Page 20 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

I shrug, releasing the breath I was holding. “I don’t know. I was just planning on relaxing, maybe exploring the city a bit, or doing tourist things.” My mind races, searching for ways to fill the empty hours ahead.

“You can hang out with us if you want,” Gray suggests. “We have practice, but before that, there’s this cooking class promotion event happening today.”

“Gray, that actually sounds like fun,” Reid chimes in, grinning from ear to ear. “But what does a cooking class have to do with hockey?” He playfully nudges Gray in the ribs.

“Promoting a healthy lifestyle, obviously,” Gray replies, rolling his eyes at Reid’s teasing.

I blink at Gray, my confusion momentarily replaced by curiosity. “Alright, I’m in. But I have to admit, I never thought I’d see the day when Gray Archer, hockey superstar, would be so excited about a cooking class.” I chuckle, trying to imagine him in an apron, flour dusting his hands.

“Aw, come on. Cooking can be fun, especially when we’re doing it together.” Gray winks at me, making my heart skip a beat.

“Sure.” I smile. “It sounds like it’ll be fun.”

“Go change,” Gray suggests.

A sudden realization hits me as I glance down at the clothes I’ve been wearing since yesterday. The limited wardrobe I packed feels embarrassingly inadequate.

“Uh, guys?” I say hesitantly, drawing Gray and Reid’s attention. “I just realized that I don’t really have clothes that are appropriate for these kinds of events. I thought you’d be busy—I didn’t realize I’d be able to hang out with you. And I didn’t exactly have time to pack properly before I hopped on that flight.”

“Then it’s settled,” Gray declares, his eyes twinkling with determination. “We’re taking you shopping. It’s not like we can have you attending events in the same outfit over and over again.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment at the thought. “I mean, I guess I could use a few more things, but I don’t really have much money to spend right now…”

“Oakley, don’t worry about it,” Reid cuts in, waving off my concerns. “We’ve got you covered. Besides, when do we ever get the chance to spoil you?”

“Guys, really, I can’t let you do that,” I protest, biting my lip. The idea of them spending their hard-earned money on me makes me feel guilty, even if their intentions are good.

“Come on, Oakley,” Gray pleads, giving me that charming smile he knows I have trouble resisting. “Just a few small, cheap things. We won’t go overboard, promise.”

“Fine,” I relent, sighing dramatically for effect. “But only a few things, okay? And nothing too expensive.”

“Deal,” Reid agrees, grinning from ear to ear.

“What if reporters see us together? You know how they love to twist things and create drama,” Gray reminds us.

His concern sends a cold shiver down my spine. The last thing I want is for our friendship to be plastered all over gossip columns, causing problems for them and their careers. I don’t want to become a burden.

“Gray’s right,” Reid chimes in, his bright green eyes thoughtful as he considers the implications. “We should probably take some precautions so you don’t get dragged into any scandals.”

“Like what?” I ask, my heart racing at the thought of being exposed to the world in such a vulnerable way. I’ve never been one for the limelight, and the idea of people scrutinizing my every move terrifies me.

“Disguises,” Reid suggests with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

10

OAKLEY

As they step back into the foyer, I’m immediately struck by the sight of Gray and Reid wearing what they consider to be “disguises”—glasses, sweatpants, and ball caps. It’s almost comical how ridiculous they look.

“Seriously?” I snort, unable to contain my laughter. “You guys really think those outfits will fool any reporters?”

Gray grins at me, completely unfazed. “You’d be shocked at how stupid they can be sometimes.”

“True,” I concede with a smirk, still chuckling as I follow them through the house and into the garage.

Once inside, I can’t help but gawk at the impressive collection of cars. There must be at least ten, all gleaming and pristine, just waiting to be driven. I shake my head, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

“Really? How many cars do you boys need?” I tease, giving them a sidelong glance.

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