Page 5 of Falling for the Hockey Superstar

As I guide them toward the stalls, Spotty trots ahead, his nose twitching as he investigates every corner. Jake follows close behind, his energy practically vibrating off him, while Abby keeps a wary eye on her enthusiastic Dalmatian.

“Just wait until he finds the tape rolls,” I murmur to Abby with a grin. “Dogs love those things. Something about the smell.”

Abby arches an eyebrow, her lips quirking. “Good to know. I’ll add that to the list of things Spotty loves to destroy.”

“I’ve got a list like that for my cats. One of them shredded a vintage jersey once. I still can’t talk about it.”

“Oh no. A jersey tragedy?” she teases.

“The stuff of legends,” I say with a mock-serious nod. “Biscuit the Cat is still on thin ice.”

She laughs, and it settles something in me.

We’re halfway through the tour when I hear the familiar sound of voices and footsteps approaching.

Abby’s watching Jake take in every detail like it’s Disney on Ice. Her expression shifts between amused and awed, like this moment is something she’ll tuck away in her heart.

And suddenly, I want to be part of more moments like that. I’m not the guy who lingers after games. I don’t give tours. I don’t... crave this kind of quiet connection.

But tonight? I’m all in.

Uh oh.

“Yo, Hayes!”

I know that voice.Griffin.

Before I can warn Abby, Griffin Shaw—one of my best friends and the team’s biggest prankster—rounds the corner with Wes Archer right behind him. Both are still in their workout gear, towels slung around their necks and grins plastered across their faces.

“Look who’s giving VIP tours after hours,” Griffin says, his grin widening when he spots Jake and Abby. “And here I thought you were allergic to socializing.”

“Shut up, Griff,” I mutter, but it’s too late.

“Wait, is this the kid who was louder than the announcer tonight?” Wes asks, his eyes landing on Jake with a playful grin.

“Yep,” I reply, ruffling Jake’s hair. “Meet Jake Price. And his mom, Abby.”

Griffin’s eyes flick to Abby, and his grin turns downright wicked. “Ahhh. So that’s why Beck’s still hanging around. Now it all makes sense.”

Abby’s cheeks flush, but she recovers quickly, offering a polite smile. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Pleasure’s ours,” Wes says with an easy nod. “Beck doesn’t give private tours to just anyone. Must be special.”

“Real special,” Griffin adds with a wink, and I swear I’m going to tape his mouth shut.

“Alright, that’s enough,” I cut in, shooting him a warning glare.

“Relax, Hayes,” Griffin laughs, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “Just making an observation.”

“Ignore them,” I tell Abby, giving her a sheepish smile. “They’re harmless.”

“Mostly,” Wes adds with a chuckle.

Jake, oblivious to the teasing, points excitedly at the wall of sticks. “Whoa! Beck, is that your stick?”

“Sure is,” I say, grateful for the distraction. “Want to hold it?”

Jake’s eyes light up. “Can I?”

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