Page 43 of Hat Trick Daddies

When I push them open, the sharp, icy air hits me like a slap. I pull my hat down over my ears and tuck my hands into my pockets, stepping into the cavernous rink. The sound of blades slicing through ice and the occasional shout from the players echoes through the space, bouncing off the high ceilings.

The chill seeps into my cheeks and nose as I walk toward the edge of the rink, leaning on the railing and peering through the plexiglass.

The players dart across the ice, their movements quick and precise, the sound of their skates carving into the frozen surface like music to my ears. I catch myself smiling as I watch, the sheer athleticism on display never failing to impress me.

Across the empty stands, I spot Nick sitting on the bench, his bandaged hand resting on his knee. His gaze catches mine, and he raises his good hand in a wave.

I wave back, feeling a small smile tug at my lips. The players move between us, the blur of jerseys and sticks creating a fleeting barrier, but Nick waves again, more animated this time. He gestures for me to come over, his expression playful.

I hesitate, glancing around the stands. The place is empty except for the team, and after a moment’s deliberation, I decide to go. Hugging my coat tighter, I make my way around the rink, stepping carefully over the slick floor near the ice.

Reaching the bench, I climb in from the side, the metal frame cold under my gloves as I steady myself. Nick shifts over slightly to give me room, his grin easy and disarming.

“Where’s your boss?” Nick asks, tilting his head.

I settle into the spot next to him, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Gone for the day. Actually, gone for good, more or less.”

Nick’s eyebrows shoot up. “What do you mean?”

I laugh softly, shrugging. “Dr. Martin basically told me he’s checking out early but still signing off on my fellowship. He said he trusts me.”

Nick looks flabbergasted, his mouth opening slightly before he shakes his head. “How’d you pull that off?”

“I have no idea,” I admit, laughing again. “I guess I impressed him?”

Nick raises his bandaged hand, a smirk playing over his lips. “Well, you impressed me, too.”

The sincerity in his tone catches me off guard, and I feel my cheeks warm despite the cold air. “Thanks,” I mumble, glancing down at my gloves.

His grin widens, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us, the sound of the players on the ice fading into the background.

Nick leans back against the bench, his good hand resting casually on his knee as he glances at me. “You know,” he says, his tone light but teasing, “this means I get to drop in on you whenever I want while you’re watching practice.”

I raise an eyebrow, trying to mask the smile threatening to creep across my face. “Oh, does it now?”

He nods, the smirk turning into a full grin. “Absolutely. Can’t let you get too bored in that office of yours.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t deny the warmth in my chest.

There’s something about Nick’s charm that’s hard to ignore, even when I know I should avoid getting caught up in it.

The thought sobers me quickly.

Just last night, I gave my virginity to Brooks, and now here I am, sitting next to Nick, blushing at his compliments and fantasizing about things I have no business imagining.

I try to focus on the game, letting my gaze follow the players as they weave across the ice. But it’s a struggle.

The way Nick’s presence pulls at me, the way his playful tone keeps replaying in my head, it’s almost too much.

“Keep your head in the game, Ally,” I mutter under my breath, trying to shake off the distraction.

But as Nick leans in closer to ask me something, his voice low and smooth, I know it’s going to be harder than I thought.

Nick leans forward slightly, his gaze fixed on me with that same playful intensity he always seems to carry. “So, what are you doing tonight?”

I blink, caught off guard by the question. “Uh…tonight?”

“Yeah,” he says with a grin. “Tyler and I are heading out to check out this new club downtown. Thought maybe you’d want to come with us. Grab dinner, have a drink, see the place. It’ll be fun.”

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