2. Lachlan

Chapter 2

Lachlan

A fter Emma heads out, I turn back to the lads. They're all gearing up, bantering and grumbling as usual, but there's an undercurrent of uncertainty. Colin's sudden resignation has thrown everyone for a loop. But this is on me to step up and lead this team. Emma needs me to help her do this. She will never live it down if we lose tomorrow. I need to make sure the team's heads are in and on the game.

"Right, you heard the boss," I say, clapping my hands together. "On the ice in five. We need to crush the Arrows tomorrow and show everyone that we can do this without Colin, yeah?"

"Yeah!"

The resounding roar gives me a boost of confidence in the lads. They're a good bunch and I won't let this worry them if we can keep up morale. Besides, it's good practice for me. I have only a couple more years in this game, if that. Coaching is my next goal to keep me in the game. So, I have to look at this as an opportunity to prove myself in that arena.

As the lads finish gearing up, I catch Keir's eye.

He gives me a nod, letting me know he's got my back. We've been through thick and thin, blood and sweat, and it looks like we're about to add a bit more to that tally.

"Keir," I call out. "Take charge of the scrimmage drill. Keep the lads sharp."

"On it," Keir replies, already in his game face mode. His presence alone is enough to keep the younger players in line.

I head out onto the ice first, feeling the familiar chill seep into my bones. It's a comforting sensation, one that steadies my nerves and sharpens my focus. The lads follow, their skates cutting across the ice with a series of crisp swipes. We start with some basic drills—passing, shooting, skating—all aimed at getting the blood flowing and shaking off any residual tension from Colin's unexpected departure.

"Jamie," I shout as he mishandles a pass. "Keep your eyes on the puck! We can't afford mistakes tomorrow."

"Got it, Captain!" He corrects himself quickly.

Keir is leading a high-intensity scrimmage at the other end of the rink, pushing everyone to their limits. The lads respond well; they know Keir doesn't mess about.

I push myself harder than ever, needing to let the team know that the coach part isn't going to let the player part be a sacrifice in this and that I'll give everything to make sure we come out on top. The ice is our battlefield, and we're gearing up for war.

After an hour of intense practice, I blow the whistle and call everyone in. "Right, bring it in!"

The lads gather around, faces flushed with exertion but spirits high. There's a buzz in the air that wasn't there before, a renewed sense of purpose.

"Good work out there," I say, catching my breath. "Tomorrow, we show those Arrows what we're made of. But tonight, rest up. Hydrate. And no late nights. We need you all at a hundred per cent."

A collective groan greets my ears, but it's followed by nods and murmurs of agreement. They know I'm right.

As they head off the ice, chatting and ribbing each other like usual, I catch Keir's eye again. He skates over, his usually stoic face cracking into a rare grin.

"Nice one," he says. "Think we're ready?"

"More than ready," I reply. "Just need to make sure Emma is relaxed and knows we've got this."

Keir chuckles softly. "Yeah, she hides it well, but she's feeling the pressure big time."

"It's her old man's legacy she's protecting," I point out.

"True enough," Keir nods. "But she's got this. She just needs to believe it herself."

I nod, knowing he's right. Emma's stronger than she gives herself credit for. Now we've just got to help her see that.

The lads disperse to the locker room, and I take a moment to savour the quiet of the rink. There's something about the empty ice—still, almost peaceful—that gives me clarity. But I can't linger. I need to check on Emma and make sure she is hanging in there.

I stride off, my skates sinking into the rubber mats until I reach the locker room door. Inside, it's a cacophony of laughter and banter as the lads peel off their gear and hit the showers. I sit and take my skates off before I strip off and stand under a torrent of scorching hot water. Letting out a soft groan as it eases hard-worked muscles, I close my eyes and let it soothe me for a few seconds before I clean up and head out to get dried and dressed.

"Lachlan," Keir calls after me as I grab my stuff. "You heading up to see Emma?"

"Yeah, you coming?" I say.

He nods, and we make our way up the back stairs to the offices.

As we approach, the door is slightly ajar, and we can hear her on the phone, her tone brisk but strained.

"Look, I get it," she's saying. "But we need someone who understands what this team is about. It's not just stats and plays; it's heart."

I knock lightly before pushing the door open further. She looks up, flashing a quick smile before waving us in.

"Okay, I'll look forward to your call," she says into the receiver before hanging up.

"How's it going?" I ask, dumping my bag and sitting down in one of the chairs opposite her desk. Keir takes the other.

Emma sighs, rubbing her temples. "I've had better days."

My eyes linger on the desk where we fucked not so long ago. Where she was vulnerable to me, and it made me fall madly in love with her. She is a whirlwind, this woman. I can't help but feel a surge of admiration mixed with longing every time I'm near her.

"Anything else we can do to help?" Keir asks, his voice gentle. He's always been the calm one off the ice, the mediator, and it shows now as he leans forward, genuinely concerned.

Emma shakes her head, though the gesture is more weary than dismissive. "Just keep doing what you're doing. The team's morale is crucial right now. We can't afford any more setbacks."

"We've got it under control," I assure her, meeting her eyes squarely. "The lads are fired up for tomorrow. It's business as usual."

Her shoulders relax slightly at that, but there's still a shadow of worry in her blue eyes. "Thanks," she says quietly.

"We'll make sure everything goes smoothly," Keir murmurs, gazing at her as if she just fell from heaven. I roll my eyes at him. I wish he'd crack on with it already and get his leg over with her. Maybe he'll stop mooning about.

Emma takes a deep breath and nods, her gaze softening when she looks at Keir. She's got a hell of a lot on her plate right now, but she's holding it together like a champ.

"Right," she finally says. "Let's call it a night. Tomorrow is a big day."

We all stand, ready to leave her to finish up for the evening. I want to ask if we can come over to the cottage and maybe have things get hot and sweaty, but I have to practise what I preach and have an early night, plus Emma looks like she could do with a bit of space from all things hockey. Unfortunately, that includes us. But it doesn't stop me from going around to her side of the desk and taking her in my arms. I hold her tightly before I step back and grip her chin lightly. "You've got this, baby girl," I murmur before I crush my mouth to hers, plunging my tongue through her readily open lips.

"Oh, ah, erm…" a voice interrupts the kiss, and I groan inwardly as I pull back and see Keir glowering at Jamie, who is standing in the doorway looking like a fart in a thunderstorm.

Great. Just great.