41. Emma

The hours tick by painfully slowly as I wade through paper after paper, spreadsheet after spreadsheet, document after document. Sponsorship deals, budget reports, and training schedules all blend into a blur of letters and numbers. My mind keeps wandering back to Lachlan and Keir, imagining what they're up to on the rink below. The idea of this calendar is growing on me more and more as it sits in my mind; it's cheeky but fun, exactly what we need.

My eyes flit to the clock for the umpteenth time. Practice ended half an hour ago. I toss my pen down and lean back in my chair, stretching my arms above my head. A knock on the door makes my heart skip a beat.

"Yeah," I call out.

Lachlan steps inside, followed closely by Keir. They both look as hot as hell, just showered and wearing tight tees that cling to toned bodies that'll definitely sell thousands of calendars.

"You wanted to chat?" Lachlan asks, his voice casual, but the underlying curiosity is unmistakable as he closes the door. I saw Anna swan-necking it outside, but this is a conversation that needs to be just the three of us.

"Yeah," I start, pulling myself upright and motioning for them to sit down. "Uhm. I don't even know where to start. I guess this thing with us…"

They both sit down as I trail off, gazes fixed on me as I falter.

"Taran said?—"

Lachlan lets out a scoff that throws me off kilter, and I stop again, knowing this is not going to go well.

"Doesn't matter," I murmur.

"No, it does," Keir says firmly, leaning forward. "Ignore Lachlan, he's being a dick. What did you want to say? What did Taran say?"

I focus on Keir and ignore Lachlan for now. "He says I need to figure out what is going on with the three of us."

"He's right."

"But also, that he isn't going anywhere."

Keir frowns and looks at Lachlan.

I shift my gaze to him as well.

"So, Fraser has decided that he will still date you if we also start dating?" he spits out. "How good of him."

"Lachlan," I murmur. "Don't be like that. I really like him, and I'm caught in this situation with you two wanting to be with me, together, no less. I'm confused and trying to talk to you about it."

"Sorry," Lachlan mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... Taran knows exactly how to get under my skin. But I get it. You're in a tough spot."

Keir leans forward, his green eyes full of sincerity. "Emma. I know this is complicated, but we can work it out if we're all honest with each other. We don't have to rush anything."

I nod, appreciating his calm attitude, even if it does make my heart race a bit faster. "Right, so here's the deal. I'm not saying no to exploring things with you two," I look at both of them, feeling the weight lift slightly from my shoulders as I finally voice my thoughts. "But I need to be clear that the team comes first. If this goes sideways, we protect the Warriors first and foremost."

Lachlan and Keir exchange a glance before nodding. Lachlan leans back, a smirk playing on his lips. "We've got a deal. We'll keep it professional on the ice, and off it, we'll see where things go."

Keir grins, the awkwardness lifting from his shoulders. "Agreed. We'll make sure the team stays solid."

"Okay," I say with a smile. "And you are both okay with Taran still being part of my life? I've never done this before. I don't even know how we move forward from here, especially with Taran being the enemy."

Lachlan's smirk fades a bit, but he nods. "It's not ideal, but if it makes you happy, we'll figure it out."

Keir glances at Lachlan and then back at me. "We'll take it one step at a time. You're worth it, Emma."

I smile at that. "Thanks, guys."

There's a knock on the door, and Anna's head peeks in, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Emma, you've got a call on line two. It's about the sponsorship deal with Highland Spirits."

"Right," I say, feeling the weight of reality crashing back. "Thanks, Anna."

She nods and retreats, leaving the three of us in an awkward silence.

"Alright," I say. "Back to work then."

Lachlan rises first, running a hand through his dark hair. "We'll catch up later? Your place?"

"Yeah," I say with a distracted nod as the phone buzzes impatiently.

Keir gives me one last look before following Lachlan out the door.

I grab the phone and put on my most professional voice. "Emma Thornton speaking."

"Ms Thornton, this is Gillian from Highland Spirits. We received your proposal, and we're very interested in working together."

A wave of relief washes over me. "That's fantastic news! When can we meet to discuss the details?"

"How about tomorrow at 10 AM, our offices?" Gillian's voice is smooth and businesslike. I scramble for a pen and paper, jotting down the time.

"Perfect, I'll see you then," I say, trying to keep my excitement in check. As soon as I hang up, I do a mini celebratory dance in my office. A sponsorship with Highland Spirits would be huge for the Warriors, stabilising our finances and giving us some breathing room. It will be a massive coup, even better if I pull it off.

I sit back down, tapping my fingers on the desk, still buzzing from the conversation with Gillian. My thoughts drift back to Lachlan and Keir. Bloody hell, what have I got myself into? Dating one hockey player is a challenge; navigating relationships with three, including one from a rival team? That's Olympic-level difficulty.

The door creaks open, and Anna slips back in, her curiosity not quite satisfied. "Everything alright?" She tilts her head, trying to read my expression.

"Yeah," I exhale, pushing my hair back. "Highland Spirits wants to meet tomorrow morning."

Anna beams. "Yay!"

"I know, right?" I say, still buzzing. "This could be the boost we need."

Anna's eyes sparkle with excitement. "You are so going to smash this meeting. I've got faith in you."

"Thanks, Anna." I appreciate her enthusiasm, even if it feels like I'm flying by the seat of my pants right now. "How's things going out there?"

"Mavis left already. I don't think she's coming back."

"What?" I demand, going to the door and glaring out at Mavis' empty desk. "Are you fucking with me?"

"Nope. She said I was good enough and hightailed it out of here about two hours ago."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to disturb you, and quite frankly, I am good enough. I've got this."

"Well, I wish I had your confidence in myself," I mutter. "Are you okay with this?"

"Totally. I've got this. And personally, I'd rather fly solo than have her breathing down my neck."

"Yeah, I hear you."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Are you?"

"I'm starving."

"Me too. So, do we just leave?" She looks around.

"Guess so. It's after two. Surely that's enough working for one day," I snort.

"I've set up the office email on my phone and set up a divert, so I'm all good if anything comes in."

"You are a fucking godsend."

"Aww," she blushes. "Just doing a proper job, you know."

We share a smile, and I feel that things might actually work out for the first time. It's a good feeling.