Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Hope’s POV

“I’m sorry about that,” Beth said as we settled inside her office. “Levi is kind of…”

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“…an obnoxious asshole?” I finished for her. The words slipped out before I could stop them. My eyes widened, and I immediately covered my mouth.

Oh my gosh. First day. First impression. I didn’t need it to be ruined this early!

A soft chuckle escaped Beth’s lips.

Wait, what?

“Sorry about that,” I muttered quickly. “I should really control myself.” It was barely my first day on the job and I was already insulting their star player.

She shook her head, still amused. “No, it’s okay. I understand you completely. A lot of people think that way about Levi. I just haven’t met one who said it so honestly.”

My cheeks warmed. “Is he really like that? Or… was that just a bad moment?”

Beth let out a small laugh, the kind that didn’t bode well. “Oh, honey. It’s actually a good day.”

I stiffened. That was him on a good day?

“What have you heard about him?” she suddenly asked, setting aside a stack of paperwork and folding her hands neatly on the table, her gaze sharp with curiosity.

“Well… the basics,” I said. “He’s the New York Glaciers’ star player. The youngest ever to be part of the opening roster in the national hockey league. He also has three MVP titles, and he’s only been on the main roster for four years.”

Beth smirked. “That’s not what I’m talking about, Hope. Everyone knows that. Levi Reeve-the youngest legend.” She leaned forward slightly. “I’m asking what you’ve actually heard about him.”

I hesitated for a second before finally answering.

“That he’s your biggest headache?”

Beth burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the spacious office. She actually had to wipe the corners of her eyes.

“Oh, I like you already,” she said between laughs. “You’re right about that again. That kid will be the death of me.” She exhaled, shaking her head fondly. “But just as you said, we can’t afford to lose him. He’s the pillar of this team.”

As though summoned by the tension in the room, the door suddenly opened. A middle-aged man stepped in, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He had a dad bod, slightly slouched posture, and eyes that looked tired but kind.

“Beth?”

Beth immediately stood. “Nate, what are you doing here?”

My breath caught as I shot up from my seat.

No way.

This was Nate Esmeray.

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Chapter 4

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If Levi was the living legend everyone talked about, this man was my personal legend! We went to the same school, and all I’d ever heard were great stories. He’d been with the New York Glaciers for over a decade, and knowing he’d helped shape so many of the team’s stars made something flutter in my chest.

“Had to grab a few things,” Nate said casually, lifting the duffel bag. “It’s my last official day, isn’t it?”

Beth sighed, already massaging the bridge of her nose. “If Levi sees you here, he’ll convince you to stay.”

“Don’t worry,” Nate said, raising both hands in surrender. “He didn’t see me.”

His gaze shifted to me. I froze under it, my breath hitching.

“Is she my replacement?”

I snapped out of it and quickly held out my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I’ve heard a lot of great things, and I really admire your work.”

He scratched the back of his neck, almost sheepish. “Didn’t think I’d have someone admire my work.” He gave a small smile. “I appreciate it, though. I hope you last longer than the others. I can’t back out now-my wife’s going into labor soon.”

I turned to Beth, confusion flashing across my face.

She was already gesturing for him to stop, but then she sighed, giving up.

Nate looked back at me. “I’ll do the honors of breaking it to her since you clearly haven’t. You’re not the first one to replace me, unfortunately.” He tilted his head slightly, studying me. “Although… I’ve got a good feeling about you. Hang in there, alright?”

My heart started racing.

Not the first?

“The others only lasted a few hours,” he continued. “They ran the moment they faced Levi.” A small grin tugged at his lips. “But I’ll say this-I think you can last a few days.”

“Nate,” Beth warned.

“I’m kidding,” he said quickly, reaching out to pat my shoulder. “Mostly.”

“I just think the others didn’t give him much of a chance,” he added. “It took me a while to get that kid to open up. But once you understand him, you’ll know why he is the way he is.”

There was something in his tone that made me pause.

“Anyway, I won’t stay long,” he said, flashing an easy smile. “Good luck..”

“Hope,” I supplied.

“Hope,” he repeated. “That’s nice.” He gave me a small nod. “Good luck, Hope. I’m rooting for you.”

With that, he waved at Beth. “I’ll see you when I see you.”

The door shut behind him with a quiet click. I turned back to Beth-and found her looking significantly more frazzled than before.

“Well,” she said, exhaling slowly, “you’ve heard right. This isn’t the first time we’ve hired a new PT for the team.” She straightened slightly, slipping back into professionalism. “As you know, PTs are crucial-especially pre- and post-season. With the season coming up, we can’t afford to lose another one. Do you understand?”

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Chapter 4

“I completely understand.”

If anything, it made the role feel even more important.

“With that,” she continued, sliding a piece of paper toward me, “we’re willing to compensate you handsomely.”

I glanced down and did a double take.

My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

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