Page 77 of Pucking the Team

“I know what you mean,” I say softly. Since college, Selena and Sydney have been the closest thing I have to sisters. Watching them drift apart these last few years has been tough.

Selena secures the garland in the box and turns to me, her eyes searching mine. “Speaking of being distant, you seemed pretty preoccupied over the holidays, Em. Everything okay? I know it’s been a crazy few months for you at work.”

My cheeks flush as memories of stolen kisses under the mistletoe flash through my mind—Lukas’s playful grin, Alex’s smoldering intensity, Ryan’s gentle strength, Slade’s steady presence. How can I even begin to explain the beautiful chaos my love life has become?

Tucking my legs underneath me, I settle cross-legged on the couch and motion for Selena to join me. She curls up on the other end, hugging a pillow, and waits.

I take a deep breath. “Sel, I’m seeing someone. Well, four someones actually…”

Her eyes widen, but she stays quiet, letting me continue.

“It’s Lukas, Alex, Ryan and Slade. I’m dating all of them. Together.” The words tumble out in a nervous rush. “I know it sounds bananas, but…I’m falling for them. Hard. Being with the four of them feels so incredibly right, like pieces of a puzzle clicking into place.”

I describe how each man brings out a different side of me—Lukas’s lighthearted charm, Alex’s protective guidance, Ryan’s quiet devotion, Slade’s unwavering support. How their love has given me the courage to open up and be vulnerable in ways I never thought possible.

“They’re quickly becoming like family to me,” I admit, my voice cracking with emotion. “And that’s amazing but also terrifying, you know? This is all so new and unconventional. I just…I don’t want to screw it up.”

Selena reaches over and squeezes my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. “Oh, honey. You deserve every ounce of happiness those men bring you. Don’t doubt that for a second.”

Her easy acceptance makes my heart swell with gratitude. Having Selena’s support means the world to me.

She grins mischievously. “Besides, juggling four hot athletes in bed? Sounds like a challenge worthy of the Emma Collins I know and love. Remember in college when you dated those two guys from the lacrosse team back-to-back?” Selena smirks. “You’ve always had a knack for attracting hotties. Looks like you leveled up to a whole starting lineup!”

I burst out laughing. Calling what I did with those lacrosse players “dating” is a stretch, but leave it to Selena to find the playfully scandalous angle.

We spend the next hour gabbing and giggling like teenagers at a sleepover, dissecting the finer points of my budding relationships. For the first time in months, I feel truly unburdened, wrapped in the comfort of my best friend’s steadfast presence.

Eventually, Selena turns to me, her expression thoughtful. “You know, Em, I’m so happy for you. Seeing you come alive like this, after everything you’ve been through…it’s incredible.”

Her words touch a deep place within me, and I feel the sting of tears behind my eyes. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Lena. You’ve been my rock through it all.”

Selena smiles softly. “And I always will be. But I think it’s time for you to let others be your strength, too. Life is better when you’re not having to go at it alone.”

I nod, but a nagging guilt begins to creep in. When was the last time Selena and I had a night like this, just the two of us? Our weekly cooking adventures, once a sacred tradition, have fallen by the wayside in the beautiful mayhem of my new reality.

I reach for Selena’s hand, my voice earnest. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around as much lately. I’ve been so caught up in everything, but that’s no excuse. You’re my family, Lena. I never want to lose sight of that.”

Selena squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with understanding. “Hey, no apologies necessary. I’m just happy to see you thriving.”

I take a deep breath, resolve settling in my bones. “Let’s make a pact. No matter how insane things get, we’ll always make time for each other. Weekly cooking nights, just like old times.”

Selena grins, holding out her pinky. “Pinky promise?”

I laugh, linking my pinky with hers. “Pinky promise.”

As we sit there, our fingers intertwined, I feel a sense of balance restored. The guys may be my future, but Selena is my foundation. And I’ll never take that for granted again.

A couple days later, I’m immersed in splicing clips together for the Blizzards’ latest social media reels when a shadow falls across my desk. I glance up to see Alex towering over me, his chiseled jaw set in determination.

“Hey Emma, got a sec?” His deep voice sends tingles to my core.

“Sure, what’s up?” I lean back in my chair, trying to play it cool even as my heart races being this close to him. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of being around this gorgeous hunk of man.

Alex leans a hip against my desk, his thigh brushing my arm. “Last night, when we were going over game tape, you made some really smart observations. Stuff that could help the team as we head into this next stretch.”

I smile, flattered that he values my input. “Thanks, I’m just glad I could help.”

“I want you to share your insights with the rest of the coaches and team.” His gaze is unwavering.

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