Page 4 of Hat Trick Daddies

Before I can celebrate, a shadow flashes in my peripheral vision, and I barely have time to turn my head before another player, fast and ruthless, plows into me.

I grunt as my back slams against the boards, the breath knocked clean out of me as I gasp hollowly.

I glance up through the glass surrounding the sides of the rink as I slither down the wall. There she is, the new team doctor, looking down at me.

Her bright blue eyes widen, her plump lips parting slightly.

For a second, I forget where I am.

My ribs ache, but the look she’s giving me feels more intense than the hit I just took.

Our eyes lock in that instant, and it’s like the world tilts on its axis.

She’s just staring at me, probably wondering if I’m about to keel over, but all I can focus on is her face.

Those beautiful flashing eyes, framed by loose strands of blonde hair, and the soft curve of her pouty lips—it’s enough to knock the air out of my lungs all over again.

I shake my head and push off the boards, forcing myself back onto my feet.

The rookie who hit me skates off with a sheepish look, and I wave him off. “Good hit, kid,” I mutter, more to myself than him.

I can’t shake her image, though. Even as I refocus on the game, the pretty new doctor keeps slipping into my mind like an uninvited guest.

What is it about her? There’s something in her gaze that unsettles me, something that stirs up trouble…

God help me. I realize I want a taste of whatever trouble I think she might cause for me.

The puck is on the move again, and I force myself to concentrate on practice.

This is hockey: my sanctuary, my home.

This is the one place I don’t let anything else distract me.

But as I take my position at center ice, I can’t stop wondering what it’d be like to get her attention for more than just some bruised ribs.

Tyler skates up, smirking like he’s been waiting for this moment. “You good, old man?” he teases, clapping me on the shoulder.

I grunt, rolling my shoulder to check for any lingering pain. “I’m fine. Took worse hits than that before you were even in diapers.”

Tyler laughs, leaning on his stick. “Better not get too banged up. If you quit hockey, where am I supposed to live? Can’t exactly take over your mansion if you’re not footing the bills.”

Nick slides in from the other side, his grin matching his twin’s. “He’s right. Maybe try keeping your head on a swivel, Brooks. You’re not exactly a spry rookie anymore.”

I glare at both of them, but there’s no heat behind it. “Thanks for the advice, boys. I’ll be sure to consult you two next time I’m on the ice.”

Nick shrugs, unbothered, and Tyler grins wider. “Hey, we’re just looking out for you. You go down, and we’re out a free ride.”

I snort, shaking my head. “You two are lucky I don’t kick you out on principle.”

“We’re lucky, but also charming,” Tyler says, skating backward with an exaggerated wink. Nick just laughs, and the two of them take off down the ice together.

I glance back toward the glass where the new doctor stood earlier. She’s gone now, and I feel an odd pang of disappointment.

Shaking it off, I refocus. Potential interesting girl trouble or not, I’ve got practice to finish.

I glare back at the twins as they skate off, their laughter still echoing in my ears. Lucky and charming my ass. I take a moment to lean on my stick, catching my breath, but before I realize it, my gaze drifts back toward the side of the rink.

There’s no reason for this. She’s just another staff member, hell, I haven’t even met her yet.

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