Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

The New Guys

*~* Emma *~*

"Hey Emma?"

I looked up from my computer to see our Captain and probably my best friend, Ryan Getzlaf, poking his head in my door. I smiled, "Hey Cap, what's up?"

"It's time to meet the new guys. They'll be here in a moment."

"Thanks Ry." I stood up and head with him down to the conference room. "What do you think of them?"

"Well, Zegras and Drysdale are fresh from college and had a few games down in San Diego. They look good and I think they will be great with more time. Barnes and Rogers, they're from New York so I've played against them. They have aggression but it works. I hear they played together from diapers."

I laughed at that. "I'm sure that makes their dynamic on the ice that much better. I haven't seen their files yet, had to deal with ... umm... other things today."

Ry looked at me with sympathy. "He's still hassling you?"

I gave a weak smile. "Yeah, he'll be here tomorrow for his road trip."

"Sorry Em, I'm sure..."

"Don't Ry. I don't want to cry before I meet the new guys."

We walked into the conference room to find four very tall individuals who looked a little nervous. I forget how tall hockey players are, probably because I was used to Ryan and the other players but with new people, it's shocking.

"Hi guys, I'm Ryan, team captain. This is Emma, one of our public relations managers." Ryan knew I hated being introduced with my last name. I had a hard enough time being accepted in a man's sport.

The guys introduced themselves, but I couldn't take my eyes of the dark, blue eyed one. He was obviously tall, his chestnut hair longer than normal, a strong face but kind. He radiated confidence and had a deep baritone voice. "Hi," he said, "James Barnes." He extended his hand.

"Emma," as I shook it. I glanced at his friend. "Steve Rogers," he said as he shook my hand. It helped me get out of the trance. Steve is gorgeous with his butterscotch hair and blue eyes.

James made me nervous. He was staring slightly but I couldn't help but look down or away because he was making my blush. I hadn't felt like this in a while. I tried to focus on what I needed to tell the new guys. "So, guys, I'll be your point of contact while you settle here in Anaheim. We'll take you down to the locker room and show you where your new jerseys are. You have practice in a few minutes but after, I'll take you from there to the apartments that we have set up for you for now. We have you paired off. I've also got cars arranged for you at the apartments so you can get around." I was rambling and Ryan knew it. I could feel him shaking, trying not to laugh. I nudged him with my elbow and muttered "Shut up."

"You wound me, Em," as he started to crack up. The other guys, watching the exchange, started to chuckle.

"Sorry guys, Ry's just being a jerk. Oh, excuse me," I said as my phone started buzzing. I didn't bother looking at the caller Id and just answered. "This is Emma," as I stepped out of the room.

Emma, its Alex. Crap.

"Alex."

Emma, please just talk to me.

"I'm in the middle of a meeting, Alex, with the new players. I have to go."

Em, please. I'm sorry for what I said. I know it's not your fault.

"Alexander, I can't do this right now. We're done. You made that clear. Please just leave me alone."

Fine Emma. You'll regret this.