Page 9 of The Pucking Single Dad

“As some of you all know,” Frank began, his tone turning serious. “As some of you all know, my father has been in ill health lately. After much consideration with a heavy heart, I’ve decided to take a short hiatus. I’ll be back before the season ends, but for now, I need to focus on my father.”

The news of Frank’s father worsening saddened Hunter deeply. David, Frank’s father, was also a coach who had helped lead the hockey team before becoming ill. The doctors had diagnosed him with terminal cancer, but Hunter still held onto hope for a cure. After all, people recovered from life-altering illnesses all the time, and he wanted David to pull through and be okay.

Not only had David been a leader for the hockey team, but he had also been like a father to Hunter during his time of need. Hunter’s own father didn’t speak to him, which was why he focused so much on being a good father to Adam. He wanted to be everything his father wasn’t. When David entered his life, Hunter appreciated having a healthy father figure around. David had helped Frank coach at the same time Hunter was drafted into the National Hockey League, offering sound advice and leadership. Over the years, they had developed a close relationship.

Hunter knew he needed to make time to visit David, but he dreaded seeing him so sick. Still, David had always been there for Hunter during hockey season and throughout life's most challenging, happiest, and saddest moments. He was present at the hospital when Adam was born, and he stood by Hunter during the funeral after his wife died in a car accident. This experience was why he walked so much in the city and avoided cabs; he didn’t trust other drivers, especially in winter. He blamed his wife’s death on the bad driving of others.

When Hunter was left alone with a small child and no wife, Frank and David were there for him. As much as he didn’t want to see David sick, he knew he had to pull himself up by the bootstraps and be there for him, just as David had been supportive of him. He hated thinking about the loss of his wife.

His wife, Sarah, had been a beautiful woman who tragically died in the back of a cab due to a horrific car accident. She was taken too soon, and Hunter had loved her deeply. The two were excited to start a family together and were elated when Adam was born. Sarah’s passing changed both Hunter and Adam forever. Hunter never thought he could get over his deceasedwife; in many ways, he hadn’t. But in the last four years, something shifted within him, especially after meeting Luna. The feelings he had when he was with her mirrored those he felt around Sarah and perhaps even felt stronger. This realization frightened him because it contradicted his desire to remain professional.

The team started to murmur among themselves, a sense of nervousness settling in. Their coach was their leader, and losing him at the beginning of the season, even before it started, agitated them. They needed a figure to guide them.

“Hey, everyone, calm down,” Frank said. "Do not worry at all. I know this is somewhat of a shock to you, but I give you my word that I am not leaving you high and dry. It is quite the opposite. There is going to be a new coach for half of the season. I want to introduce you to Stella. Stella, come on out.”

Stella, an attractive older woman with long, red hair came out. She was in her mid-forties, and there was an evident sex appeal about her. Despite her looks, she had a reputation for being a successful trainer. She frequently substituted for other coaches or aided other teams. She was part of successful teams that were successful. Although the news of Frank leaving the team temporarily was a shock to the team, having an attractive, effective coach wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

The team watched as Stella walked out. Most of the men were in awe of her. She was a natural leader, and she was a pretty leader, at that. Hunter didn’t pay as much attention, though. His thoughts drifted back to Luna. Sure, he noticed Stella’s beauty, but she had nothing compared to Luna. If he couldn’t have her for the time being, then he didn’t want anyone else.

Stella, the new head coach for the time being, looked around the crowd. She was excited for the new position. She loved hockey. As she looked out at each new player she would be leading, she noticed one player in particular. She didn’t know what it was, but something about her was drawn to one player on the rink. She was staring at Hunter.

That evening, Luna cleaned up the playroom. She and Adam had the best day together. After he finished getting ready for bed, she read him a bedtime story, and put him to bed. She stayed in the living room, reading a book. She was waiting for Hunter to come back home, so she could leave and head back to her apartment.

The interactions between her and Hunter were nothing but professional since the last time they made love, and although she wanted more, she knew she was acting in the best interest of Adam. Suddenly, she heard the door open. Hunter walked in with his gym bag. Luna got up from her seat and walked over to greet him.

“Did practice go well?” she asked. “You look like you had a long day.”

Hunter appreciated how Luna cared about his day. It made him more attracted to her, but he stopped his thoughts from going further. He looked her up and down before he responded.

“It was an interesting day, actually,” Hunter stated. “We have a temporary coach. This woman, Stella is going to be filling in for Frank. Rumor has it that she is a good coach. So, we will see how the season goes.”

Luna was taken aback by surprise. She knew there were women coaches in all sports, but for some reason, the thought of a female coach, coaching Hunter’s team made her body stiffen.She tried not to show her immediate jealousy towards the situation.

“Oh?” Luna stated with surprise. “That seems like a sudden change right before the start of the season. I hope it all works out.”

Hunter could hear the tone in her voice change. Was she being possessive of him? Part of him was surprised by this, and the other part of him liked that she was jealous.

“I’m sure it will,” he said with a slight smile. “But like I said earlier, time will tell.”

Luna gathered her belongings and walked towards the door. Hunter watched as she walked away. She looked so beautiful.

“Wait,” Hunter said. “Let me walk you out.”

Hunter walked her to the door. When they approached the entrance to the apartment, she turned around and looked up at him.

“I will see you tomorrow,” Luna said softly.

She didn’t want to leave, but she knew she had to. She was sticking to what they had discussed the last night they were romantically together. Adam had to be the focus. He needed stability, and he didn’t need a complicated relationship to get in the way of his development.

Hunter wanted so badly to kiss Luna. He eventually leaned down as if his lips were going to touch hers, but Luna reached her index finger up and gently touched his mouth to stop him.

“Professional,” she said softly. “It’s not about what we want right now. We have to be professional. We have to do this for Adam.”

Hunter smiled. His emotions were conflicted, but at the end of the day, none of that mattered. She was right. Adam had already been through so much after losing his mother unexpectedly.

“For Adam,” he said positively. “Be safe going home, and I will see you tomorrow.”

As he watched Luna leave his apartment, Hunter felt a deep appreciation for her dedication to Adam’s care. Her nurturing instincts made her incredibly attractive, and he admired the genuine concern she showed for his son. Closing the door behind her, one thought consumed his mind: he couldn’t wait to see Luna again tomorrow morning. The bond she was building with Adam filled him with hope and warmth, deepening his feelings for her even further.

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