Page 45 of Three Hockey Hotties

Abby looks nervous and like she’s pulling back a little emotionally.

Not that I blame her.

This is a lot to process all at once.

All of our lives are changing forever and we all know it, whether we’re willing to state that out loud right now or not.

“I’ve got you,” I murmur, leaning down so she can hear me. I put my hand on the small of her back and guide her through the family room to the kitchen. She shoots me a grateful look and releases the tension in her shoulders.

Kane doesn’t look upset that Abby is leaning into me as he follows behind us.

He knows sometimes he’s a lot. He also has a single-minded focus of making sure Abby is happy.

“Coffee?” he does ask her, slipping a glass mug under the insanely expensive machine Benjamin owns.

“I’d love some, thanks.”

Benjamin finally turns and sweeps his gaze over her. “Do you have time for breakfast or do you need to get to work?”

It’s not cold. It’s just not…warm either.

I frown.

Did something happen between them last night when Benjamin took Abby to bed?

“I have time. Is it okay if someone drops me off at the office by eight-thirty?”

He nods. “Of course.”

Benjamin is already dressed in a suit and tie.

Normally, Kane and I would already be at the rink by now for practice, but Coach gave us the morning off since we have games four days in a row starting on Thursday.

I finish my protein shake and toss the carton in the trash.

Kane lifts Abby’s coffee mug. “Do you want cream and sugar, Lollipop?”

“Just cream.”

“Like a latte?”

Abby has loosened up and moves in beside Kane. Her arm brushes his, which makes me happy. Kane thrives on physical touch. This will make his morning.

“If you can,” she says.

“This machine can do anything. I’ll drink this one and make you something fancy.” He gives her a wink.

While Kane grabs a new mug for Abby, I plate everyone’s breakfast. I know Kane likes mostly bacon with a side of eggs and that Benjamin doesn’t eat bacon. I like mine to come out even. Kane will sneak Linda a piece of his bacon and she will spend all of breakfast with her head in his lap waiting for another piece.

Given that Kane and I are on the road a lot, having a tight relationship like this with both each other and Benjamin makes all that time in a bus easier to deal with. We know we have a home to come back to and I love that.

When we get called up to the Racketeers we’ll be flying in a jet and staying in luxury hotel suites but right now it’s the bus and roadside budget motels. It makes me appreciate Benjamin’s house all that much more.

I’m thinking about that, and about fucking amazing it will be to come home and have our girl waiting here for us.

That’s why it catches me off guard when Benjamin speaks without warning.

“I kissed Abby last night.”