Page 16 of The Puck Daddy

“That means enough parties. You don’t have to stop your social life, but the media needs to see a different side of you. Not this party-boy player picture they’ve painted.”

“What do you suggest, Coach? I’ve already cut back on the alcohol, but you’ve seen what they’ve said. I can try to stay away from the parties at my house, but I know the team will want me to celebrate the wins.”

“You’ll figure it out. Maybe start off by talking to your agent or someone you trust. I don’t care if you have to get a damn fake relationship to do it. Just make sure you keep my son out of this. Clean up your image, DeLuca, or Olivia Cove might stop looking your way.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Now hit the ice, DeLuca. We’ve got practice.”

Any ideas that Coach Wilson might be lenient after our little heart-to-heart vanishes the moment our warmup ends, and practice really begins. We start off with a series of drills. I take so many shots on net, I know I’m going to be sore tomorrow. The rest of practice is focused on our stickwork and passes. Then, we finally end the day with a vigorous round of speed skating before our cool down and stretches. Most of us tend to get a mini workout after practice, but there’s no way in hell that’s happening today.

Despite the crazy pounding my body was taking on the ice, I couldn’t stop replaying what Coach said. Did he mean it?

A fake relationship?

My mind strays to all the rom-coms Felix makes me watch. Damn. If only it were that easy. Although I have to admit, a fake boyfriend would solve my faux-player image. It would also explain to the guys why I’m not partying as often. I might even have a friend or two who would get a kick out of pretending we were an item, but for some reason, that doesn’t sound too appealing. Could I really do it?

As soon as I ask myself the question, my thoughts wander over to Theo. He shouldn’t even be a factor in this whole equation, and yet I can’t help but go there. Should I really be trying to convince some friend to fake date me when I can go after the man I’ve been low-key crushing on for years? Sure, my attraction might have started off as a little celebrity crush, but that chemistry I experienced with Theo at the bar was palpable. I’ve never clicked with a guy that fast. And fuck me, I want to explore that connection.

“Yo, man,” Rizzo says, nudging me as he skates to my side. “What’s with you? You were distracted today. Nelson said Coach was pissed earlier, and you two were locked up in the office before practice. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, man. I’ll tell you all about it when we’re alone.”

“Good. I need a jogging partner.” He smirks. “Let’s hit the gym.”

I groan. “Are you fucking serious, bro? Wasn’t that ass beating enough for you?”

Rizzo’s grin grows wider. “Nah, man. That was child’s play. Come on, we’ll be the only ones there today.”

“Yeah, because you’re the only crazy one on the team,” I mumble.

“Damn straight.” Rizzo laughs, eyes sparkling.

Holy shit, the fucker really is a masochist.Rolling my eyes, I follow Rizzo to the locker rooms to change into our workout clothes.

Thirty minutes later, I’m drenched in sweat, but not any closer to figuring anything out. I didn’t bother explaining that the bartender I hit it off with is ex-NHL player Theo Walsh. He’d probably tell me to go after Theo for all the wrong reasons, and I need to make a decision based on the fact that Theo is just a guy I had a really great connection with, not my childhood idol. I know what it feels like to have people try to get close to me just because I’m the center for the Ice Dragons. I can only imagine how much worse it was being a real famous person with high-paying endorsements, millions of dollars, and real-life paparazzi.

I really need some help to navigate this one. Figuring I don’t really have a choice in the matter, I text the rom-com expert himself.

Adrian: Hey, you free tomorrow?

Felix: Depends. What were you thinking?

Felix: I’m not going to some random party at Delfy House, if that’s what you’re asking. My Daddy won’t let me.

A little bout of jealousy swirls together with confusion. I’m so happy that Felix has someone he can call Daddy. As one of the cutest littles I’ve ever seen, he deserves the world. Yeah, I mightbe biased because Felix is my brother, and I’ve always thought he deserves the best, but there’s something about his current Daddy that I just don’t like. While I have no hard proof, Jared’s controlling nature seems… off. And I don’t think Felix ever told me he wanted to relinquish that much control in a relationship. He might be a little, but he’s also had a very independent streak.

I’ve tried asking Felix about it several times, but he just shrugs me off, not wanting to focus on himself. And, well, Felix is an adult. So, all I can do is continue to let him know I’ll always be here for him and wait for him to open up.

Adrian: Not a party. I could use some advice.

Felix: Advice on what?

Adrian: I might have met someone.

Felix: *Squeal!!!!* Why didn’t you lead with that? What time and where?

I smile at my brother’s enthusiasm, when suddenly an idea comes to mind.

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