Page 56 of The Girlfriend Zone

Tyler nods, grabbing a towel and wiping the back of his neck. “For the most part. Agatha just arrived, so that’s good.” Agatha is the kids’ nanny—an older woman who’s worked for him since his ex went back to college. “And Elle—she’s doing well in med school. I think she likes the change—new city, fresh start.”

I get that. I desperately needed that feeling when I moved here. “Seems like things are coming together.”

He runs a hand through his hair, which is longer than mine now. “Just gotta, you know, play good hockey for a new team. No big deal.”

“Right, no pressure,” I deadpan, grabbing a heavier set of weights. “I mean, you only have to live up to my impressive stats. And that’s not easy.”

Tyler smirks, tossing his towel at me. “You’ll be thanking me when I’m carrying you through the season.”

I snag the towel and fling it back. “Oh, you think you’re carrying the team? I was here first. Makes me the better Falcon.”

Tyler raises an eyebrow. “Better? You mean…older?”

“Oh, please.” I flex in mock confidence before I lift the weights. “I’m in my prime.”

He shakes his head, grinning. “Sure, keep telling yourself that.”

“I fucking will. Especially tomorrow when we start,” I say, already feeling the thrill of stepping back on the ice.

I’m ready to make this year my best yet. Especially with Leighton there to capture it all.

Maybe, possibly, that’s why I switch to even heavier weights. Well, there’s a good chance she’ll see me shirtless.

18

THE MILES FACTOR

Leighton

Even though I’m not Riley’s third parent, I like to steal as much time with her as I can. Since her school starts late on Wednesdays, we grab a lychee bubble tea for her and tea for me before the first bell at school, and before I’m due at the Sea Dogs arena.

As we walk toward Harris Academy on the outskirts of Japantown, the streets dotted with cherry blossom motifs on banners, I ask about her classes. “How’s chemistry treating you?”

“Nope,” she denies me, grinning. “We’re chatting about you. It’s my turn. I have advice for you.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, you do, missy?”

“Definitely.” She gives a little skip. “I know most of the hockey guys.”

I blink, surprised. “You do?”

“Hello! While you were away at college, I had to hang out at the arena. Go to games and all.”

Right. Fair point—she’s probably been to more games than I have.“Okay, Miss Mini Coach, tell me everything,” I say as we pass a small bakery, and I catch the faint aroma of matcha. Riley lifts her nose. She’s a matcha girl too. “The guys on the team are kind of like uncles to me.”

“Then wouldn’t that make me their niece too? Because I’m not loving that,” I say, shuddering at the thought. I definitely don’t want to be seen as a niece, especially with one player in particular.

“Fine, you’re like an aunt, then.”

“Riley, I know you’re good with genetics, but I don’t think I can be an aunt or a niece.”

My sister makes a swirling gesture with her hands, her fingers covered in rings. “My point is, remember: Hugo is the team teddy bear. His wife makes amazing cookies—we ordered them for the science competition last year.”

“Right,” I say. “Those cookies were delicious.”

“Then there’s Christian. Everyone looks up to him. Very serious.”

“Got it.” I nod, knowing this to be true about the current team captain.

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