Page 94 of Playoff

“If you need anything, let me know,” Bailey says. “I’m happy to go with you to fittings or make phone calls. Really. Jensen isdriving me nuts now that he can’t play, so I could use something to do.”

We all chuckle.

“My schedule has picked up a little,” Stevie adds, “but if I’m around, I’m happy to help too. Weddings are supposed to be fun, so whatever you need, just ask.”

“Aw, you guys are great,” Autumn says, smiling. “I’m sure it’ll all come together. I’ve just reached the stressful part of the wedding program.”

“I’d offer to help,” I say, “but I’m basically working twelve-hour days right now, trying to do my job and Gene’s.”

“How’s he doing?” Autumn asks. “I keep meaning to reach out, but I’m so swamped.”

“He’s doing good. Getting his strength back, doing what the doctors tell him, and trying to decide if he’s coming back.”

“Oh.” Autumn cocks her head. “I thought he was going to retire… what does that mean for you?”

I shrug. “Nothing, really. If he comes back, we just go back to the way things were before the accident. It means I have less to do, instead of more. But he can’t decide anything until the doctor gives him the okay.”

“But right now you’re in charge of everything, right?” Bailey asks. “Jensen speaks highly of you. He says no one can tape his wrists like you do.”

I smile. “That’s nice to hear. There are a few things I excel at.”

“I can’t imagine dating one of the guys,” Stevie says, shaking her head. “They’re so…intense. You guys are a special breed.”

“They’re all different, I think,” Bailey says thoughtfully. “I never imagined dating a pro hockey player, and then I met Jensen and there was no doubt he was the one for me. He’s physically huge, but he’s such a softie on the inside…such a good man. Who loves me fiercely. It’s the best, healthiest, sexiest relationship I’ve ever had. And I don’t say that lightly.”

“Same with Henrik,” Autumn adds. “He’s sixteen years older than me, so we get looks sometimes, but I don’t care. He played in Sweden for a while, before he blew out his knee, but then he was a scout, an assistant coach and now a head coach. He’s pretty much done it all in hockey, and while he can be very intense during games, at home he’s just Henrik. Or Daddy.

“And like Bailey said, he’s a bit of a tough guy on the outside—though nowhere near as big as Jensen—but he’s just Henrik to me. The man who loves and takes care of me and his children. The guy who didn’t hesitate to step up when his ex died. Who was never afraid to show me how he felt about me even though it was initially a one-night stand. You can’t lump all hockey players together.”

That’s for sure.

Not that I can tell them about Blake and me, but I would have a similar story if I could.

“You dated Blake Rourke in high school, right?” Autumn asks me.

I grimace. “Are people really gossiping about that?” I ask.

“Is it a secret?” She seems confused.

“No, not really, but it was a long time ago. And I have to agree with the others,” I say carefully. “We were just kids, so maybe it’s a little different, but no matter how rough and tough Blake was on the ice, he was just my boyfriend. He didn’t bring that intensity home.”

And he still doesn’t.

When we’re together, all I feel is comfortable. Taken care of. Protected.

Loved.

God, he told me he loved me, and I couldn’t bring myself to say it back.

Because I’m fucking scared.

“See?” Autumn pokes Stevie’s leg with her toe. “Don’t discount hockey players. They’re a rare breed, and a very special one at that.”

“And there’s a few single guys on the team,” Bailey points out. “Connor and Effie are on the outs right now.”

“Too young,” Stevie says, laughing. “I’m twenty-six. He’s nineteen. That’s a big no.”

We all chuckle.

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