Page 108 of Pucking Revenge

I’ve just tapped the circle at the bottom of the screen to end the recording when an incoming FaceTime notification pops up.

I immediately tap Accept when my brother’s name flashes on the screen. “Hey, bud!”

Ethan’s return greeting is a peel of laughter. “Holy crap. What happened to your hair?”

With my free hand, I sweep the end of my ponytail, making it swish. “Like it?”

“It’s blue,” he says, pointing out the obvious.

“Yup! Bolts blue.”

Ethan shakes his head and grins. “That’s something. What are you up to?”

I tap the screen and flip the camera so he can see the guys. The instant I do it, I’m hit with a wave of guilt.

Brooks is hanging with his brothers and nieces and nephews on the ice. It’s a simple activity, but it’s something my brother may never get to experience, despite how much he’d love it.

But my brother hates being pitied, so I raise my voice, maybe a bit too loud, to get their attention. “Say hi to my brother!”

Aiden and Gavin wave, as do the kids, but Brooks practically ices me when he comes barreling in my direction and then speeds to a stop.

With far more excitement than is appropriate for the situation, he shouts, “Hi! I’m Brooks.”

My brother maintains his cool demeanor. It’s a feat, considering this man is his favorite player. “Uh, hi.”

Brooks clears his throat and studies me, his lip caught between his teeth. Then he looks back at the screen. Is he…nervous? He runs his hands through his hair, inadvertently messing up his perfectly done low bun. “I’m your sister’s—uh…” He blinks at me, all awkward and adorable.

I cough out a laugh and tap my phone’s screen so I appear on camera again. Then I wave Brooks over. “This is Brooks, my boyfriend.”

My brother’s eyes double. “Brooks Langfield is your boyfriend?”

The shyness seems to slowly drip off Brooks as he realizes my brother knows who he is. When he sidles up next to me, he stands a bit taller and wraps his arms around my shoulders. “That I am. I know hockey isn’t your favorite, but if you wanted to come to the game when we’re in town, I’d be happy to have tickets put aside for you. I’d love to meet you and your mom.”

Ethan’s jaw unhinges. “Uh…not my favorite sport?”

“I…um…” I sigh and try not to let the defeat I feel show. “I’m sure they’d love that.”

“Yeah, we would,” Ethan grins. “Now I get the hair.”

Brooks runs his fingers through it and gives the ends a tug. “It’s cute, right?”

“Yeah. I’m just surprised you did it now. Isn’t your appointment tomorrow?”

“Appointment?” Brooks tips his head to one side and squints at my brother.

My stomach plummets at the reminder. “Oh shoot.”

More like oh shit.

Shit, shit, shit.

Ethan’s face falls, probably in response to the blatant despair written all over mine. I’m supposed to have my hair cut to donate to an organization that makes wigs for children. Yet I went and dyed it blue. I’ve been growing it out for a solid year. God, my stupid, immature knee-jerk reaction to pissing Seb off…

“Maybe someone wants blue hair?” Ethan offers.He’s sweet to try to make me feel better.

“Yeah, maybe,” I mutter, dropping my chin and avoiding Brooks’s gaze. “Can I call you tomorrow, bud? We’re babysitting right now.”

Ethan nods. “Sure. It was nice meeting you, Brooks.”

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