Page 14 of Puck Me at Midnight

The rink is quiet after practice, the echo of skates on ice still ringing in my ears as I pull my helmet off. My body’s sore, aching in places that only a full-contact sport like hockey can reach, but it’s a good kind of exhaustion. The kind that comes with knowing you’ve pushed yourself to the limit.

As I head toward the locker room, I catch sight of Simon, Ryan, and Duke, already settled on the benches, talking shop. Duke’s the captain, the guy who’s been leading this team for as long a long time, and I’ve always respected his approach to life—both on and off the ice. Ryan’s the type of guy who’s always got something funny to say, lightening the mood when things get too heavy. Simon, on the other hand, is the jokester, the guy who can make anyone laugh, but you know there’s a sharp mind behind all that humor.

I take a seat next to them, tugging off my skates and starting on my gear.

“So, how’s life with the boys, man?” Ryan asks, glancing at me with a raised brow. “They giving you a hard time?”

I can’t help but smile. “They’re good. Sam’s a handful, but Charlie’s… he’s just the sweetest. It’s a weird balance, you know? Trying to figure it all out.”

Duke nods, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, it’s not easy, especially with everything else going on. The rink, the travel, theschedule. But family’s important. You just have to make sure you’re giving them the time they deserve.”

I glance at Ryan, who’s been married for a while now. He’s got a handle on this balancing act, something I’ve been struggling with. “How do you do it? Balance hockey and family, I mean. Seems like you’re always on the go.”

He leans back, stretching his arms above his head, clearly thinking. “It’s about prioritizing. You have to figure out what really matters. Hockey’s a huge part of our lives, but at the end of the day, it’s family that sticks with you. You don’t want to miss out on the little things, the moments that actually count. Trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t make the time.”

His words hit me hard. There’s something about hearing it from another hockey player, someone who loves the game like I do, that makes it real. I think about Emma and the boys. I don’t want to be the guy who lets this opportunity slip away because I couldn’t get my priorities straight.

“Yeah, but when do you know when to step away?” I ask, a little frustrated. “It’s hard to juggle everything.”

Ryan says, “It’s tough, but you make it work. You learn to carve out time. Whether it’s a couple of hours for dinner or just those moments where you check in with your family. You can’t let the game consume you entirely.”

Simon, who’s been listening quietly, raises an eyebrow and leans in with that teasing smile of his. “Spike’s got it rough, though. He’s got more than just his boys to worry about now, huh?”

I freeze, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”

Simon leans back and smirks. “I’m just saying, I see the way you’re always talking about Emma. You can’t fool me, man.”

Duke bursts out laughing, clapping me on the back. “Oh yeah, Spike’s got it bad. He can barely keep his eyes off her when she’s around. I don’t blame you, man. She’s a keeper.”

Ryan chuckles, but there’s a glint of understanding in his eyes. “Duke’s right. You’re definitely smitten.”

I feel the heat creeping up my neck. It’s not like I’ve been trying to hide it, but hearing it from them, especially in the middle of this locker room, makes me feel exposed in a way I didn’t expect.

“I’m not—” I start, but the words die in my throat. I can’t deny it. Not when it’s so obvious. I’ve been falling for Emma, and I’m not sure what to do with that yet.

Duke leans in with a wink. “Look, Spike, you’re a smart guy. Don’t make the mistake of missing your shot. You’ve got something good going with her, right? Don’t be an idiot.”

Simon nods, more serious now. “Duke’s right. But you gotta be sure about it. Make time for her. Show her she’s a priority. If you want something real with her, you gotta put in the work.”

I think about what Simon said, and for the first time, I realize he’s right. I’ve been so focused on trying to keep it together that I haven’t been giving Emma the time she deserves. She’s been patient with me, but I need to step up. For her. For the boys.

I nod, a weight lifting off my shoulders. “Yeah. I get it. Thanks, guys.”

Ryan grins. “No problem, man. Just don’t wait too long. You might wake up one day and realize you missed the chance.”

Duke laughs, punching me lightly on the arm. “Hey, you’ve got a good one, Spike. Don’t mess it up. You don’t want to be the one who regrets it.”

I smile, feeling the truth of their words settles in. Maybe I’ve been avoiding this because I’m scared of what it might mean, but I’m starting to see that not going for it is the bigger risk. Emma’s worth the effort. Worth the leap. I’ll figure it out. One step at a time.

But I’m done holding back. It’s time to put my family first—and that includes her.

Chapter Twelve

Emma

The door closes quietly behind him, and I hear Spike’s soft footsteps as he enters the house. I don’t even have to see his face to know he’s drained—his tired sigh carries across the room, and I immediately stand up from the couch, instinctively moving toward him.

When he enters the living room, I see the slump in his shoulders and the way his hands rest heavily at his sides. His eyes meet mine, but there’s a depth of exhaustion in them that makes my heart ache.

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