Page 65 of Snowed In With the PUCK

We say our goodbyes, and as I set the phone down, I turn to Eric, who’s watching me with a soft expression.

“You helped him with that?” he asks, his voice laced with admiration.

I shrug, a little self-conscious. “I was angry at the time, but yes, I was also honest. Honestly, I really do want him to be with someone who loves him for the right reasons. Someone who’d appreciate him. Be there for him.”

Eric’s eyes soften, and he pulls me closer, his hand on the back of my neck, his forehead resting against mine. “Just like you’ve done for me.”

Our eyes meet, and in the silence that follows, everything else melts away—the game, the article, the endless complications. All that matters is here, now, with him. His hands pull me to him, and I lose myself in the warmth of his kiss, his lips soft and sure as they meet mine.

“I don’t know how I’d have gotten through today without you,” he murmurs, his voice raw with honesty.

“You don’t have to,” I whisper back, meaning every word. “You never have to go through anything alone.”

He cups my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek, and I shiver as his mouth finds mine again, igniting every cell in my body. His hands slip around my waist, and I feel myself sinking into him, our breaths mingling as he pulls me into his arms, our connection deepening, turning unspoken promises into something more tangible, more real.

Tonight, every worry, every fear, every ache from the past vanishes as we find solace in each other, in a connection thatmore and more feels like it’s wearing the wrong label. Maybe it’s time to finally remove the “fake” from our fake relationship.

Chapter thirty-three

Eric

The past couple ofmonths have gone by in a blur of skates on ice and drills that make my legs feel like jelly. Every day feels the same: intense training, review sessions, and endless practices to keep our edge as we fight our way toward the playoffs. The focus feels good, grounding in a way I haven’t experienced in a long time. I signed the two-year contract with the Avalanche back in January, and that’s added a sense of stability I didn’t know I needed.

Our fake relationship, or whatever you want to call it now, has somehow turned into something I look forward to. The public loves the sporadic posts and appearances we make together. Jessica’s support has become this constant in my life, a source of strength. The lines between what’s real and what’s for show have blurred, and I’m not so sure it matters anymore. With her, I feel like I can just… be. And somehow, she’s right there with me, like she’s been here all along.

It’s late March now, and as I walk into the locker room after practice, there’s this electric energy in the air. We’re on the brink of playoffs, and everyone can feel it. I pull off my gloves and take a seat, savoring the satisfying burn in my muscles. My mind drifts to Jessica. We’ve fallen into a routine, living together at Coach Stanton’s place. A part of me wonders if I should start thinking about getting my own place… with her, if she’d want that.

Just then, Coach Stanton walks over, grinning. “Nice work out there, Gator,” he says, giving me a hearty slap on the shoulder. “You’re in playoff shape now, that’s for sure.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I say, feeling the pride of his words settle in.

He glances around, as if to make sure we’re alone. “Listen, Eric, you’ve been staying at my place for a few months now. I can tell things are good between you and Jessica, but have you thought about finding a place of your own?”

I look up, surprised by his suggestion. It makes sense, but the thought of taking that step feels huge, like I’d be signaling to Jessica that I’m in this for real, not just until the season ends. “With Jessica?” I ask, almost testing the idea out loud.

“Of course with Jessica,” Coach says, his tone humorous. He turns serious. “You know, that girl’s had a lot on her plate. Jason used to put a lot of pressure on her to keep an eye on you, report back on whether you’d sign the contract or not. She’s refused every time. Even risked her job for you.”

I blink, taken aback. Jessica never told me. I knew her boss, Jason, had been keeping tabs on me, but I had no idea Jessica stood up to him. Risking her career just to protect my privacy? She’s gone above and beyond anything I could’ve expected. I feel a sudden rush of pride and something else, something deeper that I’m almost scared to name. But it’s there, and it’s real.

“I… had no idea,” I say, feeling an ache in my chest as I think about all she’s done for me. I shake my head, grinning. “She’s incredible, isn’t she?”

Coach’s face softens. “She is.” He chuckles, leaning back. “You’re a lucky man, Eric. Times like these don’t come often. You’ve got family back in your life, you’ve got a woman who’s got your back, and your career’s on track. Take it in, embrace it. Life’s short.”

The truth of his words hits me. Life is short. It’s easy to forget that in the chaos of practice and contracts, but he’s right. I’ve been given a second chance with my mom, a new beginning in my career, and a chance at something real with Jessica. She’s been there every step of the way, steady as the Colorado mountains around us.

“How’s Linda doing?” Coach asks, his tone curious, bringing me back from my thoughts.

I smile, thinking about my mom. “I’ve flown out to Vegas twice since January. She’s doing great. She’s even started working with the recovery center on a documentary. My mom’s turned her whole life around all over again in a big way, and now, she’shelping others far beyond the rehab center who are trying to do the work to recover and live a full and happy life. It’s… amazing.”

Coach nods, pride clear in his eyes. “Sounds like you’re both on the right path, Eric. Don’t take any of this for granted. You’ve got something special here.”

As he walks away, I feel the truth of his words settle around me. I’ve got something special with Jessica, and it’s time I start treating it like that. We might have started this as a way to navigate the season, but now it’s real. I don’t want to pretend anymore.

The other guys filter out, the energy of the locker room slowly ebbing away. But I stay behind, sitting in the silence, letting Coach’s words sink in. I’m not one to talk about my emotions—hell, most days, I don’t even know how to handle them—but there’s something grounding about being with Jessica, like she makes everything simpler just by being there.

Life really is short, and I’ve spent too many years worrying about things I can’t change, too many years pushing people away because I was afraid of being let down. Jessica’s different, though. She’s shown me loyalty, trust, and a commitment I’d never expected. For once, maybe it’s time I let someone in all the way. Not because of convenience or because it’s part of the deal, but because I want her here with me—for real.

I grab my phone and type out a quick text to Jessica.

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