Page 18 of Face Off

“Thanks, you too.”

“I’m Derek.” The younger goalie stepped in front of Olli and offered me a charming smile. “Welcome to the team.”

I realized I was blushing and looked away. Sure, he was good-looking and had the body of someone whose job was to be in peak physical condition, but I also knew he was dating the team trainer.

“All right, leave her alone.” Taylor pushed Derek away. “You guys are first, so pick your pooches and get over there.” She pointed to the backdrop. George had arrived without me noticing and was setting up his camera.

“Is there a bonded pair?” Olli asked one of the volunteers.

“Right here,” Thea called. “These are Thor and Loki.” She was standing between a yellow and black lab.

“Perfect!” Derek cheered as he ran over to them.

“That’s adorable,” Taylor said next to me while we watched the two men pet and hug the dogs who were smiling and panting from the attention.

“Can we do this every week?” I asked, only half-joking.

Taylor didn’t answer, and I glanced at her to see her smiling. “That’s not a bad idea. I mean, not every week, but we should do this more than once a year. The shelters in the area normally empty out after we do this, but they fill up again after a couple of months. We should start doing it every quarter.”

My mind was already coming up with ideas. “We don’t need to do a full photo shoot. We could just take a few guys to the shelter and take pictures there.”

“Yes! That’s a great idea. Look at you. First week, and you’re already making positive changes.” She pulled out her phone and typed a quick note.

I looked away, not used to so much praise.

Derek and Olli finished within minutes, and Hartman—I was told the captain went by his last name—came in with Colin Brassard and Grant Fisher.

Taylor made the introductions, and this time I managed not to get flustered. Hartman and Colin went to pick out their pups, but Grant hung back.

“Chloe mentioned you’re a single mom,” he said a bit hesitantly.

“Yeah?” It wasn’t like I was hiding that fact, but I hadn’t expected Chloe to tell anyone, let alone one of the players about me.

“My wife—” He paused and smiled. “Sorry, it’s still pretty new, and I’m not used to saying that yet. Anyway, Addi was a single mom when we met. She worked and didn’t have the support of her family or Eli’s dad’s family.”

“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what to say. Chloe mentioned there had been another single mom, but I wasn’t sure why he was telling me this.

“Addi knows what you’re going through. We both do, to some degree, and we want you to know that we’re here if you ever need help.” He sighed at the end like that had been difficult for him to say.

“Thank you,” I replied.

He nodded once before turning and joining the others.

“That was awkward, but don’t worry. It’s him, not you.” I spun to see Mitch Doranon smiling at me. He was even bigger in person and his red beard only added to his larger-than-life demeanor. “And he means it, even if it might not seem that way. He and Addi are some of the kindest, most selfless people I know. I’m sure once you meet her, you’ll understand.”

I was too caught off guard by his sudden presence to come up with a response. I was supposed to be managing this photoshoot, not blubbering in front of the players.

I finally found words. “Good to know.”

He took in the chaotic scene around us. “So, which one do you recommend?”

I looked around at the dogs. Some were running around, others were playing with each other or the guys, and a few were hiding from the madness under the couches or behind the volunteers.

I pointed to Rascal, the first one to steal my heart. “He was an early favorite.”

Mitch grinned. “He’s pretty cute.”

I called his name and bent down as he ran to me. I picked him up and cuddled him to my chest. “I think I might love him.”