Page 78 of The Puck Stops Here

‘Now you want to dotwodinners?’

‘Do you have any better ideas?’

‘One family dinner. And let’s take her out for it.’

‘That’s hardly showing her our “softer” side. And you know the GM is hot on her being our shadow. This will keep him sweet too. Why are you so averse to it anyway? I thought you liked her.’

‘I do, but when have we ever introduced Mom to a girl?’

‘She’s not a girl, she’s a journalist writing about us.’

‘And you think Mom,I’m-desperate-for-a-wedding-and-grandbabies, is going to see the difference?’

Aiden shrugged. ‘I don’t know, but we should do it. Two dinners. I’ll message her.’

‘Who?’

‘Astrid.’

‘Don’t you think you should check with Mom first?’

‘Like she’s gonna say no.’

He was already unlocking his phone and Blake covered it with his hand.

‘You really want to wake her up with adinnerinvite?’

He checked his watch. ‘You’re right, it’ll be two in the morning for her. I’ll do it first thing.’

Blake shook his head. ‘Where’s the fire?’

‘No fire. But it’ll be something to look forward to.’

Oh. My.God. His brother had lost his mind. Either that or… he actually didlikeher. Had feelings for her,likedher.

And that green thing inside him twisted and grew – all because of her.

Pucking Twinkle Toes.

* * *

Astrid pulled the pot of freshly brewed coffee out of her uncle’s machine and sloshed it into her pint-size mug as Blake’s interview played through her phone…

‘What are your hobbies or interests outside of hockey?’

‘Do women count?’

‘Funny.’

‘I’m not being funny.’

‘So you admit to being something of a player then?’

‘I admit nothing.’

‘You’re maddening, you know that, right?’

‘Always.’

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