Maybe This Summer (Colorado Ice #2.5)(3)

Next to him, Ben nodded. “Makes sense. When people see their donations in action, it encourages them to continue their support.”

“Exactly.”

“So, what do you need from us?” he asked.

“Just your time…mostly,” she said with a reserved, yet polite smile. The demeanor of a woman used to negotiating to get her way.

She wouldn’t have to work hard to get him to do anything. One glance his way and Owen would give her anything she asked for.

But of course, she was focused on Ben—the all-star athlete. Man, he loved his buddy, but most days he could just as easily punch him in the throat.

“Sounds easy enough. Count me in,” Ben said.

Paige smiled and her shoulders relaxed a little. “Great.”

Ben took his iPhone out of his pocket. “When is it?”

“July twentieth. I apologize for the short notice, but we had scheduling issues with the first golf course I booked, so we needed to move the tournament up by two weeks.”

If that change of plans frazzled her, it didn’t show.

Ben scrolled through his calendar. “I’m free that day. No problem.”

“Perfect,” she said, looking relieved that it hadn’t been a tough sell. If she knew anything about Ben, she wouldn’t have worried. Ben was all for any charity that helped children.

So was he. Unfortunately, at every charity event he attended, he was hidden behind an even bigger shadow—a big Saint Bernard–shaped one. No one even knew he was there.

Paige slid the players’ signup form across the table. “If you can add your name to the list and sign, that’s all I need for now. We will be making teams of four—two pro athletes and two registrants who have bid the highest to play with you. There’s no guarantee who you will be paired with—will that be a problem at all?”

“Just make sure they can play. I hate losing,” Ben said with a wink.

Owen waited for her ovaries to explode, but for once a woman didn’t melt into a puddle at his buddy’s feet.

He smiled. He liked this woman even more.

Ben slid the signup form toward him, and he reached for the pen.

“Oh, actually, sorry. We only have eighteen spaces for pro athletes, and we were hoping to fill them with recognizable players from the major league teams. Of course if we can’t fill all eighteen spots, there will be some openings for team managers and coaches…” Paige said.

Right. “No problem.” He dropped the pen and sat back in his chair. Very few days he found himself missing his former hockey-playing career, but today he wished he still scored goals for a living. He’d been top scorer for the Avalanche for two seasons before he’d given up his first passion to serve his country as a Marine, hearing a call to do something more fulfilling with his life.

Of course that career was cut short, too.

Paige was talking to Ben. “I do have one more favor to ask. Do you think we could get Bernie at the event? There will be lots of kids there helping out and participating—they would love it.”

Of course they would—everyone loved Bernie.

Ben glanced at him and he nodded, not having to check his alter ego’s calendar. Any day this beautiful woman needed him or the mascot, he’d reschedule his own funeral to be there.

“That would actually be Owen’s department. He works directly with Bernie—organizes his calendar and appearances and stuff.”

Paige appeared reluctant to turn her attention back to him. “Oh. Okay, well, do you think he can make the event?” she asked as their gazes met.

“I’ll have to check with him, but I’m fairly confident he can.” So much for golfing that day. Sweating his ass off it was.

But Paige smiled. At him this time. It was small and fleeting, but he’d take it. “Thank you.” Turning back to Ben, she handed him several sponsor forms. “The only other thing I’ll ask of you is to please take these, and if there’s anyone you can think of who might be interested in sponsoring, or bidding on a golfing spot, tell them not to hesitate to contact me.” She handed him her card as well.

Ben grabbed extra forms from the desk. “I know some people.”

She beamed.

“I’ll take some,” Owen said, reaching to grab a stack bigger than Ben’s. “I know some people, too.”

“That’s very helpful. Well, thank you both for coming in.” She stood and so did they. “I really hope the tournament is a success—the more kids we can help get to camp this year, the better.” She led the way out into reception and opened the door.

“We’ll make sure it is. There’re a few people in Denver who’d like to golf with me,” Ben said, grinning. “After all, I did win a Stanley Cup this year.”

Oh come on. Give the ego a break, man.

“Yes, you did, and I’m sure you have no shortage of fans,” Paige said.

Paige wasn’t being flirty, just polite, and Owen’s attraction to her soared as she displayed zero interest in his buddy.

“Thank you again for coming in.”

“See you,” Ben said, leading the way out into the hall.

“Bye,” Owen said, but she’d already turned to head back to her office.

As the door to the office closed behind her, Ben laughed, glancing at the stack of sponsor forms in his arms. “Who do you know, man?”