Page 46 of The Pucking Arrangement

I nod, forcing my face into an unreadable mask. “Always.”

Finn slaps my back as we head for the tunnel. “Let’s go, big guy. Your future’s waiting.”

I almost growl, but the words dig into me.

Because the truth is…

Itiswaiting.

She’s waiting.

And I’m one step away from breaking every damn rule for her.

The roar of the Garden slams into me as we take the ice for warm-ups. The energy surges through my veins, demanding focus, discipline—everything I built my career on. Everything I cling to.

But the second my skates carve into the ice, my eyes snap straight to the family box.

And there they are.

Ris, practically vibrating, her hands pressed to the glass. And beside her—Erin. Steadying her. Keeping her from tipping forward. Keeping her safe.

My chest tightens.

They look…right. Too right. Like they belong there.

I lift my stick in acknowledgment, and Ris erupts in excitement, bouncing on her toes. Erin’s lips curve into a soft smile, and for one reckless second, I drink her in. The way the arena lights catch in her hair, setting it on fire. The delicate flush in her cheeks. The effortless way she fits into my world.

Liam skates past, voice dry. “Your fan club’s getting bigger.”

I fire a puck in his direction. He dodges, smirking.

Focus.

Pass, shoot, pivot. Keep it simple. Keep it contained.

But out of the corner of my eye, I catch movement.

Ris is pointing at me excitedly, saying something to Erin. Sophie leans in, grinning, while Jessica and Jenna laugh.

I can’t hear them—not over the music, the announcer, the fans. But I don’t need to.

I know exactly the kind of shit they’re saying.

Jessica smirks, throwing a knowing look at Erin. And Erin—fuck. Her face flushes. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, shaking her head, but it’s too late.

I know that look.

That shy, caught-off-guard,I just got caught thinking something dirtylook.

A sharp pulse of heat shoots through me.

What the hell did they say to her?

A puck whizzes past my head.

“What the fuck!” I spin, finding Finn grinning like an asshole.

“Just keeping you alert, big guy!”

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