Page 41 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

The cold air hits us like a slap in the face as we step through the door, and I immediately realize that something is very wrong. Instead of finding ourselves in the stadium seats, we’re standing directly on the ice rink. The slick surface glistens beneath our feet, mocking our grand entrance.

“Uh, Oakley?” Iris whispers, her eyes wide with panic. “I think we’re in the wrong place.”

“Ya think?” I retort, trying to keep my voice steady. My heart pounds in my chest—not from anticipation anymore, but from pure dread.

“Okay, okay,” Avery chimes in, attempting to defuse the tension. “We just need to turn around and find another way out, right? No big deal.”

“Easy for you to say,” I mutter, taking a tentative step forward. My foot immediately slips out from under me, causing me to flail wildly for balance. “This is like walking on glass!”

“Be careful!” Iris warns, reaching out a hand to steady me. But it’s too late—all three of us are now shuffling helplessly across the ice, our shoes providing little to no traction.

“Any bright ideas, Oakley?” Avery asks, her voice strained as she tries to regain her footing.

“Right now, I’m just focused on not breaking my neck,” I admit, gritting my teeth in concentration.

My efforts prove futile when, in a split second, my legs give out completely. I hit the ground with a resounding thud, the impact sending shock waves through my body. As I lie there, stunned and winded, I can’t help but think about how badly this plan has backfired.

I groan, trying to sit up and assess the damage. My pride might be bruised even more than my body.

Just as I’m struggling to regain my footing, a booming voice cuts through the air. “What’s going on here?” the coach demands, hisbrow furrowed in confusion and annoyance. He reaches for his walkie-talkie, presumably to call for security.

“Wait!” I shout, panic rising in my chest. The last thing we need is to be escorted out by security—or worse, banned from the rink altogether. But before I can think of a convincing excuse, Gray and Reid move toward us.

“Coach, don’t worry about it,” Gray says, trying to suppress his laughter as he glides effortlessly toward us. “They’re with us.”

“Really?” The coach raises an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “And since when do you let your friends wander around on the ice without skates?”

“Since they decided to surprise us,” Reid chimes in, grinning widely as he joins Gray. The rest of the team watches, chuckling at our predicament.

“Alright, just make sure they get off the ice safely,” the coach relents, shaking his head as he turns back to oversee the practice. “And don’t let it happen again.”

“Thanks, guys,” I breathe, relief washing over me.

“Anytime, Oakley.” Gray smirks, extending a hand to help me up. “Though I have to say, this wasn’t exactly your sneakiest plan. If you wanted to see us, all you had to do was ask. We would have helped.”

“It was sort of last-minute,” I retort as I accept his assistance. My legs wobble beneath me, but Gray steadies me with a reassuring grip on my arm.

“Your rescue missions could use some work,” he teases, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Ouch,” I say, feigning offense. “You know, you could try being a little less charming and a little more grateful that we came to watch you practice.”

“Grateful, huh?” Gray’s grin widens. “I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

Meanwhile, Reid skates over to Iris and Avery, offering them a helping hand. “Ladies, you’re lucky I’m here to save the day,” he jokes, exuding his usual confidence and charm.

“Thanks, Reid,” Iris says, smiling gratefully as she leans on him for support. “We really owe you one.”

“Hey, we all need a little rescue now and then,” he replies, winking at her. “Besides, this was way more entertaining than practice.”

“Speak for yourself,” Avery huffs, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment. “Next time, I’m bringing my own skates.”

“Deal,” Reid agrees, chuckling as he guides the girls off the slippery ice.

The cold air rushes past my cheeks as Gray suddenly scoops me up into his arms, carrying me off the ice like I’m some damsel in distress. Heat floods my face as I struggle to regain my composure and push down my embarrassment.

“Put me down!” I demand, squirming in his grasp. But instead of complying, he only chuckles and tightens his hold on me.

“Relax, Oakley. I’m just trying to help you get to the seats without any more accidents.” His tone is teasing, but beneath it I can hear genuine concern.

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