29. Emma

Chapter 29

Emma

I watch as the team celebrates on the ice, their spirits buoyed by the win. There's a warmth in my chest as I see them laugh and slap each other on the back, and I can't help but feel a swell of pride. These lads—they've become more than just players on a team; they're like family.

My eyes catch Lachlan's for a brief moment amidst the chaos, and he gives me a nod and a grin that makes my heart flutter. It's moments like these that remind me why I took on this challenge in the first place.

Taran wraps his arm around me, his smile wide. "Quite the show, eh? Your team's got some serious talent."

I nod, unable to suppress my own smile. "Yeah, they do. And they're only going to get better with you on board."

He chuckles, straightening up. "Looking forward to it."

Some of the lads skate off the ice and I wave and cheer with the rest of the crowd. As I turn to walk away, Taran catches my arm gently. "Emma, wait a sec."

His touch is warm, and for a brief moment, I'm hyper-aware of how close he is.

"What's up?" I ask, trying not to jump on him here and now. Not that he'd mind…

He hesitates for a moment before speaking. "You make me so happy," he murmurs. "Knowing that we will be living together soon settles me. I don't like being away from you."

The intensity in his eyes, makes my breath hitch. I can feel the weight of his words, the sincerity behind them. "Taran," I begin, searching for the right words. "You make me happy too. All of you do. I can't wait to…" My anger flares up as, over Taran's shoulder, I see Carrick fucking Glenn taking snaps of my players on the ice. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" I roar and shove past Taran, who is bewildered but follows me as I march over to my cheating ex and slam my hand over the lens of his camera.

"No!" I snap. "You do not get to come in here and take pictures of my team without my say-so."

"Free country," he drawls. "I can do what the fuck I like."

"Excuse you?" Taran says with a frown. He removes my hand from Carrick's camera so he can slap it away from his face. "There's protocol. Who the fuck are you?"

"Whoa, wait!" I mutter as things are getting heated now and I'm partly to blame for that. We have an audience, and that's not going to go down well with the sponsors. "Carrick, what do you think you're doing?" I demand, trying to keep my voice steady. The last thing I need is a scene. But this is Carrick Glenn we're talking about—he always brings the drama with him.

He smirks, that infuriatingly smug look on his face. "Just doing my job, Emma. Unlike some people, I'm actually working."

"Carrick, is it?" Taran's eyes are furious. "Your job is being an arse, is it, Carrick?" Taran steps between us as if he can block Carrick's arrogant ego with his body. "You're not welcome here, and you know it. Leave now, or I'll have security escort you out."

"And who the fuck are you?" Carrick snaps.

"Someone you don't want to mess with. Emma doesn't want you here, so pack up your shit and go back to London before I call in a favour and have you blacklisted in the entire UK. You will never find work again."

"Puh-lease," Carrick drawls as I gape at Taran. "You're talking bullshit."

"Nah, mate. Look up one of my family's businesses. Fraser Media. You'll find my father dislikes jackasses like you thinking you can push people around and won't hesitate to spread the word. It travels fast in this industry."

Carrick's smug expression falters for a split second, but he quickly recovers. "You think I'm scared of some empty threats?"

I step closer, my voice low but firm. "They're not empty. Pack it up, Carrick." My glare could freeze water instantly. "Now."

He mutters something under his breath but finally slings his camera over his shoulder and starts walking away. As he exits, the tension in the air seems to dissipate slightly.

"Sorry about that," Taran says, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't mean to go all alpha on you."

I shake my head, my lips curving into a small smile. "No need to apologise. I appreciate it, actually. For once, he actually seems worried."

"Yeah, well, let's hope he stays that way," Taran says, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

I nod, still feeling the residual tension but grateful for Taran's support. "Thanks for the backup."

"Anytime, princess," he replies with a wink.

Grinning, I'm glad that Carrick showed up here today. Taran has put him in his place once and for all, so hopefully, he will slink back off to London, and I'll never have to hear from him again. "Talk about ruining my high," I joke.

"Yeah, what a dick. What did you see in him?" Taran jokes, and I giggle.

"A pretty face. That's about it. But you know what, even that is repulsive to me now, knowing who he truly is."

"Well, you've got this pretty face who loves you, princess. You don't need him."

Smiling as my heart swells with love for him, I cup his face. "I love you," I murmur.

Taran leans down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. "I love you too, Emma," he says softly, his forehead resting against mine. For a moment, everything else fades away. The chaos, the crowd's chatter, Carrick's annoying presence—all melt into the background.