Page 62 of Defensive Zone

Riley turned to give her an inquisitive look. “That’s part of the game. You get used to seeing them banged up. Baz only fights when necessary.”

“He’s so strong. No one wants to fight Uncle Max,” Connor said.

“Of course,” Riley said.

Gabi hadn’t seen him fight since that one time over a week ago, but she still couldn’t understand why it needed to be part of the game. She hated it.

They walked into the cardio room and a ball of fluff bounded toward them.

“Chicklet, stop,” a man said, holding the leash in his hand.

“Oh, Mommy, he’s so cute,” Amelia said, dropping down to the floor. The puppy licked her face and she giggled.

“We’re still working on manners, obviously.” Riley laughed. “Guys, this is Edwin. He works in the front office and graciously agreed to bring this pup home with him when we’re socializing him this season.”

They all said hello and Edwin handed the leash to Riley.

“I’ve got to get back upstairs. Let me know if you need me,” he said.

“Sure. Thanks for bringing him in,” Riley said.

“Of course. Just make sure he does his rounds through the office,” Edwin said.

“We love having a puppy in the office. He’s cute.” Riley shrugged.

“I think it’s a great program. Max was telling me more about it,” Ava said.

“Yes, we socialize him during the season, and he works with an official puppy trainer, and by the end of the season, he’s ready to be a service dog for a kid in need. Westie’s girlfriend, Maggie, is a pediatric oncologist, so we work closely with the children’s hospital,” Riley said, referring to one of the other players.

Gabi had met Alex’s, or Westie’s, girlfriend, Maggie, during one of the home games. Gabi loved working with kids and being a nanny, but she couldn’t imagine being a pediatrician, especially in oncology. It took an extraordinarily strong and compassionate person to pick that line of work. Of course, her mother would probably have been ecstatic if Gabi had pursued a medical career instead of being a nanny, but it wasn’t her.

“Can we come play with him whenever we want?” Connor asked, ruffling the puppy’s ears and getting a big lick across his face.

Gabi loved every laugh and smile from Connor and Amelia. They’d been through so much in such a short time, and while they might not totally grasp how different their lives would be without their father, she would give anything to lift their spirits and remove that heartache now and in the future.

She still hated him for what he did to Ava, but the kids would never know the circumstances surrounding their father’s death. There was no reason to tell them about it.

But the kids had Max. And as much as he drove her insane on every level, he was beyond amazing with them. He’d gone out of his way to be there for the kids and Ava. Changed his life around so they could feel safe and loved.

Warmth filled her belly thinking about him. And then her thoughts turned dirty, like they typically did when Max entered her mind.

“Whatcha thinking about?” Riley said, right next to her.

“Whoa, I didn’t see you,” she said, annoyed that her dirty thoughts had made her forget where she was.

“You were too busy thinking about a certain hockey player, weren’t you? I know that look all too well,” Riley said, her voice low.

Gabi’s gaze darted toward the kids and Ava, who were occupied with the puppy, thank god.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said.

“You two seemed cozy at Lanzi’s the other night,” Riley said.

“We were squished into a booth. He’s a family friend, and technically, my boss.” It felt wrong when she said it out loud.

“A little tricky and maybe taboo, but sometimes it’s worth the risk,” Riley said.

“I guess you would understand, but it’s not like that with Max,” she said, trying to sound convincing.

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