Skating on Thin Ice: Seattle Sockeyes (Game On in Seattle Book 1) by Jami Davenport

whether or not the assholes might screw him over or start a bidding war in which they’d be the only winners.
    He wanted this move to happen with a minimal amount of drama but maybe he’d underestimated the resistance he might get in the end.
    “So Lauren, what do you think the team’s chances are tonight?”
    Lauren shook her head. “They’re playing out of their minds, like a team possessed, like they’re playing for their hockey lives. Inspired play, really. This team doesn’t have the talent to carry them this far.”
    “Sometimes trying and believing go further than talent.”
    “They do in this case.”
    Ethan had to smile. “You’re proud of your boys, aren’t you?”
    Lauren turned to him, her eyes lit up with pure joy. “Yes, yes, I am. They deserve better than they get.”
    “Better what exactly?”
    “A more loyal fan base, more progressive coaching methods to capitalize on the relatively young team and inspire them to—” She stopped and jerked her head away from him, staring at the ice. Her mortified expression telegraphed her fear of having said too much.
    Ethan moved to stand beside her, their shoulders rubbing. “Lauren, I only want what’s best for the team. You have to trust me no matter what happens or what people say.”
    “What do you mean you want what’s best for the team?” She turned to him, her gaze shrewd, as if assessing his minor slip-up.
    “I mean the ownership group, of which I’m a part in some small way.”
    “Do they really want that? Do you want that? What would you do, Ethan, to give this team the support it deserves.”
    Ethan hesitated. “I’d do almost everything you’ve outlined to me. I’d give them the best facilities. I’d pay for the best players, and I’d hire the best support staff money could buy.”
    Lauren nodded and stared into his eyes. “I think you would do that, Ethan, because I suspect you don’t do anything halfway.”
    If she only knew.
    * * * *
    She should’ve said no. A smart woman would’ve gone back to her room and turned down his offer for a late dinner, but she was starved. At least, that was her story, and she was rocking the denial card pretty damn hard right about now.
    The Giants won their first game against a talented New York team and their hostile and rabid home crowd. After that game, she couldn’t possibly sleep. She wanted to talk hockey all night long, and Ethan would be more than happy to accommodate her.
    Lauren looked forward to their post-game analysis of the team. Ethan was catching on. While he still asked more questions than he answered, he came up with a few good insights, which surprised and pleased her. She took a small measure of credit for his growing hockey knowledge.
    Despite her best efforts, she liked Ethan, might even consider him somewhat of a friend. He was the consummate gentleman, except for that one lapse, never coming on to her and keeping everything friendly and businesslike. She was the one who had all these carnal thoughts about him. Well, maybe not the only one. She’d seen the fire burning in his eyes on more than one occasion.
    Once back at the hotel, they headed straight for the almost empty restaurant. Cedric waved them over to the large table where six of the guys sat poring over menus. Lauren hesitated, but Ethan didn’t. With a sigh, Lauren followed him. The man had major balls, which he’d need if he was going to attempt a buddy session with Cooper.
    The team captain sat at the table, arms crossed over his chest, and his chin jutting out in a masterful display of belligerent arrogance. Ethan ignored him, obviously deciding it was wiser to focus on Coop’s teammates, who didn’t look nearly so annoyed and unapproachable.
    The boys scooted over, leaving room for Lauren and Ethan to squeeze in between Cedric and Cooper. Lauren took the seat next to Coop to mitigate any possible bloodshed.
    Ethan sat next to Cedric. It was a tight squeeze, and Lauren didn’t relish being