Page 22 of Goalie's Obsession

Maybe it’s the lighting. Maybe it’s the suit.

Or maybe it’s the champagne—because he’s already four flutes in, and eyeing a fifth.

I don’t say anything. Not yet. Because for once, he’s not sniping or checking his phone.

Then right as I let myself breathe… the spotlight shifts to the stage and the speakers blast the entry music to kick off the auction event.

“HELLOOOOOOOO IRON RIDGE!”

The crowd jumps as a sequined blur struts out from behind the velvet curtain, arms wide like they’re about to host the Oscars.

“Are we READY to bid? Are we READY to raise some MONEY? Are we READY… for SWEATY HOCKEY MEN IN SUITS?!”

I choke on my champagne.

“Oh, God,” I whisper.

I found our host online at two in the morning after downing three cups of stress tea and panicking about making this event more 'memorable.' According to his website, he’s a former magician-slash-reality-TV-host-slash-Elvis impersonator who now works corporate events and charity galas.

He's 'flexible,' it said.

Shit. This might be my first mistake of the night.

“Welcome to the Icehawks Annual Dream Date Auction!” the emcee yells, voice bouncing off the glittering chandeliers. “My name is Troy Starbeam—yes, that’s real—and tonight, we're raising funds for the Iron Ridge Youth Hockey Program. And I don’t know about you, but I plan to make it sexy, scandalous, and just alittlebit dangerous.”

The audience erupts into laughter. Big Mike takes the stage with a smile that says hedefinitelydid not sign off on this energy level.

Hmmm. Maybe Eli would have been the better choice after all.

Big Mike clears his throat and maintains a safe distance away from the energy of Tony Starbeam as he steps up to the microphone.

“We want to thank all our fans, sponsors, and especially our fearless marketing team—led by the incredible Miss Lucy Daniels—for tonight’s event.”

Applause rises like a wave and I smile, my cheeks warming.

Big Mike’s praise means more than I want to admit. Because for once, I earned it. Not my family name. Not my connections. Just… me.

Troy Starbeam gives Mike a thumbs-up as he gives him a wide-berth and leaves the stage. Tony turns to the crowd, his eyes wider than I've ever seen on any human before.

“And now, let’s get this auction started! First up… the rookie himself. The baby of the Icehawks. The man who flexes in every mirror he passes—RYDER SCOTT!”

The crowd woos and whistles.

Ryder practically cartwheels onto the stage. He’s already undone his tie and is flexing like he’s posing for a calendar shoot. The bidding starts right away and paddles start flying in the air.

“One thousand!” a woman in the front row yells.

“Fifteen hundred!” another one shouts.

“Three thousand!” comes from the back.

Ryder eggs them on, doing a spin and blowing kisses like he’s onThe Bachelor. He offers a signed jersey as well as the date. It does the trick, and the bids eventually finish up on a very,veryhealthy start.

“TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!” Troy bellows as Ryder fist-pumps like he just scored the Cup-winning goal.

Blake claps slowly, shaking his head.

Next up, Logan.

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