Killian

Magic hands

       

Killian

The last few fans were trickling out of the VIP suite, and the catering staff was busy cleaning up. Talking to the fans had been more fun than I'd expected. Some of the season ticket holders knew my stats better than I did.

I knew the other guys had enjoyed it, too. The enthusiasm the fans had for our recent winning streak was a big pat on the back for all our hard work.

Orion had been surrounded by fans all night. I'd watched the way he acknowledged and engaged with every one of them. Every fan he spoke to walked away with a smile on their face. My mom had always been that kind of a person, and it made me nostalgic for her.

"Killian?" a female voice sang out.

I looked over and saw Nicole giving me a pleading look.

"I need this box of t-shirts moved back to my office, and it's so heavy. Would you mind?"

"Yeah, I'll get it. Is the office open?"

She bit her lip while considering. "I don't remember. I'll walk with you so I can open it if you need me to."

I picked up the box and followed her. On the way she made small talk about the game, but she seemed nervous for some reason. With her heavy makeup and revealing outfit, she reminded me of a little girl playing dress up. Nicole was so different from Sid that I was surprised they meshed.

The door was locked, and as soon as Nicole opened it and we stepped inside, I had an urge to get the hell out of there. If I was reading her signals right, she wanted me to do more than just drop this box off in her office.

"Just right there is good," she said, pointing at an open corner of the main office suite.

I set the box down and turned for the door.

"I like you, Killian," Nicole said. Her effort at sultriness made me cringe inwardly. "I just wanted to say that if you're ever looking for something casual...I'm open to it. I'm not looking for a relationship."

I took in a deep breath and let it out, wanting to choose my words carefully.

"I'm flattered," I said, putting a hand on the door knob. "But Orion would beat my ass if I messed with anyone on the staff."

"But you like Sidney." The sultriness was gone. Now she sounded offended. Fuck.

"Of course I like her. I like everyone who's part of the team."

"I've seen the way you look at her."

I turned to face Nicole, hoping to diffuse the situation. "I find Sidney attractive, yeah. But I know better than to think I can have a relationship with my team owner."

It was technically true. I'd kissed her, pulled her hair and licked her gorgeous pink nipples, but never had we contemplated a relationship.

"She wouldn't have to know." Nicole unpinned her hair and it fell around her shoulders.

I cringed. "Shit, don't do that. I'm not going out there with you looking like we just fucked. Fix your hair."

"It's because of her, isn't it?" Nicole asked bitterly. "You're afraid Sidney will find out."

"There isn't gonna be anything to find out." I turned the door knob and opened the door. "Let me repeat. This is a firm no."

I walked away, almost breaking into a run. Fucking hell. The last thing I needed was Sidney's assistant making a play for me. And, even worse, I now knew that Nicole didn't respect Sidney. She had no problem breaking the rules behind her back, and Sid had been pretty good to her from what I'd seen.