Page 12 of Puck and Run

“Still…” I murmur, glancing to the ice where Duke is warming up with the rest of the players. He’s so focused, his brows furrowed. I can’t help but stare and admire the way he moves so effortlessly. “What if it gets messy?”

“Messy can be good,” Tuesday says with a grin. “You just need to embrace it. Life’s too short to worry about what-ifs.”

“I can’t argue with that logic, but the thought of telling Ryan gives me anxiety. “What if he doesn’t approve?”

“Then he’ll just have to get over it,” Paisley says firmly. “You’re an adult, Tilly. You can make your own choices. I know you look up to Ryan and want his blessing, but you have to follow your heart.”

The players take their positions, and the crowd begins to settle down. My heart races as the puck drops and I cheer along with everyone else, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Duke. I steal glances at him throughout the game, noting how he plays with such intensity, and the way he interacts with his teammates. It’s clear he loves what he does.

“Are you even watching the game?” Tuesday teases. “I think you’re more focused on Duke than the puck.”

“I’m multitasking!” I protest, but I can’t suppress my grin.

The first period flies by in a flurry of cheers and shouts. Ryan scores the first goal and the arena erupts in applause. I stand up, clapping wildly, and I catch Ryan’s eye across the ice. He grins, and I feel a sure of pride for my big brother.

“See? Nothing weird about this,” Paisley whispers, nudging me again. I’m going to have a bruise from sitting between her and Tuesday and all their nudging. “Just enjoy the moment.

“Yeah, I guess,” I say, but part of me still feels that nagging uncertainty.

As halftime starts I take a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll think about telling Ryan, but can you two promise to back me up if it gets dicey?”

“Absolutely,” Tuesday says, giving me a thumbs-up.

“Count on us,” Paisley adds, her voice full of encouragement.

The second period begins and the tension in the arena thickens. I try to focus on the game, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Duke and our situation. The chemistry between us is undeniable, but keeping it a secret feels both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I want to shout over the PA that he’s mine, but fear holds me back. I think there’s just a part of me that doesn’t believe this will last. That his attraction is still a hold-over of the mystery from the party and wanting something he didn’t think he could have.

As the game progresses, the Tornadoes take the lead, and I can’t help but cheer louder. Duke scores a goal, and the crowd goes wild. I jump up, clapping and screaming, my heart racing with pride. He’s incredible on the ice.

“Did you see that?” Tuesday shouts, turning to me with wide eyes. “He’s amazing!”

“He really is,” I agree, watching as Duke skates back to the bench, a grin plastered across his face. Our eyes meet, and for a brief moment, everything else faces away. I feel a connection that runs deep. It’s just us —caught in our own world, even ifwe’re surrounded by thousands of fans. It lasts for seconds, but it takes my breath away.

Tuesday and I decide to go get drinks and extra spicy nachos for Paisley. As we stand in line, I overhear some female fans chatting about the game and the players.

“Did you see Hammer’s last goal? He’s on fire!” One of them exclaims.

“Yeah, I hear he’s dating someone. A mystery girl,” another replies, a hint of envy in their voice. “I wonder who she is.”

“That has to be a rumor. He never hooks up during the season. It’s a well-known fact.”

My stomach drops. The idea of our relationship being gossip sends a wave of anxiety through me. I look over at Tuesday who seems oblivious to the conversation.

“What if someone finds out?” I whisper, my heart racing.

“Then it’s come out,” she replies easily, handing me my drink. “You aren’t doing anything wrong and you both deserve to be happy.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I say. “I just don’t think I’m ready for that level of attention.”

“People pay attention to you for a little bit when it’s new, but look at Paisley and me. We come and go as we please and no one cares. We get snapped when we’re out with the guys or if we’re doing something related to the team, but on our own no one cares much about what we do.”

“That’s true.”

“Just take it one step at a time, Enjoy the game, enjoy Duke, and then figure the rest out as it comes.”

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I just want to enjoy the rest of the game and stop obsessing over this.

We settle back into our seats as the game picks up again. Tenson rises as the Tornadoes maintain their lead, but the opposing team is getting more and more aggressive. I watchDuke closely, heart in my throat as he battles for the puck. He’s fierce and focused.

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