"Are you bored with my spreadsheets?" she teased.
"Never," he protested with a smile. "Just tired. Three games in four nights takes a toll."
"We should probably wrap up anyway." Emma checked her watch. "It's nearly one."
Neither moved to pack up. Instead, a comfortable silence settled between them.
"Can I ask you something?" Nathan said finally. "Something not hockey-related?"
"That violates our 'just hockey' agreement," Emma reminded him, though her tone remained light.
"Humor me." Nathan sat on a nearby bench. "Why did you become GM? With all the pressure and expectations... you could have done anything. Why this?"
Emma considered the question. "I love the game. Always have, since I was little."
"That's why you play. Not why you manage."
The distinction impressed her. Most peopl
