CHAPTER 9: SARCASTIC NICKNAME

MILA'S POV

I've spent the last twenty-four hours trying to convince myself it's not really fucking hot that Jax called me "sunshine."

It's a sarcastic nickname. Probably intended to irritate me. So why does it make my pulse skip every time I think about it?

Tonight is the Bay Blades' first game since the iced coffee incident, another home game, this time against Winnipeg. Which means it's my first game attending as Jax's "supervisor."

I arrive at the arena early, wearing my most professional blouse (powder blue, matching my heels) and carrying my notebook like a shield. The security guard recognizes me now, waves me through with a nod.

The players' lounge is where the team hangs out before games. I've seen it before, during agency meetings, but never like this never as part of the inner circle.

I take a breath and push open the door.

Ten sets of eyes land on me.

Hockey players. Big, sweaty, tattooed, gorgeous hockey players. All staring at the plus-size girl in the blue blouse.

"Oh, shit," Knox says, bounding up to me. He's the blond one, the cocky forward. "You're the girl from the video." He mimes grabbing an invisible iced coffee and hurling it at an invisible fan.

I nod, keeping my smile bright. "Yep. That's me."

Sullivan, the captain, strolls over. He's got that Southern charm, the kind that makes you want to trust him immediately. "Hey there. Who's your friend, Jax?"

Jax clears his throat. He's standing by the lockers, dark hair pulled back, arms crossed over his chest. The tattoos on his forearms are fully visible now, waves, a lighthouse, a whale tail.

"This is... Mila."

Sullivan and Knox stare at him expectantly. Jax's face goes blank.

But I step forward. "So nice to meet you. I'm a junior agent at Prime Sports. I'm going to be sitting in on practices and games for the next few months."

Knox cocks his head. "Why? Agents don't usually come to all the games."

I feel Jax's jaw clench beside me, but I answer smoothly. "My boss wants me to take notes on the games and provide him with feedback."

"Yeah," Jax agrees gruffly. "Notes and shit."

Sullivan stares at him with an annoyingly knowing look. "That wouldn't have anything to do with your behavior lately, Glacier?"

"None of your business."

"I'm just doing the math here." Sullivan's eyes land on me. "The coffee video. Plus trade rumors. Plus a pissed-off front office. Plus a frustrated agent. Equals... a junior agent sent to keep you in line?"

Knox glances between us, realization dawning. "Oh my god, dude... Did your agent give you a babysitter?"

Jax grunts.

Knox doubles over in fits of laughter. "Jax has a babysitter! This is incredible."

Sullivan isn't laughing. "Yeah. I can believe it."

"It's true," Jax says flatly. "The front office is going to trade me if I don't get my act together."

Knox's laughter dies. "Shit, Jax. That's serious."

I speak up, my voice gentle but firm. "It really doesn't matter why I'm here. That's between the front office, my boss, Jax, and nobody else. I promise I won't get in your way."

My phone rings. I glance down, and it was Rick.

"Sorry, it's Rick. I have to take this."

I walk to the corner of the lounge, but I can still hear them.

"So," Knox says, "what's the policy on me asking out your babysitter?"

"No." Jax's voice is firm. "The policy is no."

"Come on, dude, she's cute. Don't act like you haven't noticed."

"I haven't."

"Yeah right. I'm just letting you know I think she's hot, and I'm going to shoot my shot."

"I said no, Knox." Jax's voice drops, dangerous. "There are a thousand girls in bars across New England who'd be easily charmed into bed with you. She's here to work, not to be hit on. This is the one woman you can't ask out. Deal with it."

I hold my breath.

"Fine, dude. I won't hit on her." Knox's grin turns wicked. "But only if you agree to come to Sullivan's New Year's Eve party this year. You always say you'll come, but you never show."

"Fine. Whatever. I agree."

Knox fist pumps. "Hell yeah."

I walk back over, my heart pounding. "What did I miss?"

Jax yells at the team. "Everyone, listen up. This is Mila Santiago. She works for my agent. He sent her to make sure I don't get kicked off the team." He pauses, voice hardening. "Don't bother her. She's a professional. So no jokes, no hitting on her, and absolutely no disrespect. Or I'll personally kick the shit out of you myself, trade be damned. Got it?"

I give him a soft look of surprise before waving at the room. "Hi! Big fan of you guys."

"Thanks for the introduction," I murmur. "Your teammates seem like good guys."

"Yeah. Nice. Great guys."

His teeth are slightly gritted.

He absolutely does not mention Knox.

Or the date he nearly asked me out on.

Or the party he just got stuck going to.

All just to keep me to himself.