Page 30 of The Pucking Player

“Well, I’ve applied to a bunch of schools. NYU and Columbia are high on my list since they’re close to home, but I’m also really interested in Stanford. Their research in pediatric medicine is groundbreaking.”

“Stanford, huh?” I say, ignoring the pang in my chest at the thought of her being clear across the country. “California would be a pretty big change from New York winters.”

She laughs, the sound like warm honey in the frigid airof the car. “That’s definitely part of the appeal. Although I’d miss the snow. Sometimes.”

The way her laugh fills the space between us, soft and unguarded, has me gripping the steering wheel just a little tighter. I can’t stop glancing at her as she continues, her voice animated, her passion contagious. It’s not just that she’s beautiful—though she is—there’s also a fire in her, this drive that’s as captivating as anything I’ve ever seen.

Before I know it, the Sleepy Hollow Country Club looms in the distance, its grand facade glowing with opulence. As I pull into the circular driveway and park, I glance over at Sophie, nerves creeping back into my chest.

“Ready to knock ‘em dead, future Doctor Novak?” I say lightly.

She takes a steadying breath, her shoulders squaring as she meets my gaze. “Bring it on, Captain.”

I step out, coming around to open her door before the valet can beat me to it. She slips her hand into mine as she steps out, and the contact sends a jolt through me, my pulse skipping as her skin brushes against mine. As if it’s the most natural thing in the world, I keep her hand in mine, holding it like we’re more to each other than we really are. She glances at me, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, but she doesn’t pull away. And damn if I don’t revel in the sensation, her warmth threading through me as we head toward the grand entrance.

After leaving our coats, we step into the ballroom and are hit with a wave of warmth and decadence. Glittering chandeliers cast a golden glow across the room, illuminating polished marble floors and the sea of tuxedos and gowns. Every detail screams extravagance, from the towering floral arrangements to the champagne flutes beingoffered on silver trays. It’s the kind of place that feels almost surreal, like something out of a dream.

Beside me, Sophie hesitates, her fingers tensing slightly. It’s subtle, the kind of thing most people wouldn’t notice, but I feel it. I lean down, my voice low and teasing. “You okay there, angel?”

She glances up at me, her eyes wide and uncertain. “There are a lot of people here,” she whispers.

I grin, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Worst case, we cause a scene and make a quick getaway. I hear tuxedos are great for climbing out of windows.”

That earns me a soft laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing. “I’d pay good money to see you try to climb out of a window in that tux.”

“Hey now,” I tease. “I’d pull it off with grace and style. It’s a very niche skill set.”

As we banter, I guide us deeper into the ballroom, snagging two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. I hand one to Sophie, my fingers brushing hers as I do. The sparks that shoot up my arm at the brief contact are almost enough to make me drop the glass.

“Ready to mingle with thecrème de la crèmeof the medical world?” I ask, raising my glass in a mock toast. “Fair warning, I may need you to translate. The only doctor lingo I know involves words like ‘concussion protocol’ and ‘career-ending injury.’”

She rolls her eyes, but her smile is bright and genuine. “I think we’ll manage. Just follow my lead, be friendly, and try not to mention any bodily functions.”

“There go all my best icebreakers.” I sigh, earning another laugh. “Guess I’ll just have to rely on my good looks and sparkling personality.”

As I sip my champagne, I spot a familiar face weaving through the crowd toward us, Alan Bradshaw, CEO of HealthFirst. His wide grin and booming voice precede him, making it clear he’s the kind of guy who never enters a room quietly.

“Liam, my boy!” Alan claps me on the shoulder, his energy as overwhelming as ever. “That last game of yours—two goals and an assist! You’re single-handedly keeping our ticket sales through the roof!”

“Just keeping my part of the deal, Alan,” I reply with a grin, shaking his hand. “Can’t let those season ticket holders get bored, right?”

Alan laughs heartily, then turns to Sophie, his eyes lighting up with interest. “And who is this lovely young lady?”

I shift slightly, guiding Sophie into the conversation. “Alan, this is Sophie Novak. Sophie, meet Alan Bradshaw, CEO of HealthFirst.”

Alan’s eyes widen. “Novak? Any relation to Coach Novak?”

Sophie smiles warmly. “He’s my father.”

“Well, well!” Alan’s grin widens. “A family of champions!”

Sophie, poised as ever, corrects, “Actually, I’m studying pre-med at Westchester University.”

If possible, Alan’s grin stretches even wider. “An aspiring doctor! That’s fantastic! You know, HealthFirst is always on the lookout for bright young minds in the medical field. We have an excellent internship program. You should give me a call.”

Sophie’s eyes widen, her excitement palpable. “That sounds incredible, Mr. Bradshaw. I’d love to learn more about it.”

They dive headfirst into a conversation about medical advancements and internship opportunities. Sophie handles herself with such poise and confidence, it’s like watching a seasoned diplomat at work. She laughs at Alan’s anecdotes, asks insightful questions, and responds with thoughtful comments. She’s not just holding her own, she’s shining.

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