“It’s going well. We’ve got another home game this weekend and the team is looking strong. I feel like the players and staff are starting to accept me more as a part of the crew and the sport’s growing on me too.”
She nods knowingly. “The hockey world has a way of doing that. How are the players? I hope they’re being respectful and not hitting on you.” She rolls her eyes. “Have you worked with Penn yet? God, that guy can be so annoying.”
I open my mouth to answer, but before I can, the air changes. Thickens. I don’t have to turn around to know he’s close, listening and watching me with those piercing hazel eyes.
My eyes drift over Rosie’s shoulder, spotting where Seth is casually leaning against the kitchen doorway watching us. He looks freshly showered, his dark blond hair is still damp, a tousled mess that I adore because he’s never cared about styling it or trying to impress anyone. He’s just…him.Completely and unapologetically himself. A massive, goal tender of a player with a grumpy frown on his face and a soft spot for his daughterand me.
He’s wearing a pair of Mayhem warm-up shorts and a cut-off tank top with the Mayhem logo stretched across his broad chest. His sculpted abs and strong arms are on full display and have my mouth watering. I never thought much about arms until Imet Seth but now, I’m convinced I can’t live without his wrapped around me.
Rosie follows my gaze, her head turning just in time to catch me practically drooling.
“Oh,” she murmurs softly, her lips curling into a knowing smile.
I don’t even attempt to deny what I’m doing. “Yeah.”
I've wanted him for so long it physically hurts. After I talked to my dad, I emailed HR just to get some information and cover us both. Kept it vague. Something likehow do workplace relationships work here?They replied within the hour. Both of us would need to submit a formal notification and sign a consensual relationship agreement. That's it. Totally simple and pain free.
Except the final paperwork requires a sign-off from the team owner. My dad. Who has spoken to me exactly once in twenty-seven years and now seems interested in building a relationship with me. Something that I’ve also wanted for years.
Her expression softens, and her tone shifts from teasing to something gentler. “The way Seth’s looking at you and the way you’re looking at him tells me everything I need to know. Just… be careful, okay? I don’t know your whole situation, but I have a dad who’s pretty controlling and possessive, too. It took him a while to warm up to Boone and me but eventually he came around.”
“My dad and I are having lunch together for the first time… ever, this week.”
Her eyes widen, and I see the apology cross her face. “Oh, Bri, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. You didn’t know. To be honest, I’m not sure what will happen from there. I’m still trying to figure out if he wants to have a relationship with me. And if I want that, too.”
Working for my dad’s professional team means most people assume that we’ve had many long conversations about where I want to take my career and I chose hockey. That the job I took was because my dad wanted me close and we’re a family. That, or they think that I’m some nepo baby who isn’t qualified for the role and got handed it anyway.
I haven’t accepted a dime of his money except what he paid for my last semester of tuition and even that I know is more than I probably deserve.
The truth is there are multiple reasons why we should probably continue to keep this private. Sawyer is one, but the potential of a new relationship with my dad is another.
“I’m aware of how this might affect Seth’s career if my dad found out. We’re taking things slow right now.” That’s what I keep telling everyone. I’m not sure I believe it anymore.
When we met, it was innocent.We didn’t know.But now we do and we can’t go back. And Seth’s asked me on a date. He cooked lasagna for me. And thatmeanssomething. I don’t want to pretend that it doesn’t. I don’t want to lie to the people that we love.
“Seth’s been through a lot. He’s an amazing dad to Sawyer, and you’ve been so good for him. I’ve heard him talk about the way you and Sawyer have bonded. Don’t let anything come between what you want if you think you’re ready for him.”
If I’m ready for him? Those words hang in the air, echoing in my mind. Am I ready? I think I am. A stepmom to Sawyer? Loving Seth? That’s easy. Easier than I ever expected it to be. Butstaying permanently in Brookhaven and working for my father’s team? That’s the real question.
This was meant to be a steppingstone, a huge favor, yes, and one I’ll always be grateful for, but New York was never supposed to be permanent. And if New York isn’t permanent… does that mean Sawyer and Seth aren’t either?
The thought hits low, a slow drop in my stomach. Because I know exactly what it feels like to have a dad who wasn’t there. To lose a parent. To live with that hollow ache settling into your bones and never leaving no matter how many birthdays or holidays go by. And Sawyer’s already lost two.
If I step into her life as her father’s girlfriend, if I continue to show up for her the way I know I want to, what happens if I leave?
I’ll be just another disappointment.
“Okay, everyone!” Rhiannon’s cheerful voice snaps me out of my spiraling thoughts as she claps her hands together, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “It’s time to start game night! Come into the living room!”
The conversation with Rosie fades as I follow the crowd, margarita glass gripped firmly in hand. I move toward Seth like a magnet, close but not too close, and that nagging thought creeps back into my mind. Is it obvious that something’s happening between Seth and me? Has he talked to Boone? Rosie didn’t seem to know until she looked at us.
“Okay. So, tonight’s game issexy Simon says,”Rhiannon says with a wide smile when we get into the room.
I look up just in time to see Rhiannon grinning like a mischievous devil while her older brother Gabriel lets out an exaggerated groan. Her sister Eden is smiling and cheering, andI get the impression that she goes along with whatever Rhiannon comes up with daily.
The room is packed tonight—the Carpenters and the Tremblays, all crammed into Rhiannon and Cain Prescott’s cozy living room.
