Power Pucking Play (Chicago Blades)

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Lexi

" A ll right, Sophie, hit me with what you've got," I say, sliding into a booth at Brewed Awakenings just a few blocks from the Blades' practice rink. It's been a whole day since my first early morning with Gio, and I'm still reeling from day one of this godawful assignment.

The Chicago traffic outside is heavy, even on Sunday morning when most people should be sleeping in. I'm desperately wishing I was doing exactly that right now.

I take a sip of my latte as Sophie slides into the booth across from me, her laptop already open and ready for work. Her dark hair is pulled back into a neat bun, her makeup done just so.

For once, the new intern seems pulled together and professional, instead of her usual disheveled appearance.

"All right, so I did some digging on Gio De Luca," Sophie says, tapping away at her keyboard. "And let me tell you, he's definitely not one to share personal details, that's for sure."

I nod in agreement, remembering our tense exchange in the locker room yesterday. "Yeah, he's definitely not an open book. I mean, his sister Gabi is my best friend, and besides the fact that Gio and Gabs were raised by their Nonna, I don't know much else about him. I mean, yeah, I know his basic story. Where he went to school, how he came up through the hockey ranks. But I don't really know what makes him tick."

"Well, lucky for you, I've found some interesting things," Sophie says with a smirk. "For one, his bed never seems to be empty."

"Excuse me?"

"Yep." She pulls a few articles on her screen. "He's been linked to multiple women over the past few years, including models and actresses. Thing is, not a single one of them seems to have said a bad word about him. Seems like he's quite the gentleman."

"Gio? A gentleman? Come on. The guy has knocked out more teeth than the rest of his team...combined." I lean in, lowering my voice. "Remember, we're keeping this on the down-low. If Gabi finds out I'm digging into her brother's past like this..."

"My lips are sealed." Sophie mimes zipping her mouth shut. "And you're right. Gio's got a reputation for being a hothead on the ice, right? Well, apparently, it started way back in juniors..."

As Sophie rattles off a list of Gio's past indiscretions—most of which I already knew about—a ball of guilt builds in my gut. This isn't exactly ethical journalism.

But then again, when has Gio ever played fair? He's always been about winning at all costs. And if that means playing dirty on the ice, then so be it.

"Well," Sophie pushes through, "turns out just because he's tough on the ice, doesn't mean he can't be a sweetheart off of it. But that's not all. Apparently, he's also quite the philanthropist."

Now she has my attention. "Really? What kind of causes does he support?"

"He's been involved in various charity events and organizations, but his main focus seems to be on helping underprivileged youth get involved in sports. He even started his own hockey program for kids who couldn't afford to play otherwise."

I remember Gabi mentioning that. I'd assumed it was just a publicity stunt, but it seems like there's more to it.

"He also donates a portion of his salary to various children's hospitals and organizations," Sophie continues. "And he visits the kids regularly, bringing them gifts and spending time with them. In fact, there's this charity thing he does every year. Another kid thing, I think?"

"Kid thing? What kid thing?"

"I don't know the details, but he's supposed to meet with some Fulfill-A-Dream kid before today's game. It's not really publicized."

Huh. That's...unexpected. I can't imagine the Gio I know spending time with sick kids. But then again, maybe that's just another side to him that he keeps hidden from the public eye.

Sophie must catch my surprised expression because she adds, "See? Not such a bad guy after all."

"Looks can be deceiving," I say, remembering my initial impression of him.

"Well, if he's just pretending to be a good guy, then he deserves an Oscar. He's been doing this for years and never once made it public knowledge."

"That's...impressive," I admit begrudgingly.

"And that's not all. Rumor has it, he also volunteers at the local animal shelter on his days off."

I laugh in disbelief. "Okay, now you're just making stuff up."

"I swear it's true! Apparently, he goes in every week to help take care of the animals and even helps with adoptions. I, uh...heard Evan Daniels got him involved in it."

"Evan Daniels? You mean the grumpy goalie for the Blades?"

"The very one.”

"And you know this how?"

"Let's just say I have my sources," she says mysteriously.

"Uh-huh." I nod, watching Sophie's face. I know that look on her face when she says Evan's name. That “Holy-hell-this-man-makes-me-want-to-cream-my-panties' look”.

"And you don't believe me," she says with a frown.

"No, I do. I just..." I clutch my latte closer. "Word of advice, Sophie?"

"Sure."

"Being around these very built, very rich, very famous, and very handsome men can be a trap, okay? My dad is a famous guy in the sports world. I know how it goes. As someone who went through the wringer romantically all my twenties, and is finally getting her shit together at thirty, don't be fooled by the glamor." I take a sip of my coffee. "Find someone in the 'I-just-want-a-normal-fucking-life' department. Trust me on this."

Sophie leans her head on the back of the couch and sighs as she stares at the ceiling. "Believe me, I know." She sighs, glancing back at her laptop. "But hey, at least now you know Gio's not a complete asshole."

"Yeah. We'll see about that." I grab my purse, scooting out of the booth. "Thanks, by the way. You're a lifesaver."

"My pleasure," Sophie says with a wave as she goes back to her work.

I'm not five feet out of the door before I'm already making calls. Several hours later, I'm lurking near the Blades' locker room, camera crew in tow. I smooth my hair and adjust my blouse, ready to charm my way into getting some footage.

By the time Gio emerges, looking annoyingly good in his pre-game suit, I've already been shoved around by security and had a few choice words thrown my way. He sees me and raises an eyebrow, but doesn't stop moving my way.

"Brookes," he nods, eyeing the cameras warily. "What's all this?"

I plaster on my sweetest smile. "Just documenting the life of Chicago's favorite bad boy. Like we agreed, remember?"

Gio rolls his eyes and keeps walking, but I'm able to keep up with my long legs. "You agreed to a day in the life piece, Gio. Don't tell me you're having second thoughts now."

His jaw ticks as he continues to walk. "Don't you have better things to do? Like, I don't know, actually writing something?"

"Oh, I'm multitasking. Now, I hear you've got a special guest today?"

Gio's eyes narrow. "How did you—never mind. Look, this isn't some PR stunt, okay? I don't want everything on camera," he grumbles.

"Don't worry. I'll edit out the parts where you pick your nose or something."

He stops suddenly. His hands are on my arms before I can blink, the cameras and my crew be damned. His green eyes deepen in color as he glares.

My throat goes tight as I have to tilt my head to look up and into his piercing gaze.

"I'm serious, Lexi,” he rumbles. It’s the first time I can remember him using my first name. "This is not a joke to me."

I swallow hard, my heart thumping fast. "I know. And I promise, I won't make a mockery of it. It's just...it's my job to get the story."

He lets me go and continues walking, but his mood has shifted. "Fine. But if anyone gets in the way or makes these kids uncomfortable, you'll have hell to pay."

Before I can argue, a small voice pipes up. "Are you Gio De Luca?"

We both turn to see a young boy, maybe eight or nine, standing there with wide eyes. He's thin, pale, and wearing a Blades cap that's too big for his head. He's flanked by a man who I assume is his father, also wearing Blades gear.

Gio's whole demeanor changes as he crouches down to the boy's level. "That's me, buddy. You must be Tommy. Ready for some hockey?"

Tommy nods enthusiastically. "Can I see your stick? Is it true you broke three in one game?"

Gio chuckles, crouching down to Tommy's level. "It was actually four, but who's counting? And sure, I'll show you my stick. But only if you promise to be a Blades fan forever, okay?"

Tommy nods again, grinning from ear to ear.

"Come on." Gio gestures. "I'll show you around."

As I watch Gio lead Tommy toward the ice, pointing out different features of the building and cracking jokes, I feel something shift inside me.

This isn't the brash, arrogant player I've been writing about. This is...someone else entirely.

"You getting this?" I mutter to the camera guy, not taking my eyes off the scene.

For the next hour, I watch as Gio gives Tommy the VIP treatment. He introduces him to the team, lets him try on his helmet (which nearly swallows the kid's head), and even lets him take a few shots on goal.

Through it all, Gio is patient, kind, and genuinely engaged. It's like watching a completely different person.

As Tommy leaves, clutching a signed jersey and wearing a grin that could power the whole arena, I catch Gio watching me.

"What?" he asks, a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

I shake my head, still processing what I've seen. "Nothing, I just...I've never seen this side of you before."

He shrugs, but I don't miss the way his eyes soften. "Yeah, well, don't go spreading it around. I've got a reputation to maintain."

As he heads back to the locker room to prep for the game, I'm left standing there, my mind reeling. I came here today hoping to catch Gio being his usual difficult self on camera.

Instead, I've caught a glimpse of something...more. There's a whole other side to Gio De Luca that I've been missing.

And despite my better judgment, I start to wonder what else I might have missed.