Page 89 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

HOLLY

The first thingthat greets me is a bleary swirl of ceiling tiles and a tangle of sounds. Something steady and beeping. Something softer—maybe voices. And then, a little closer, there’s Ethan’s face, hovering with a look that can only be described as ‘distress chic.’

Blinking, the room sharpens. The smell—well, it’s got that sterile hospital thing going for it, but I suppose a little IV drip and an unexpected nap on the world’s flattest pillow isn’t the worst thing. Not if it means waking up to those piercing, concerned eyes.

“Hey,” I murmur, just as Ethan’s hand clasps mine. His face is barely an inch away, all brooding worry that would look perfect on the cover ofAngst Monthly.

“Hey?” He lets out something between a laugh and a sigh, visibly deflating like a balloon finally untied. “You’re saying hey? You just gave the entire Blizzards team their biggest scare since … since—” he pauses, clearly unable to think of a scare that might compete. “—the playoff game we almost threw last season.”

His brows are drawn so tight they could qualify as knots. I give his hand a small squeeze and attempt a smile. “Sorry for the little stunt. Just trying to keep things spicy.”

“Spicy.” He leans back, running a hand over his face. “Yeah, that’s one word for it.”

Before I can answer, he’s up, calling for the doctor like he’s summoning back-up, and he’s gone in a flash, leaving me alone with Lauren and Mia, who waste no time swooping in with the grace of caffeinated hawks.

“Well, well,” Mia starts, eyebrows arched, her mouth twitching with a grin that spells nothing but trouble. “Look who’s got Chicago’s favorite brooding hockey player sprinting down the halls like a lovesick golden retriever.”

Lauren joins in, a mock sigh escaping her. “Nothing like a dramatic swoon to get a guy’s attention, Hols.”

“Oh, you two…” I wave them off, though my smile is already spreading. A lovesick golden retriever, indeed. “I didn’t plan this, believe it or not. I’m not in the business of creating my own dramatic hospital arcs.”

Lauren nudges my arm, eyes twinkling with concern under the teasing. “You sure you’re okay? Any weird pain or dizziness? I mean, besides the usual drama-induced ones.”

“Nope, no pain.” Well, maybe a little heartburn—because, apparently, that’s a new part of my life now. I catch Mia’s look—the one that says,oh, I know exactly why you fainted—and my heart skips as my cheeks warm.

Just then, Ethan returns with the doctor in tow, who promptly starts his examination and peppers me with enough questions that my head spins again. Ethan stands nearby, arms crossed, jaw tense, a shadow of worry making his usually fierce expression look almost boyish.

“Well,” the doctor says at last, turning to Ethan and the others, “it seems it’s mostly fatigue. Probably from all the planning and stress.”

He looks at me meaningfully. “But I’d still like a few words with you in private before you check out.”

Ethan’s lips part as if he wants to say something, but he stops himself, nodding at Lauren and Mia to let them know it’s time to give us some space. They both give me thumbs-ups and head out, whispering something about ‘girl time’ with Mia throwing a wink my way that’s about as subtle as a flashing neon sign.

Once the room empties, Ethan moves in closer, lowering his voice, rough with emotion. “Holly, I’m … I’ve been a mess over this. I want you to know that I’ve been going through … things. Trying to manage it all. And somehow, I just ended up hiding it.”

I breathe, heart thudding, and manage a question that’s been nagging me like a little splinter: “Are you … are you seeing someone else?”

His face goes from worried to shocked to downright amused, like he can’t even believe the question made it out of my mouth. “Seeing someone else? Holly, if I even tried, I think I’d get cursed. No, not in a million years.”

Somehow, that assurance feels real and calming, like the final piece of a puzzle clicking in. He promises we’ll talk more tonight, at home, about everything. That he’ll tell me what’s been eating at him and finally clear the air. His hand warms mine with a squeeze, his thumb tracing circles that send a flush straight up my neck. “Tonight, Holly. Promise.”

And just like that, he’s gone, off to wrangle Ryan and Liam into his mysterious gala plans with Lauren. It’s only me, alone with thoughts flipping between joy, fear, and something new—something huge that I need to share with him, too.

When the doctor calls me in, it’s just me and the steady tick of a wall clock, a little too loud for my nerves.

“Miss Bennett,” he starts, shuffling a few papers. “I’m sure you already know this, but … congratulations. You’re pregnant.”

It feels surreal hearing it out loud, even though I’d seen those two telltale pink lines and nearly fainted right there in that convenience store. A thrill and a wave of terror crash over me. I nod, barely managing to stammer something resembling a ‘thank you’ before escaping the hospital.

Mia’s waiting, with coffee, ready to dive-bomb me with questions and worry. Her eyes flicker with something softer, knowing, as she nudges me toward the car. “Ready for some caffeine that isn’t in a hospital cup? Good, because I brewed the best caramel macchiato this side of Chicago just for you.”

I’m barely seated before Mia’s car takes off, her mouth ready to fire off a dozen more questions than I can answer.

“You know,” she says thoughtfully, glancing over at me, “Lauren’s going to figure it out if you don’t tell her soon.”

I sigh, the weight of secrets piling up fast. “I will. Tonight. After Ethan knows.”

The coffee shop is warm, fragrant with cinnamon and clove, the holiday decorations twinkling with just the right amount of sparkle. I settle into a corner, the walls pressing close with the cozy feel of well-loved spaces, trying to soak in the calm of the moment.

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