Page 35 of Defensive Zone

“Nope,” Gabi muttered.

He grinned, and she stiffened. Today was going to be fun.

Ava and the kids headed to the car, and he turned back to Gabi.

“You’ll be fine,” he said.

“If I break my ankle, there’s going to be hell to pay and you are going to be at my beck and call,” she said with a huff of indignation.

“Beck and call, huh? Sounds interesting.” He couldn’t help himself, and the thought of catering to her every need rolled through his head.

“Knock it off, Max,” she said.

“Listen, if you want to tell me that I make your knees weak and you’re going to collapse in my arms on the ice, you don’t have to be so dramatic about it.” He smirked.

“Are you kidding me? You’re so freaking annoying.”

“I believe you mean freaking awesome,” he boasted.

“Ugh. You’re such a child.”

“But I bet you aren’t worried about the ice right now,” he said.

“We aren’t even there yet. I have an entire car ride to worry about it,” she said, pushing past him.

At least she wasn’t refusing to go anymore. That had to count as progress.

He grabbed his gear bag and followed her into the garage, and within minutes, they were on their way to the arena. He was almost as excited as the kids.

Who was he kidding? He was beyond excited.

“Hey, guys, you ready to skate? I hear that you’re amazing on the ice, Amelia,” Nessie said as they all put on their skates in the locker room. The kids and Ava had their own already, but Max had grabbed a pair for Gabi.

She’d grumbled as she’d laced them up, claiming she didn’t need his assistance with that, for which he was glad. She might have sliced him with her blade in her irritation.

On accident, of course.

“I love skating. I want to play hockey when I’m older, but I’m not going to fall as much as Uncle Max,” Amelia said.

“Hey,” Max protested.

Nessie laughed. “He does fall a lot. So clumsy. Not sure why we keep him around.”

“For my comedic genius,” Max said.

“Who’s calling you a genius?” Dom asked, skating up to them. “Well, hello there. I’m Domenic, best center on the team,” he said, holding out his hand to Gabi.

Max almost growled, and he definitely glared at the younger man.

“And cocky,” Gabi said, smiling at the kid.

“Yeah, he’s irritating like that,” Max said, subtly nudging his body between Gabi and Dom. Nessie’s eyes narrowed in question.

“Since Baz is being extra rude, it’s nice to meet you,” Dom trailed off.

Gabi laughed. “Gabi. Ava’s best friend and current nanny for the kids. Nice to meet you,” she said.

“I wonder if Ally is coming today,” Max said.