Power Play by Anna DePalo

Author:Anna DePalo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-06-07T14:36:57+00:00

Eight

Sometimes it was good to catch up with teammates. Marc Bellitti and Vince Tedeschi lived just outside Springfield, where the Razors were based, so even in the off-season, they were good for an occasional beer at the Puck & Shoot, or for lunch like they were having today at another of their customary haunts, MacDougal’s Steakhouse.

Except today, Jordan had a motive for asking them to meet up. “I need your help.”

With a cooking show. He’d debated how to float the idea of making an appearance on her program to his mother. He knew she’d be delighted to have one of her children back on the air. And Jordan’s star power in particular couldn’t hurt—just as when his new sister-in-law, Chiara Feran, the Hollywood actress, had gone on the show. Debating what tactic he’d take since talking to Sera and finally getting a tentative commitment, he’d hit upon the idea of a cooking competition—among hometown-team hockey players. Sort of like Iron Chef with an ice-puck spin, and Sera as the judge. Brilliant. His mother had loved it.

All he needed was to recruit a couple of his teammates—and c’mon, they had to have time to burn in the off-season, and a little positive publicity couldn’t hurt.

“When don’t you need our help?” Marc joked, snagging a remaining fry from their burger lunch. “Need advice on how to talk to women? I’m your man.”

If there was anyone who could best him in the smart-aleck department, it was Marc. But Jordan held his fire, because—as much as this pained him—he needed Marc to play along here. And not in the way his teammate probably imagined. Aloud, he said, “It involves Vince, too.”

From across the table, the Razors’ goalie held up his hands. “I’m good. Whatever scheme you two are coming up with, count me out.”

“Vince, if it’s about women, believe me, you could use all the help you can get,” Marc shot back.

On that score, Jordan had to agree. Vince Tedeschi was a big, hulking, taciturn guy. He was the team’s rock, but he let others do the razzle-dazzle.

“It’s ’cause you’re such a straight arrow that you’re perfect for this gig, Vince,” Jordan said.

“Which is?” the goalie asked warily.

“I need you and Marc to cook.” Jordan paused. “On air. On my mother’s show.”

Vince groaned.

“Hey, you’re used to being on television.”

“But not cooking, man.”

“It’ll impress the ladies. They’ll be calling and writing in.”

Vince knitted his brow. “What’s the demographic of Flavors of Italy with Camilla Serenghetti? My grandmother watches.”

Next to Vince, Marc swallowed a snort. “And there’s your answer right there.”

“You won’t be the only ones on it.”

Now Marc looked intrigued.

“My physical therapist will be judging our cook-off.”

Now Marc burst out laughing. “Great, I’ll have a chance to kick your butt on air.”

“Yeah, think of it as a golden opportunity,” Jordan said drily.

Marc liked to indulge in the occasional prank, and Jordan had had his butt slapped by a hockey stick on more than one occasion.

“You’ve recruited your physical therapist, too?” Vince seemed perplexed.

“Serafina Perini,” Jordan said.

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