Page 73 of Power Pucking Play

"That won't happen. I won't let it happen."

Gabi looks at me incredulously. "Are you serious? You're willing to ruin Lexi's career for a fling?"

"It's not a fling," I reply firmly. "And it's not just about her. It's about finally finding someone who gets me."

Gabi gives me a sad smile. "I get that, Gio. I really do. But you need to do the right thing."

"I know," I say quietly, looking down at my hands. "But I can't keep living a lie just to please everyone else."

For a moment, we just stand there, the weight of the revelation hanging between us. Then Gabi sighs, her expression softening.

"Are you happy, Gio?"

The question catches me off guard. Am I happy? With Lexi, yeah. Happier than I've been in a long time.

But with everything else? The secrecy, the complications, the potential fallout?

"I am," I finally say. "And Lexi...she's worth it. Worth figuring it out."

Gabi studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Okay. Then I guess I'm happy for you. But Gio? Be careful. This could blow up in both your faces if you're not smart about it."

"I know. We're working on it."

"You'd better be working on not hurting my friend," Gabi warns, but there's a small smile playing on her lips.

"I would never hurt her," I promise sincerely.

"Good. And make sure she doesn't hurt you either. She may be tiny, but Lexi has a mean right hook."

"So, you're not mad?" I ask tentatively.

"Do you want me to be mad?"

"No, of course not. I just...I value your opinion."

Gabi's expression softens even more and she gives me a hug. "I may not agree with everything you do, but I'll always support you." She releases me with a laugh. "But if you hurt my girl, it'smyright hook you'll need to worry about. Now go figure out how to make this work without getting traded or kicked off the team."

As Gabi walks away, I feel like a weight has been lifted.

No more lying. No more hiding.

At least not from the people who matter most.

In the locker room, I suit up with a newfound sense of purpose.

Tonight, I'm not just playing for the team or for the playoffs. I'm playing for Lex.

To show her—to show everyone—that I can be more than just the hothead jackass that everyone thinks I am.

I'll prove to her that I'm capable of being a good teammate, a loyal boyfriend, and maybe even...a better man.

As the game begins, my focus is solely on the ice.

Problem is, this game is intense from the first drop of the puck. The Buffalo team is out for blood, clearly seeing us as the team to beat.

But for once, I'm not taking the bait.

When their star defenseman, a mountain of a man named Kruger, slams me into the boards, I don't retaliate. When their enforcer slashes at my hand with his stick, I keep my cool.

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