Free On the Fly (Crimson Romance) by Katie Kenyhercz

the national anthem.
    Jacey smiled to herself as she looked around the packed arena. Mr. Las Vegas finished to a deafening roar, and as he walked down the carpeted aisle on the ice, she stepped out and shook his hand. He kissed her cheek as he handed her the microphone, and she blushed in front of thirteen thousand people, not counting those watching at home.
    Shell-shocked, Jacey ambled down the carpet to center ice. She licked her lips and glued on her best PR smile. “As owner, and on behalf of the Sinners’ organization, I’d like to welcome you to our first regulation game of the season. Whether you’re a fan of our impressive captain, or Mr. Wayne Newton … ” She paused for the whistles and applause. “We’re glad that you’re here and hope you’ll continue to be Sinners fans for years to come. Let’s go, black and green!” Amidst the cheers, Jacey beamed and strode off-ice. Madden smiled at her with something that looked like pride, and he clapped her on the shoulder. Headache forgotten, Jacey gave herself over to the euphoric adrenaline pumping through the entire arena.
    As soon as the puck dropped, the cheering and jeering resumed. It was custom to watch from the owner’s box, but Jacey couldn’t pull herself away from the glass. She’d forgotten how exciting a hockey game could be. When the first buzzer sounded, the Sinners were down 2 to 1, and Carter seemed none too happy about it. He didn’t even look at her as they headed back down the tunnel to the locker room. She moved to follow, but Madden grabbed her arm. “But I should be there — ”
    “Trust me, you don’t want to be. For one thing, when they take the equipment off, the smell could peel paint. And Nealy’s going to rip them a new one. It’s best to stay out here.”
    Jacey laughed. It seemed absurd to imagine Nealy with her small, delicate bones and high, lilting voice screaming at a room of giant hockey players. It was almost as funny as the vulgarities that spewed forth when Reese missed the two goals. Even from the bench, Nealy sounded like a manic depressive pixie. Jacey just shook her head then looked out over the rink. Two Zambonis glided around, laying down a fresh sheet of ice. She inhaled slowly, deeply. “You know, this smell reminds me of him almost as much as his cigars and cologne. He really loved it, didn’t he?”
    “Dad?” Madden gave her a sidelong glance then looked out at the ice too. “Yeah … he did.”
    Jacey bit the inside of her lip and folded her arms across her chest.
    “It’s in you too, you know.”
    She blinked and looked back to him. “What is?”
    “That drive. The business mindset. And even a little love for the game I think.”
    A small smile etched across her mouth as she considered that. “Growing up, we spent more time in that arena than our own house. We used to watch games from the box seats in our pajamas. I never thought it would be my life though. I mean, I went away to school to escape it.”
    It was Madden’s turn to be quiet. Jacey opened her mouth to add that she didn’t regret her current station, but Madden spoke first. “I think we both know I’m not ready to run this whole thing by myself, but … you could always sell the team … find your own place in life.”
    “No.” With some surprise, that answer came clear and sharp. “This is his legacy. I swear I can still feel him looking over my shoulder when I’m at his desk. I just know he’s there. This game was the love of his life and such a big part of him. I want to hold onto that.”
    “You were the love of his life, Jace. Sure I shadowed him — worked whatever hours, whatever jobs he gave me. But you were the one he told people about. His daughter, the business genius. The man’s desk looked like an F5 tornado had blown across it, but nothing touched the corner where he kept your picture. He’d just want you to be happy. If that meant going off to start your own PR firm, he’d still be proud. The truth is,