Page 44 of Hat Trick Daddies

For a moment, I hesitate.

The offer is tempting, but my plans for the evening are already set, and they have nothing to do with Nick or Tyler.

My heart skips a beat as I think of Brooks, the warmth of his touch, the way he made me feel last night.

“I can’t,” I say quickly, forcing a polite smile. “I have plans with my dad tonight.”

Nick’s expression falters for a moment, the hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes before he recovers. “Your dad, huh? All right, family time’s important.”

“Yeah,” I say, guilt bubbling up in my chest. “He’s been wanting to catch up, and with work, it’s been hard to find the time.”

Nick nods, his disappointment obvious, but he doesn’t press further.

“Well,” Nick says, leaning back against the bench, “Tyler and I will give you a review of the club, and then maybe we can all go again sometime.”

I smile wide, though it’s not for the reasons Nick might think. “That sounds awesome! I hope you guys have a great time.”

“Thanks,” he says, his grin returning, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

Inside, I’m relieved. If Nick and Tyler are going to be out all night, that means no interruptions, no unexpected surprises during my time with Brooks.

Brooks and I will have the evening completely to ourselves.

The thought sends a small thrill through me, but I push it down, forcing myself to focus on the present. “You’ll have to tell me how it goes tomorrow,” I add, standing up and brushing off my coat.

Nick nods, waving as I head back toward the main hallway.

Returning to my office, the day stretches on in slow motion.

With Dr. Martin gone and no appointments on the schedule, I spend most of the afternoon aimlessly scrolling through my phone, occasionally glancing at the clock.

Each minute feels like an hour as my mind wanders to the evening ahead. I think about Brooks during practice, the way his presence commands attention on the ice. The memory of his laugh, his smirk, the way he looked at me last night, it’s enough to make my cheeks warm just sitting here.

Finally, the clock ticks over to the end of my shift. I grab my coat and bag, practically bouncing as I head out the door. The empty parking lot greets me with a chilly breeze, but even the cold can’t dampen my mood.

Sliding into my car, I start the engine and pull out of the lot, my thoughts already racing ahead to tonight.

When I get home, I’m greeted by the sound of my cat, Poppy, meowing loudly from the living room. The fluffy gray ball of energy bounds toward me, her soft chirpy noises filling the quiet space as I set my bag down and kick off my shoes.

“Hey, Poppy,” I say, scooping her up into my arms. “You’re not going to believe the day I had.”

She purrs, her little body vibrating as I carry her into the kitchen. Setting her down, I open the fridge and start pulling out ingredients for dinner, pasta, fresh vegetables, and a bottle of wine.

As I chop vegetables, Poppy weaves between my legs, her tail brushing against my calves. “Dr. Martin basically put me in charge today,” I tell her, my voice light with excitement. “He said he trusts me to handle things. Can you believe that?”

Poppy responds with a series of chirps and meows, rolling onto her back and batting at the hem of my pants.

“And tonight,” I continue, smiling as I sprinkle seasoning into the pan, “I’m going to see Brooks again. Don’t tell anyone, okay?”

Poppy stretches, her paws batting at the air, and I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.

I finish cooking the veggie stir-fry, the aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen as I set the plate on the small dining table. I grab a fork and sit down, ready to take my first bite, when my phone buzzes on the counter.

The screen lights up withDadin bold letters, and my heart skips. I quickly wipe my hands on a napkin and pick up.

“Hey, Dad,” I say, trying to keep my tone light and casual despite the nervous energy bubbling inside me.

“Hi, sweetheart,” his familiar voice comes through, warm and steady. “How’s work going?”

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