Page 92 of From Wink to Kink

His words hit me like a slap. "You're such a hypocrite," I seethe. "You trust Chuck on the ice, you call him one of your best friends, but the moment I show interest in him, suddenly he's not good enough?"

"That's different," Tyler argues. "Hockey is?—"

"What? More important than my happiness?" I interrupt. "Nice to know where your priorities lie, bro."

We glare at each other, the tension in the car thick enough to cut with a knife. Lucy looks between us, unsure whether to intervene.

Finally, Tyler sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Rubes, I'm just trying to protect you."

"I don't need your protection," I say, my voice softer but no less firm. "I'm a grown woman, Tyler. I can make my own decisions."

"Even if those decisions get you hurt?"

I meet his gaze steadily. "Even then. Because that's life, Ty. Sometimes you get hurt. But sometimes... sometimes it's worth the risk."

Yup. I said what I said.

A long moment passes, the silence broken only by the sound of cars whooshing past. Then, to my surprise, a small smile tugs at Tyler's lips.

"When did you get so wise, little sis?"

The tension cracks somewhat, and I feel myself relax. "Probably around the time I realized I was in love with your knucklehead teammate."

Tyler groans. "God, I can't believe this is happening. Chuck Newcomb, of all people."

"Trust me," I say wryly, "I'm as surprised as you are."

Lucy, speaks up. "So... what are you going to do now, Ruby?"

I take a deep breath, the full weight of my revelation sinking in. "I don't know," I admit. "I guess... I guess I need to talk to Chuck."

Tyler nods, resigned. "Yeah, I guess you do." He turns back to the steering wheel, but before he turns back into traffic, he looks at me in the rearview mirror. "Just... be careful, okay? And if he hurts you, I reserve the right to check him into the boards during practice. Or worse. I’m still wanting to give that guy from the library the beat-down he deserves."

I can't help but laugh. "Deal."

As we pull back onto the street, I lean my head against the window, my mind whirling. I'm in love with Chuck Newcomb. The thought is terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.

I have no idea what's going to happen next. But for once in my life, I'm okay with that uncertainty. Because sometimes, the best stories are the ones you never saw coming.

And this? This feels like the beginning of one of those.

48

CHUCK

The rumbleof excited fans fills the convention center as I take my seat at the autograph table. It's our annual ‘Meet the Aftershocks’ event, where fans get to interact with the team, get autographs, and generally geek out over their favorite players. Usually, I love these events. The energy, the excitement, the chance to connect with the people who support us game after game is a blast.

But today, my mind is elsewhere. Specifically, about five miles across town, in a certain library where a certain redhead is probably shelving books and definitely not thinking about me.

I'm so lost in thoughts of Ruby that I barely notice when Tyler slides into the seat next to me. It's only when I feel the weight of his stare that I turn to look at him.

"Uh, hey man," I say, thrown off by the intensity of his gaze. "Everything okay?"

He doesn't answer immediately. He just keeps staring, his expression unreadable. I feel myself start to sweat, and not just from the bright lights overhead.

Finally, he speaks. "What are your intentions with my sister?"

The question hits me like a truck. I blink, trying to process. "I... what?"

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