On the Fly (Crimson Romance) Read Online Free PDF

game now?”
    “Sure, man. Whatever.” Reese had a grin in his voice, and Carter gritted his teeth, reminding himself it wouldn’t help the team to have their goalie laid up in the hospital. Tomorrow would be the day of reckoning.

Chapter Five
    Friday, September 16th
    The Las Vegas Arena looked as much like one of the hotels on the strip as it did a sports building. The façade appeared to be an ornate castle. Tourists might mistake it for Medieval Times if it weren’t for one, glaring difference. A big, neon sign sat at the entrance to the parking lot, waiting to light up and welcome fans to the “Coolest Spot in the Desert.” Jacey just hoped there wouldn’t be a casino on the main concourse. Feeling a stab of concern over that, she took the elevator in the garage and stopped to check. Detailed murals covered the walls, and a few slot machines dotted the long hallway, but no casino.
    Reassured, she got back in the elevator and punched in the employee code that allowed her to go to the business level. Déjà vu swept over her as she stepped out and saw staff milling around. They smiled when they saw her, and she returned the greeting then strode into the conference room.
    One wall consisted entirely of tinted windows, allowing a complete view of the city. It would be breathtaking at night. Conversations quieted in her wake but didn’t cease entirely.
    A chair waited for her at the head of the long oval table, and Madden sat beside it, leaning back, denim-clad legs spread out, hands folded over his stomach. She winced at his interpretation of “business attire” but bit her tongue.
Choose your battles.
She had to look on the bright side; at least this pair of jeans didn’t have holes. He nodded to her. She nodded back and stood behind her chair before lifting her voice above the din. “If you’ll all take a seat, we’ll get started … ”
    Carter ducked into the room in a long-sleeved, black Under Armour shirt and Reebok training shorts. His blond hair was in spiky disarray, but he seemed wide awake as he swung into a seat at the far end of the table and drummed his fingers on the armrests. Her heart stopped for a second until it made sense.
Of course he’s in this meeting.
He represented the NHL Players’ Association for the team. It had been a week since she’d seen him at the last training camp practice.
    She drew in a deep breath and tried to slow her pulse. Everyone else sat down, and Nealy slid into the chair to her left, tissues balled in her little fists. Seeing her assistant anxious didn’t do anything for the
Am I doing the wrong thing?
mantra on loop in her head.
    Jacey lifted her chin, straightened her posture and put on a warm smile. “I’m happy to be at the Las Vegas Arena. A lot of important things need to be addressed, so I’d like to get started. We’ve lost some players over the summer and gained others, and we’ve picked up a few minor league hopefuls through training camp. As you may or may not know, Mike Peabody has been coaching practices since Coach Finley quit after my father’s passing. He’s done a fine job, but the time has come to replace him. There has been a lot of speculation, but I’ve kept things quiet while I worked everything out. I do have a new coach in line, and she’s in this room.”
    Brows furrowed, lips pursed, and everyone fell silent with apparent, patronizing kindness as if she’d misspoken but they weren’t going to correct her. She tried not to grit her teeth. “That’s right. She. Nealy Windham knows more about hockey and this team than anyone else. Her father is one of our heroes, one of hockey’s heroes. I know it’s unconventional, but there’s no rule that says an NHL coach has to be a man.”
And I’m pretty sure Nealy could wipe the floor any man that challenged her.
    Blank faces met her gaze. All except Carter. His mouth hung open and his eyes widened. “You’re not serious.”
    Madden smirked. Jacey stepped on his foot under the