Page 29 of Twin Babies for the Pucking Billionaires

“Not today, buddy,” I pant, skating back to our side.

“Nice try,” Declan calls, smirking.

The game’s intense. Sweat’s pouring down my face and my legs are burning, but I push harder. We’re down by one, and I’m not letting Declan’s team win.

“Axel, to your left!” I shout.

He sends the puck over, I catch it, then pass it to Jamie, who’s waiting by the goal. Jamie slaps it in, tying the game.

“Hell yeah!” Jamie whoops.

“Good job, Jamie!” I yell, skating over to high-five him.

Coach blows the whistle, calling us in. “All right, that’s enough for today. Good hustle out there. Keep that energy up for the next game.”

We skate off the ice, exhausted but pumped. In the locker room, everyone’s chatting and laughing, the tension from the morning forgotten.

Declan walks over, clapping me on the shoulder. “Good game, man. You guys gave us a run for our money.”

“Thanks. Your guys weren’t half bad either,” I reply, grinning.

As we change out of our gear, the conversation shifts to plans for the evening.

“Anyone up for a drink later?” Axel asks.

“Hell yeah,” Jamie says. “Count me in.”

I glance at Declan. “You in?”

“Maybe. Got to check on Lily first,” he says.

I nod, understanding. “Of course. Family first. Say hey to her for me.”

***

Our favorite club, Inferno, is packed tonight. It offers dim lighting, thumping music and the faint smell of spilled beer and cologne. I’m leaning against the bar, flirting with the bartender, a cute redhead named Jess.

“You’re always here on Tuesdays, Jess. What’s your excuse?” I ask, giving her my best smirk.

“Pays the bills, Finn. What’s yours?” she shoots back, grinning.

“Keeping you company,” I reply smoothly.

Jamie slides up next to Declan, who’s nursing a beer. “How come you agreed to come out with us? You always go home after practice.”

Declan glances at me before answering. “Just needed a little break.”

I catch a glimpse of a brunette across the room. My heart skips a beat. There’s no fucking way it’sher.She can’t be back here after all this time. I excuse myself and head outside, my breath clouding in the cold air.

Nope, she’s not out here. The air bites at my skin and I warm my hands, feeling a little lightheaded from the drinks. Declan steps out, looking concerned.

“I’ve been looking for you,” he says.

“I just needed some fresh air for a minute.” I see the worry in his eyes. No one but Declan and Coach know about the panic that can hit me out of nowhere.

“I’m okay, I promise. Just thought I saw someone,” I reassure him.

Declan relaxes a bit, chuckling. “It’s just like you to be chasing after a girl.”

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