Page 58 of Pucking Only
“I’m hoping to land something with a sports team,” Stacey says, her eyes lighting up. “I’ve been applying everywhere, but I’m really aiming for a position as a sports physical therapist. That’s where my passion is.”
Grace grins and gives Stacey a knowing look. “You know, the Night Hawks might be looking for someone like you. I could put in a good word if you’re interested.”
Stacey’s eyes go wide. “Wait, seriously? You’d do that?”
“Of course! I mean, no promises, but it’s worth a shot, right?” Grace says, shrugging like it’s no big deal. I can tell Stacey’s thrilled by the idea.
“That would be amazing,” Stacey says, practically glowing. “Thank you so much, Grace.”
Grace waves it off like it’s nothing. “Don’t mention it.”
Changing the subject, Stacey waggles her brows at Grace. “So, tell me about your man. He’s the team’s captain, right?”
Grace lights up, jumping at the opportunity to gush about Jensen. “Yes he is!”
She goes on about her loving and attentive boyfriend. I sit back and listen, grinning at how clearly head-over-heels she is for him. When Grace has finally seemed to wrap up on her gushing over Jensen, I look over at Stacey and ask, “So Stacey, what about you? Anyone special in your life now?”
“No way,” Stacey waves her hand in front of her face, “I don’t have time for any of that these days. The dry spell is real, I tell you. What about you, Skyler?”
“Umm…” Shit, I should have thought that through before continuing to stay on this topic. Luckily, before I can answer, the waiter arrives and we give him our orders.
The conversation continues as we wait for our meal, and it mostly revolves around the Night Hawks for a while, though thankfully, Carson isn’t really mentioned. The food finally arrives and the waiter sets down plates of delicate quiches, fresh salads, and a basket of crusty bread, and we dig in, the conversation flowing easily. Stacey talks more about her school and all the different programs she’s applying to for her apprenticeship. She is clearly excited about the possibilities.
Not long after we finish our meal, she checks her phone and frowns slightly. “I hate to cut this short, but I’ve gotta pick my daughter up from the nanny.”
I blink, caught completely off guard.Daughter?Grace doesn’t even flinch, though, nodding like it’s common knowledge.
Stacey stands, gathering her things. I’m still processing the whole “daughter” revelation. I didn’t even know Stacey had a kid.
“It was so good seeing you guys. Let’s do this again soon, okay?” She hugs us both, and before I can even ask about her daughter, she’s gone, the bell on the café door chiming softly behind her.
Once the door swings shut, I turn to Grace, raising an eyebrow. “Did you know she had a daughter?”
Grace just shrugs, taking a sip of her drink. “Yeah, she mentioned it a while back.”
I blink, waiting for more, but Grace seems entirely unbothered, like this is just casual information she forgot to mention. I’m still wrapping my head around it. But before I can press her for more details, Grace smoothly changes the subject.
“So, what are you going to do about Carson?”
I open my mouth, ready to question her more about Stacey, but I can already see where this is going. Grace hasthat determined glint in her eye. Once she gets started on something, there’s no sidestepping it.
“Grace,” I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “We’re not talking about Carson right now.”
“We are absolutely talking about Carson,” she counters, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.
And just like that, Stacey and her mystery daughter are momentarily forgotten as Grace dives headfirst into her favorite topic: my complicated mess of feelings for Carson.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: MORE THAN A HOOKUP
CARSON
It’stwo days before Skyler is supposed to leave Denver and I feel this strange sense of panic. It’s been getting stronger every day, as her departure grows nearer. I need to clear my head and figure out what the hell is going on. Ever since Skyler showed up in Denver, I haven’t been able to think straight.
It’s not like me to get distracted, especially not by a woman. I’ve always kept things simple — hockey first, everything else second. But Skyler… She's different, and I can’t figure out why. We haven’t had sex in a few days now, because she’s been going hard on developing her game, but having time away from her only makes me want more. The sex has been amazing, fun, and a little kinky. I’m not ready for it to end.
More than that, I’m not ready for her to leave.
In the middle of my morning shave, I pause and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I imagine what it would be like if Skyler were here, engaging in something as mundane as a morning routine right alongside me. Every time I close my eyes, I see her. Those big brown eyes that seem to see right through me, the way her lips curve into a smirk when she’steasing me. She has determination in her voice when she talks about her work, and I can practically smell her scent — vanilla and cherries. My mouth waters every time I get so much as a whiff of her. It’s like she’s taken up permanent residence in my head, and I can’t shake her no matter how hard I try.