Page 13 of Puck and Run

When the final buzzer sounds, the arena erupts in cheers. I jump up, clapping and shouting along with the crowd, feeling a rush of exhilaration.

“Let’s go wait in the family area. It will be a while before they’re done with all the post-game stuff, but I want to stay and see them tonight,” Paisley suggests, practically bouncing in her seat.

“Right behind you!” I say, excitement bubbling within me. As we make our way down to the area where family and friends are allowed to wait for players after the game, my heart races with anticipation. I can’t wait to celebrate their win.

After over an hour of waiting, the players begin trickling in. I spot Ryan first, his face flushed with excitement. I nudge Paisley and she jumps up, running to my brother and jumping in his arms. They kiss and I have to look away. I’m so happy for my brother and Paisley, but don’t need to see them make out.

I lose Tuesday next when Simon comes in the room. She repeats Paisley’s run and jump. Their kisses might be considered publicly indecent in some places.

Paisley and Ryan finally pull away from each other and Ryan comes over to me and wraps me in a tight hug.

“Did you see that, Tilly Bug? We crushed it!” he exclaims, his voice full of adrenaline.

“I did, you were amazing,” I reply, pulling back to give him a proud smile.

“Thanks, I saw you cheering like a maniac,” he laughs, ruffling my hair affectionately, something I could very much do without.

Just then, Duke walks up, his expression brightening when he sees me. He looks so handsome in his after-game suit, his hairstill damp from his shower. I bet he smells amazing. “Hey, Tilly,” he calls, and my heart flutters at the sound of his voice.

“Hey.” I wave, trying to contain my excitement.

“Great game,” I add, stepping a little closer to him.

“Thanks, I couldn’t have done it without the support of the fans,” he grins, and I feel a warmth spread through me.

Ryan looks between us, a glint of suspicion in his eyes. “You two seem to know each other pretty well,” he teases, but his tone hints at protectiveness.

“I cheer for the whole team, not just those I’m related to,” I say quickly, my heart racing. The weight of not being honest pressing down on me. “Duke played phenomenally tonight.”

“Thanks, Tilly,” Duke replies, his gaze steady and sincere. I can feel the unspoken connection between us, and for a brief moment, I wonder if I should just tell Ryan everything.

But then I catch sight of Paisley and Tuesday behind Ryan, their expressions encouraging. I can’t shake the uncertainty. “You played create too, big brother,” I say instead.

As the celebration continues, I stand beside Duke, feeling the heat radiating off him as we mingle with the other players. I watch him interact with his teammates, laughter filling the air as they joke about the game.

“Hammer, you were of fire out there. That last goal was epic,” Simon says, slapping Duke on the back.

“Yeah, man. You really brought you’re A-game tonight,” Spike adds, his smile joyous.

I get lost in the excitement as the night goes on. The warmth of Duke’s presence, the camaraderie of the team, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends momentarily push my worries aside.

I know I have to tell my brother. The longer I hide this from him, the more complicated it will be. Duke leans closer, our shoulders brushing, and I think it may be time to startembracing the beautiful mess that comes with falling in love, no matter how scary it might be.

Chapter Nine

Duke

Three weeks of hiding our relationship and I’m about to crack. I’m doing this for Tilly though. We sneak around at the arena, she makes up reasons to stay at my house, and I hate every second.

The energy in O’Connell’s is electric, a perfect continuation of the adrenaline still coursing through me after the game. I step inside, the noise enveloping me like a warm blanket. The place is packed with fans, friends, and teammates celebrating our victory, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. I scan the room, spotting Tilly at the bar, her laughter brightening the dim atmosphere.

She standing next to Ryan and Paisley, her hair catching the light just right, and for a moment my heart stutters. God, she looks incredible. The way she lights up a room makes me want to shout to the world that she’s mine. But tonight, it’s complicated.

I head toward the bar, making my way through the crowd. Ryan claps me on the back as I approach. “The Hammer actually came out with the team?”

My gaze flicks to Tilly, “Just felt like celebrating more.”

“What’s that about?” Ryan gestures to Tilly, a teasing smile spreading across his face.

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