Page 17 of Falling for the Hockey Superstar

“Can we bring Spotty?”

“We’ll see.” I glance down at the enthusiastic Dalmatian, whose tail thumps in agreement. “If Beck says it’s okay.”

Chapter eight

Beck

EarlierinthemorningI’m already halfway through my second cup of coffee when my phone buzzes with a familiar name.

Dexter Stone, the team Manager.

I sigh, knowing this conversation is long overdue. “Dex. What’s up?”

“Checking in, Beck.” His voice is all business, but there’s a thread of concern underneath. “Haven’t heard from you in a while. I figured you were keeping busy, but… you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” I glance toward the window where Biscuit is perched on the sill, watching the world go by. Mitts and Hat Trick are curled up on the couch, blissfully unaware that I’m about to get an earful. “Just… taking some time to breathe, you know?”

“Breathing doesn’t make the Ice Hawks millions, Beck.” Dexter’s tone is half-joking, half-serious. “You’ve got a lot on your plate—on and off the ice. And you’re not exactly the type to sit still for long.”

“I’m not.” I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “But maybe that’s the problem.”

There’s a beat of silence on the other end before Dexter speaks again. “This isn’t just about hockey, is it?”

“No.” I hesitate, knowing Dex will see right through any half-hearted excuse I give him. “It’s… Abby and Jake.”

“Ah.” Dexter’s tone shifts, softer now. “The writer and her kid?”

“Yeah.” I run a hand through my hair, leaning against the counter. “I don’t know, Dex. They’re… different.”

“Different how?”

“It’s not just the usual fan interaction. Jake’s got this energy… this passion for hockey that reminds me of me when I was his age.” I pause, feeling that familiar tug in my chest. “And Abby… she’s…”

“She’s got you tied in knots.”

I huff out a quiet laugh. “Something like that.”

“So, what’s the holdup?” Dexter’s voice is practical, but I can hear the unspoken question beneath it. “You’ve got the world at your feet, Beck. Money. Fame. Options. If she’s worth it, go for it.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve worked too hard to keep my life private.” I exhale slowly, feeling the weight of it settle on my shoulders. “I’ve built walls, Dex. Big ones. And letting Abby in… letting Jake in… it means tearing those walls down.”

“Maybe it’s time,” he says quietly. “You’ve spent years building this empire. You’ve got more money than you know what to do with. But what’s it all for if you’re not happy?”

I glance around my penthouse—sleek, modern, and empty. The view of Elmwood and the surrounding hills and lakes is breathtaking, but lately, it feels like I’m looking out at a world I’m not really a part of.

“I don’t know, Dex,” I murmur. “But I think I’m starting to figure it out.”

“Good.” His voice is lighter now. “Just don’t wait too long, Beck. Life doesn’t wait for anyone.”

“Yeah.” I hang up, but his words echo long after the call ends.

***

Abby and Jake are in my thoughts basically all the time. It’s time to test my heart along with my head again. So, I feed the herd of cats, grab my gear and head to the rink.

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