Page 138 of Coach's Temptation

Across the room, Connor downs what I'm pretty sure is Big Mike's very expensive collector's whiskey. He will not be happy about that.

Eli Thompson leans against the make-shift bar, swirling his own glass, watching the chaos unfold with a rare, satisfied smirk.

The man’s been through every heartbreak this team’s ever had. Seen the worst seasons, the near-misses, the gut-wrenching losses. But tonight? Tonight, he just lifts his drink in a silent toast, shaking his head like he still can’t quite believe it.

The servers bring out plates of perfectly seared salmon and filet mignon.

At the front, the auction continues. Logan bids an obscene amount on a signed jersey. Blake keeps whispering something to Sophia that makes her giggle uncontrollably.

"And next up, a week-long stay at the Four Seasons Maui..." The auctioneer's voice fades into background noise.

Natalie pushes her chocolate lava cake around the plate. She lifts her champagne flute, running one finger along its edge as her eyes cut to mine.

"So... wedding planning. Should we, I don't know, start thinking about that?"

I lean back, unable to contain my smirk. "Sure. But first, let's just soak in this for a second."

"This?" Her eyebrow arches perfectly.

"Yeah… don't you think it's funny how we used to sneak around this place. How we had to hide, steal moments, keep everything secret."

Natalie laughs and nods. "Crazy how things change."

"Yet now, we can do this."

I cup her chin and pull her into a deep kiss that makes my head spin. Something - probably a dinner roll from Connor's direction - bounces off the back of my head.

I don't dare break the kiss.

Natalie hums against my lips before pulling back to sip her champagne. "Mmm. Those days were kind of exciting, weren't they?"

I freeze. The playful tone in her voice sends electricity down my spine. When I look at her, I see that familiar spark of mischief dancing in her eyes. The one that always means trouble. The one that drove me crazy from day one.

"You miss it."

I watch Natalie swirl her champagne, that teasing glint still in her eyes. "Not saying that. Just saying... there was somethingthrillingabout it. Banging the coach without anyone knowing… it was fun."

The word hits me like a shot of adrenaline. My muscles tense, remembering every stolen moment, every secret touch, every time I had to hold back from claiming her right here in this building.

I'm out of my chair before I can think twice.

My fingers wrap around her wrist, pulling her to her feet. The champagne sloshes in her glass.

"Hunter! Where are we—"

"I'm taking you somewhere."

The need to have her alone, to remind her exactly how thrilling we can be, burns through my veins.

Her eyes widen. Her pulse races under my fingertips.

"Oh." She swallows hard. "Ohhh."

I guide her through the crowded ballroom, past Lucy still frantically bidding on spa packages, past Connor now attempting karaoke with the live band.

No one notices us slip away. Or if they do, they're wise enough not to comment.

The Stanley Cup gleams on its pedestal as we pass. Tomorrow, it'll tour the town. Tomorrow, we'll star in the parade. Tomorrow, we'll be Coach Brody and his fiancé, the golden couple of Iron Ridge's miracle season.

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