hold out a chair for Jenna, and she sits gracefully, setting her wineglass on the table before her. She crosses one leg over the other and tugs upward on her collar.
There’s no doubt it’s a habit, and I’d like to tell her she doesn’t have to do that with me, but why would she believe such an assertion? She barely knows me.
Once again, she tries to put me off. “I really do appreciate this, Gage, but seriously… are you sure you wouldn’t rather hang out with the guys? They’re all having a good time, you can tell. You should be bonding with them.”
“They’re young pups,” I reply as I take the chair adjacent, angling it so I can stretch my legs out to the side and face her. I glance over at a group across the room who are getting a bit rowdy. “I’m too old to hang with them anymore, and we bond plenty in the locker room and on the ice.”
Jenna snorts, eyes twinkling with humor as her fingers slide along the rim of her wineglass. “You’re not old. Maybe just wise.”
“Maybe a bit of both,” I say with a grin.
“What’s been your biggest adjustment coming out of retirement?” she asks.
This, I like.
Conversation.
And not just trite questions. Everyone always asks the why of things. Why did you come out of retirement? Why are you doing this?
Never how is it going, Gage? Because surely nothing about this is easy.
But Jenna stares at me with avid interest.
I toy with the label on my beer bottle as I consider my answer. When my eyes lift to hers, I say, “It’s been hard getting used to the pace of things. Always needing to be somewhere at a certain time. Rushing to get to sleep at night just to rush to catch an early plane. Hopping from arena to home to plane, to hotel, to home, to arena. The schedule is exhausting.”
“You were leading a lazy life in retirement is what you’re saying?” she asks, eyes flashing with humor.
“Sort of.” I confirm with a smirk. “I had plenty to keep me busy, but I was able to set my own pace.”
Jenna takes another sip of her wine and tips her head at me. “What kept you busy?”
“A houseboat I was restoring in Seattle.” I chuckle to myself. “And admittedly… while it was a passion project, I was a bit bored with it. Should have picked something better to do.”
“You’re a man who was ready to retire from hockey. You just didn’t know what your next stage of life would entail.”
“Precisely. But I also knew when agreeing to come back into the league that I didn’t want to stay long.”
“Then why come back at all?” she asks.
I put my elbow on the table and lean into it, balancing my beer bottle on my thigh. “When I retired, I thought I had accomplished all my goals. I won’t try to impress you with my stats or the shitload of money I’ve made over the years, but I felt complete. Like there was nothing else to achieve. But when the Titans call came, I realized that a new goal had been created just for me. To help build this team from nothing.”
“A short-term goal,” she surmises.
“Yeah… come in, help get it going, and then gracefully step out again.” I sip my beer and think about it a moment before adding, “And come up with another project other than restoring a houseboat.”
“Clearly you like helping people,” Jenna muses. “Hockey is part of your DNA. Maybe you could do some coaching, mentoring, or training.”
