There were posed pics of the guys with Selwin, interviews, photos of the guys in play, and more questions for me about the camp.
After an hour of media relations, I had a blooming headache and a desire to never smile again. Dealing with the press was always my least favorite part of the hockey job and that hadn’t changed. I had a limited capacity when it came to peopling, and I’d hit it.
While the guys were still talking to the journalist, I scuttled off to my office to take a much-needed break. I shoved my headphones on, blocking out further noise, and grabbed my laptop so I could work on the afternoon strategy session.
I was ten minutes into enjoying my bubble of peace when I hear the knock on my door.
“Come in!” I shouted.
Silas entered the room, his helmet in one hand, his hockey stick in the other, looking disheveled and way too hot for me to be alone with him. He dropped his gear, slammed and locked the door, and rounded the desk before I had a chance to say anything, never mind “what are you doing?”
He grabbed hold of me, kissing me fiercely. I tasted his sweat and traces of orange Gatorade. Delicious.
“Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmured, taking my lips softly this time.
“Baby, I was trying to be good.”
He smirked and rocked his hips against mine. “Good’s overrated.”
“Do you think anyone, I mean, anyone other than Selwin, suspects?”
Silas licked his lips. “Finn knows. I told you that.”
“Right.” I nodded. “No one else?”
“Nope,” Silas confessed. “But I’m sick of lying.”
“Soon everyone’s going to know. We’ll be the worst kept secret at Sutton.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” Silas asked.
I cupped his face, rubbing my thumb over his lips, tracing the curve of his smile. “I don’t know anymore.”
“My family knows, Finn, Selwin. I feel like I want to tell more people.”
“More?”
“Like, everyone. Sooner rather than later.”
I sighed and kissed him again.
“Baby, I love you, but that’s a huge step.”
Silas’s inhaled sharply and crowded me back against my desk.
“You what?”
It was too late to take the words back and I didn’t want to. I wasn’t one to shy from the truth, especially when I was looking at him.
“Damien, say that again.”
I stared into his eyes.
“I love you,” I declared, my voice hoarse with emotion. “You stole my fucking heart, Silas.”
He smiled against my lips.
“Told you I was ruthless,” he teased. “And fair’s fair, you took mine.”
