Page 74 of In My Hockey Era
I take the world’s fastest shower, and when I step back into my room, hair damp, wearing an old T-shirt and shorts, Bennett is there.Not in my bed, not trying to make a move to stay—just sitting on the edge, waiting for me.
My heart does something stupid in my chest.
I stop in the doorway, biting my lip.“You’re still here.”
“I cleaned up the kitchen while you were showering.”He stands, crossing the room in a few easy steps.When he reaches me, he cups my jaw, brushing his thumb over my cheekbone.“I got you, okay?”His voice is rough but quiet.“Now go to sleep.”
And for the first time in a long time, I do.
29
GRILLED BY MY BROTHER, LITERALLY
Lucy
The familiar scent of mesquite smoke and cut grass drifts through the backyard as I step onto the patio, a warm breeze rustling the wind chimes my dad refuses to take down, even though half of them are missing pieces.My older brother, Connor, stands by the grill, flipping burgers, a beer in one hand and an unmistakablebig brother lookon his face.
I’d driven up to Oklahoma for the weekend to visit my dad.Mia’s busy with her latest fling, and Bennett’s on a four-day road trip to play games against New York and New Jersey.
“Alright,” Connor says, barely giving me time to set my drink down.“Tell me about this hockey guy.”
I roll my eyes, dropping into one of the old patio chairs.“Wow, didn’t even ease into it, huh?”
Connor smirks.“Figured I’d just get right to it.”
Dad chuckles from his usual seat near the fire pit, feet kicked up, watching us like a man who’s seen this play out a hundred times before.And he probably has.
I sigh.“There’s not much to tell.”
“Bullshit,” Connor counters easily.“You’re seeing someone from theStampede, Luce.That’s notnothing.”He nudges the brim of his cap higher, squinting at me.“Bennett Wilder, right?”
I shift in my seat, already regretting coming outside.“Maybe.”
Connor whistles low.“Damn.He’s a big deal.Skilled player, good stats,charming as hell.”
My stomach flutters for a second—until he continues.
“Also a notorious playeroffthe ice.”
I exhale through my nose, jaw clenching.“Oh, comeon.”
Connor holds up his hands.“I’m just saying—guys like that?They have options.Lots of ‘em.”
I glare.“And I don’t?”
Dad chuckles again, shaking his head, but Connor doesn’t back down.“Youknowwhat I mean.He’s in the spotlight, traveling all the time, women throwing themselves at him.Just… be smart, okay?”
“Yeah, thanks for the life lesson,” I mutter, crossing my arms.
I’m more than a little annoyed—it’s basically the same speech that Mia gave me a week ago.Are they sharing notes or something?
I could defend Bennett, could tell my brother about how the last time he came over, he fed me, walked my dog, cleaned my kitchen, and tucked me into bed.You don’t do things like that for a random hookup.But I don’t tell any of that to Connor.The truth is, I don’t know where things are going between me and Bennett.And I’m scared of looking like a fool if Mia and Connor are proven right.I guess I’m stubborn like that.
Connor sighs, flipping another burger before leveling me with a look.“I’m not trying to be a dick, Luce.I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I glance at Dad, waiting for him to pile on too, but instead, he takes a slow sip of his iced tea and finally speaks.“Quit hassling her, Con.”
Connor shrugs.“I’m just looking out for her.”
