Killian (On the Line 1)

“When can I expect you to makeover the D?” Stan asked. His brow was furrowed impatiently.

I crossed my arms, matching his stance. “All major decisions about our roster are made by Orion and Bruce. I’m not a coach; I’m just the owner. I hired them because I believe in them, and they handle all hiring and firing.”

Stan grunted dismissively. “I’ve tried talking to Orion. He just blows me off.”

I forced myself not to smile. “Well—”

“Now, listen here,” Stan continued. “I’ve been leading people in the corporate world for more than twenty years. Played hockey in high school, so I know a thing or two about that. You probably spent more time in a sorority house than you have running companies.”

My spine tingled as my fight response kicked in. “With all due respect, I’m a self-made success. That success allowed me to buy a hockey team and run it as I see fit. And I see fit to hire outstanding coaches and let them run their team. They’re doing a pretty outstanding job of it.”

“No need to get defensive,” he muttered.

“No need to insult my capability. I was no sorority girl in college, not that I didn’t have some smart friends who were. I was busy making my first million before I graduated.”

Keri appeared beside me. “Hi there. So sorry, but I need to take Sidney for a quick interview with a radio station.”

I extended a hand to Stan. “It was a pleasure. Thank you very much for your support and passion for the Flyers. We don’t have to agree on everything for me to consider you a friend.”

He squeezed my hand in his massive one, pumping it enthusiastically. “You’re a real peach, Ms. Stahl.”

Keri led me away.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “That was getting a little tense.”

“I wish I could take credit for that save, but you actually do have to do a radio interview,” she said.

I snuck another look at Killian. His eyes met mine. He’d been looking at me, which filled me with a heady sense of power. The teenager with the cell phone was still gazing adoringly at him, but her hands weren’t on him anymore.

“I just need to eat a couple of these veggies first,” I said, popping a baby carrot into my mouth. “I skipped lunch.”

“The way you were just looking at Killian, I thought you wanted to eat him,” Keri said softly.

I gave her a panicked look. Was I that obvious?

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’ve known you for a long time, so I can read you better than other people can.”

I bit down on a cracker and nearly spit it out when I noticed Nicole walking across the room. My assistant had apparently changed for this event. She now wore a sparkly red top and a short black skirt with heels.

“Is she moonlighting as a hooker?” Keri muttered.

“I’m horrified right now,” I said softly. “I’ve told her the dress code applies at any work-related event.”

“Honey, she is a total ditz,” Keri said. “I’m sorry, but I’m not a fan.”

“I’m writing her up for this. One more strike and she’s fired.”

“The radio guy needs to get you on tape so he can get out of here.” She grabbed my plate from my hand. “Let’s see your teeth. Not that you’ll be on camera.”

I flashed her a quick smile.

“No broccoli in there. You’re good to go.”

She turned to lead me to the hallway where the reporter was waiting. I snuck one last glance back at Killian. Now it wasn’t the teenage girl fawning all over him, but Nicole. She apparently found something so amusing that she needed to squeeze his bicep while laughing about it.

I looked away, forcing down the anger welling in my chest. She’d better enjoy herself tonight because she and I would be having a long talk tomorrow, and it wasn’t gonna be pretty.Killian

The last few fans were trickling out of the VIP suite, and the catering staff was busy cleaning up. Talking to the fans had been more fun than I’d expected. Some of the season ticket holders knew my stats better than I did.

I knew the other guys had enjoyed it, too. The enthusiasm the fans had for our recent winning streak was a big pat on the back for all our hard work.

Orion had also been surrounded by fans all night. I’d watched the way he acknowledged and engaged with every one of them. Every fan he spoke to walked away with a smile on their face. My mom had always been that kind of a person, and it made me nostalgic for her.

“Killian?” a female voice sang out.

I looked over and saw Nicole giving me a pleading look.

“I need this box of T-shirts moved back to my office, and it’s so heavy. Would you mind?”

“Yeah, I’ll get it. Is the office open?”