Page 26 of Falling for the Hockey Superstar

“What?” Jake leans in, his eyes glued to me.

“We finish with a scrimmage,” I say with a grin. “You’ll get to play a real game with the other kids—coached by me and some of the other players.”

Jake’s mouth drops open. “A real game? With you coaching?”

“Yup.” I tousle his hair affectionately. “I’ll be right there on the ice with you.”

***

Leaving him looking through the pictures, I turn to Abby. She looks absolutely beautiful as she watches her son, and maybe me too. I lead her to the sofa in the other room where it’s quiet and a bit more private.

“But I also…” I clear my throat, my eyes locking on hers. “I want you to be there, too, Abby.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and I see the hesitation flicker back.

“Beck…”

“I know,” I say softly, stepping a little closer. “I’m not pushing. But… I’d like for you both to be part of it. No pressure.”

“I’ll be working with the kids on the ice and, of course, Jake will be part of the group activities. I was thinking that you might be interested in helping at one of the booths for the kids. It could be fun. “I have it on good advice that I can get you whatever job you want,” I tell her with a smirk.

“Beck, working with kids is top of my list for volunteer work, so yes, I’d love to help.”

Then her lips press together, and I can see the battle in her eyes—the part of her that’s starting to trust me… and the part that’s still afraid.

“One step at a time,” I murmur, echoing the words I told her earlier.

She nods, her gaze dropping to the floor. But I see it—the tiniest crack in her walls.

It’s a start.

Chapter eleven

Abby

Ishould’veknownbetterthan to let Jake talk me into coming to another Ice Hawks practice. I swear, that kid has a sixth sense when it comes to sniffing out potential emotional landmines. But the way his face lit up when Beck invited us back? How was I supposed to say no?

For two weeks the VIP Kids’ Day is all Jake has talked about. It’s like I’d given him high caffeine drinks for every meal. If I’m honest with myself, I’ve been feeling the same. Being a part of Beck’s world, seeing him immersed with the kids, knowing that this is the real Beck …it’s planting seeds that are growing in my heart.

Moment broken."Spotty, sit!" I whisper-hiss, but the spotted menace is way too busy trying to sneak closer to the stray hockey puck Jake is batting around near the benches. His tail wags like a propeller, and he’s inching forward like a Dalmatian ninja.

"Spotty,no! That’s not a chew toy!"

Jake snickers, glancing over his shoulder at me. "He just wants to practice his stickhandling, Mom."

"Stickhandling my foot," I mutter, eyeing the poor puck that’s about to meet its slobbery doom.

“Hey, I think he’s got a future in the NHL,” Beck’s voice teases from behind me.

I whirl around, catching Beck mid-grin as he approaches, still in full gear, looking way too good for a guy who just finished an intense practice. His hair’s damp and pushed back, a few stubborn strands curling at the edges. He smells like fresh ice and minty shampoo, and it’s downright unfair.

"Spotty’s aiming to be a power forward," Beck adds with a wink. "I can see it now. Sir Lotsaspots, taking the NHL by storm."

Jake bursts into giggles, and I can’t help but chuckle myself.

“Maybe he’ll outscore you, Beck,” Jake jokes, puffing out his chest like a tiny hockey analyst.

Beck crouches beside Jake, his eyes twinkling. "I don’t know, buddy. I’ve been on a bit of a streak lately. Think Spotty can keep up with that?"

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