“Any tips from my smart daughter who knows hockey better than I do?”Caleb asks in a teasing voice.
Bri laughs.“No. The team played amazing tonight.”
He nods slowly.“I’m pleased with how they pulled things off. Can’t take the pressure off just because we’re up. What did you think of Seth? I know you’ve been working with the team doctor on his hamstring.”
My breathing slows. This is the point where I should walk away, but my feet feel like they’re filled with lead, and I can’t move.
“I think he played incredibly,”she says, no hesitation in her voice. “His saves were brilliant.”
There’s a beat of silence. Then Caleb says, “Seems like his hamstring isn’t bothering him anymore, which is a relief. I told those scouts in Boston to back off. I’m keeping him—so long as he keeps playing like that. The past few games have really shown me his potential. I think there’s a lot of opportunitiesfor him here on the team as he gets accustomed to how things work.”
Scouts? Boston? What’s that about?
“That’s great news that you’ve changed your mind,”I hear Bri say.
I watch as Caleb shuffle a few papers around on his desk. “Now if he can bring the whole thing home, I might think about changing his contract to a ten year and retirement gig.”
I hear Bri cough slightly.“That would be good. You know if that’s what you think makes the most sense for the Mayhem.”
A beat of silence passes before Caleb asks again.“Something on your mind, honey?”
She hesitates.“Yeah. There’s something I need to tell you. Especially now that I know you’re keeping Seth on the team.”
“Oh boy,”he mutters with a chuckle.“I think I know where this might be going.”
There’s a heavy pause.
“I’m in love with him,”she says softly.“Well, that’s not entirely true. I’m in love with him and his daughter Sawyer. I love their family. Somehow, they became mine. My family. I think that’s how he sees it too. It happened faster than I anticipated it, and to be frank, I was scared to let it happen given the chance that I might leave her life for another team, but I don’t want to go anywhere else, and he makes me so freaking happy, dad.”
I press my back against the wall just outside the glass, barely breathing. The words hit me harder than any slapshot I’ve ever taken to the chest, and hell if it doesn’t feel better than a win. Better than any goal. She told him. Finally.
“I didn’t want to tell you sooner,”she goes on, voice quiet.“Because if there was a chance you were still thinking about trading him, I couldn’t influence that decision. I didn’t want Seth to find out and then think he was only still here because I asked you to keep him. I wanted it to be because of who he is. What he brings to the team. His skill. He’s an incredible player and I didn’t want my relationship with him to impact your decision.”
Damn. I knew Bri was good at heart. I knew she was thoughtful, kind, loving, and full of joy. But I had no idea she was keeping this from me to protect me. Because she’s right, I would have been resentful if I’d known that I hadn’t earned this spot and was only kept because of the coaches daughter.
There’s a pause and then Caleb’s voice softens.“Ah, baby. He was always gonna stay or go based on his own damn merit, but he’s solid. The team needs a leader like him in goal, and that’s got nothing to do with you.”
“You’re not mad at me for dating one of your players?”
“Why would I be?”
She hesitates.“Because I love him, and I don’t see that ever changing. I think this might be a permanent thing.”
I’ve never heard sweeter words.
Caleb chuckles, and it’s not forced either.“No, Bri. I’m not mad. I’m relieved. You’re happy. I can see that. And now I get to keep a closer eye on the guy who’s got your heart. Perks of being the boss. Maybe I’ll scare him just enough to make sure he never forgets what’s at stake if he hurts you.”
She laughs, and I hear chairs moving, the low rustle of fabric. I push off the wall and slip away to give them space, heading back down to the facility lobby, adrenaline buzzing through me like Ijust pulled off a shutout in Game 7. I pull out my phone to text her, knowing I’ll tell her what I heard when the time is right.
Seth: In the lobby waiting for you. Whenever you’re ready.
Ten minutes later, she walks out, still in those yoga pants that do unspeakable things to my self-control—but the top is different now. Now, she’s wearingmyjersey. My last name is stretched across her back in bright, bold lettering. My number is on her shoulder. And if it wasn’t already a good night, this just about takes theangel food cakefor me.
“Dammit,” I mutter, reaching out and tugging at the hem when she’s close enough to hold. “You look like a dream in this.”
She grins, spinning around with a little flourish, red hair flying. “Thought you might like it.”
“Not afraid of who sees you wearing it anymore?”
