CHAPTER33
Observing Calista watch hockey live was something. She was quiet and still and deep into every play. When the end came, the Czerski twins’ team edged ahead to claim victory. Fans wearing the dark green team colors were screaming. She eased back in her seat in quiet pleasure.
Ronan wanted to get her feedback on the game as much as he wanted to strip the college jersey she’d worn from her body. Seeing the green color as they left for the plane had jolted him. He’d gotten inappropriately fond of seeing his number on her chest. Now, this other jersey made his fingers twitch and his muscles tense, though in every possible way, he knew he shouldn’t be possessive over her. They couldn’t keep their clandestine relationship up, and the longer they did, the more in over his head he felt. Someone was going to get hurt. Unless…What were her thoughts on long-distance relationships? Would she consider seeing him after he moved to Washington? Was there a league-related conflict there? Even inquiring could start rumors flying and mess up his transfer.
The crowd began shifting to the aisles to exit. As they rose, a security guard stopped at the end of their row. “Mr. Stromkin?”
Ronan nodded.
“The camera caught you, and Coach sent me up. The players would love to meet you.”
Ronan gave an easy smile. He enjoyed the fans and had been exactly where these guys were once. “Of course.” He looked to Calista. “That okay?”
Calista nodded.
“Great.” The security guard made a downward motion with his hand in Calista’s direction. “Sit comfortably there, Miss, and we’ll have him back to you before the parking lot’s cleared out.”
Yeah, like he’d leave his date alone in the stands. Ronan shook his head. “She comes with me.”
“No girlfriends on the ice.” The guard shrugged. “Policy, sorry.”
Calista giggled.
Calista appeared delighted to be labeled his. Her pleased expression made Ronan’s heart ache, and a stinging heat touched his cheeks. He’d been shitty with the lack of roses and candlelight. In no way did he deserve her expression. They had to end, and he had to stop the risky advances he couldn’t seem to quit making. But tonight, this moment wasn’t the place.
Out on the ice in front of them, both teams did the postgame handshake, and then lined up in a single formation.
The guard waved for Ronan to proceed him.
“She stays with me,” Ronan said again, his tone final, his expression the stern one he used to great effect on opposing enforcers.
The guard gave a nod to Ronan and backed up a step, as if making room for him and Calista. They moved down the aisle to the front row at the gated wall.
“The players are thrilled to meet you,” the coach called up to Ronan.
The guard opened his palms. “I explained about no girlfriends on the ice, but it’s a dealbreaker.” Behind the coach, two assistants were spreading out a runner so Ronan could step out onto the rink.
The coach looked at Calista with a polite smile. He narrowed his eyes on the team jersey she wore and canted his head. He snapped his fingers and his face brightened. “Czerski twins. Got it.” He looked at the security guard with critical brown eyes. “You need to keep up with hockey news. She’s not his girlfriend. That’s the woman who bought all those Snowers shares.” His tone grew impatient. “Always let professional team owners down to meet the guys, that’s every player’s dream.”
The guard flushed.
Calista touched the guard’s arm. “You're protective, that's the right way to be for the team.”
The guard’s tense face eased, and he looked a little infatuated. Ronan put his hand on the small of Calista’s back.
The coach held the gate, and they stepped down a steep temporary set of stairs. The coach turned to Calista. “We hope you’ll say something to the players?”
Calista shook her head. “Ronan is who they want to hear from.” She waved to the Czerski twins who kept their places in formation but wore pleased grins on their faces. Ronan also gave a nod to the two guys who he’d met at the Snowers family functions. The duo looked not only identical to each other, but also a lot like Mikah. Had he not met them before, he would have guessed they were members of Mikah’s family.
The coach held out his palm, inviting Ronan to speak.
Knowing the players were exhausted, he kept his speech short but thoughtful. He made a point to recognize their stellar highlights and teamwork. He was going to finish by shaking each guy’s hand, but he turned to Calista first. “Anything you want to add, before I meet the players and Coach dismisses them?”
Calista shook her head. “You said it perfectly.”
One of the guys, the cocky star from the home team, but not the clapper he thought he was, pointed at Calista. “Who would you pick for the entry draft?”
Minefield.