Page 120 of Goalie's Obsession

"Still trying to work that angle?" I laugh. "Sorry, but I think Logan might object."

"Logan?" Ethan's eyebrows shoot up. "Our Logan? Mr. 'I don't do relationships' Kane?"

"A lot can change in thirty days, big brother." I pour him a cup of Emma's brew, watching his face light up at the first sip. "Speaking of changes, you're looking good. Healthy."

"Feeling good too." He settles into his favorite chair, the one with the view of the gardens. "Though I still can't believe you converted me into a coffee snob. I used to drink gas station sludge."

"That's because you never had proper guidance." I perch on the armrest. "Emma says you're welcome to intern at Chapter & Grind when you're ready. Something about teaching you proper pour-over technique."

The TV flickers to life as the Icehawks take the ice for warm-ups.

My heart skips when the camera zooms in on Connor, all focus and intensity as he stretches in the crease. Then I catch it—right there on his mask, my initials still painted in that soft peach color, now surrounded by more tiny hearts.

"You know," Ethan says, nodding at the screen, "I used to think he was just showing off with those splits."

"Oh no. He reallyisthat flexible."

Ethan gives me a weird look. "I'm not sure I want to know how you know that. I've got nothing but respect for the man who stole my sister's heart, and I don't want that to change."

I study my brother's face from the side. The shadows under his eyes have faded, replaced by actual laugh lines. His shoulders rest easy, no longer carrying the weight of secrets or debt.

"How's the new counselor working out?"

"Dr. Chen? She's amazing. Called me out on my bullshit within five minutes of meeting me." He grins. "Reminds me of you, actually. Zero tolerance for my charm."

"Someone has to keep you humble."

"Iron Ridge does that just fine. Did you know they put up a sign at Ridgeview? 'Home of the Most Expensive Charity Date in Hockey History.'"

"Eli would never—" I stop at his smirk. "He totally did, didn't he?"

"Right next to the photo of you and Connor kissing in the parking lot."

I groan, but there's no real embarrassment behind it anymore. "At least tell me it's a good angle."

"The best." Ethan's attention drifts back to the TV where Connor's now taking practice shots. "You know what's weird? I actually miss that place."

"You'll be home soon, Ethan. Keep doing what you're doing."

The game starts and settles into a rhythm as Ethan and I share the snacks between us. On screen, Connor makes another impossible save, and my heart swells with pride.

"Have you heard from Mom and Dad?" Ethan asks eventually.

"Nope," I shrug, popping a cashew in my mouth like I couldn't care less. "Last I checked their Instagram, they're still in Paris. Something about needing space from the 'unfortunate situation.'"

"Their favorite euphemism for family drama."

"Honestly? I don't even care anymore." I lean back in my chair, feeling lighter than I have in months. "Iron Ridge is home now. The team, Emma, this crazy hockey family we've built—it's more real than any society event ever was."

Ethan's smile reaches his eyes. "You found your people, Luce."

The broadcast switches to Connor's helmet cam view as he stretches in the crease. The peach-colored hearts around my initials shine under the arena lights, but something new catches my eye—two tiny golden rings, linked together near the crown of his mask.

I bite my lip to hide my smile, but Ethan's already noticed.

"Okay," he shifts to face me, eyes narrowing. "Spill it."

"Spill what?" I focus intently on selecting another cashew.

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