Page 14 of Three Hockey Hotties

“I’m being a lawyer. Specifically, the lawyer for the Willow Bay Mutts, whose ice she just fell on, which means I have a serious responsibility to this franchise and if⁠—

“I’m not hurt!” I blurt out, wildly uncomfortable with what sounds like a lecture brewing. Directed at Kane or at me, I’m not sure. Maybe both of us.

The man stops speaking and blinks down at me. “You’re sure?”

I nod. “Very sure.”

“Excellent. Because I wouldn’t want my brother’s irresponsible behavior to in any way have caused you harm, Miss…”

“Johnson.”

This is Kane’s brother?

I can’t say I see any physical resemblance, but they do both have a ton of confidence. I glance over at Kane. He’s still scowling up at his brother, but he senses my stare.

The second his gaze turns to me, his eyes soften, and his frown smooths away. He gives me a reassuring smile. “Meet Benjamin,” he says. “My brother—who still thinks I’m fourteen.”

“I am Benjamin. For the record, I don’t think Kane is fourteen.” He gives a brief smile that transforms his face as he glances over at Kane with obvious affection. “Though he did barely graduate from high school.”

“Dude, why would you say that?” Dash says, obviously rushing in to defend Kane. “He broke his jaw spring of our senior year,” Dash tells me. “Missed a lot of days of school.”

Kane has risen to his feet.

“Exactly. You know that’s what I meant.” Benjamin holds his hands out to me. “Let me help you up.”

I’d honestly prefer it if Kane or Dash helped me off the ice because Benjamin is intimidating, but it would be rude to refuse his offer. Besides, I don’t want to add to the tension—if that’s what this is—between these three men.

“I’m Abby,” I say. “Just to one hundred percent confirm, no, I’m not injured. Kane and Dash were giving me a tour of the arena. I’m working on the Stick It To Cancer event.”

I don’t want Kane or Dash to get in trouble for showing me around. Not that we got very far. But it was thoughtful and generous of them and honestly, now I will have less anxiety showing up for my meeting tomorrow because of the time they took with me.

I also think I might want to take some skating lessons because being on the ice was a blast.

Putting my hands into Benjamin’s, I shift onto my knees.

His grip is firm, his body close. In the crisp cool air I swear I can feel heat radiating off of him.

Suddenly I realize I am very close to him.

On my knees. My hands are clasping his.

Only a foot away from his…

Heat blooms in my cheeks. My nipples tighten.

“Up, Abby.” Firm hands slip under my armpits, and Kane lifts me to my feet, keeping a hold on my sides so I don’t lose my balance again.

Benjamin doesn’t let go of my hands.

Dash is to my right. Kane is huddled up behind me. Benjamin is staring down at me, our hands still very much clasped for no reason and he seems much less intimidating now that I’m standing.

I’m suddenly very, very confused.

Am I attracted to Benjamin too?

What is going on? Does the cooling system at the Mutts arena have pheromones being pumped in?

Suddenly, I need to leave. This is bananas.