Page 48 of Three Hockey Hotties

CHAPTER 11

ABBY

“What do you think, Abby?”

“Huh?” I yank my gaze away from where I’ve been staring at Kane and Dash at the other end of the ice and try to focus on what my boss is saying.

I realize I didn’t hear a single word she said.

“Could you repeat that please, Karina?”

Karina looks annoyed with me. “We’ll need at least six players to agree to help out. Do you think that’s do-able?”

“Oh, I think there are definitely six do-able players,” my co-worker Thomas mutters.

I press my lips together to keep from laughing. Then I nod at Karina. “Yes, I will coordinate that.”

Thomas has not been helpful when it comes to focusing today. We’re at the arena to work, but it’s already difficult with the Mutts practicing while we meet. Thomas is enjoying it as much as I am.

“Thomas, you’ll be in charge of coordinating with the kids then?” Karina asks my co-worker. “We can have more kids than players, right? We’ll just rotate them.”

Halfway through, I lose track of what she’s saying when I hear Kane give a whoop of excitement. I glance over and see he’s landed a puck in the net. Dash isn’t goaltending. He’s actually over by the bench talking to the coach. Even after only knowing him for twenty-four hours I can hear the rumble of Dash’s voice in my head, imagine what he’s saying. He has a strong, growly voice that does strange things to my insides…

“It might be chaotic, but I think we can accommodate about sixteen kids,” Thomas says.

I did it again. My mind wandered when someone was talking.

This time I nod so emphatically to prove that I’m paying attention I nearly give myself whiplash. “Yes. Absolutely. As many kids as possible. I completely agree.”

I love this event. I’ve poured my heart and soul into being the Community Outreach Coordinator for Stick It To Cancer. I absolutely want this to be a huge success for our parent organization but most of all for the kids who get to attend for free. Knowing that they’ll be experiencing a super fun afternoon where they can forget about all their illness means the world to me.

But my goodness, I’m distracted.

By two good looking hockey players who seem hell bent on both dating me.

Along with Benjamin—who thankfully is nowhere to be found right now because if he was here as well, I don’t think I could string two words together.

As it is, goosebumps run up and down my arms when Kane skates in a big loop, pushing the puck around with his stick. He winks at me with a grin when he passes by.

He’s not even that close to me but a delicious shiver rolls over me.

I can’t believe he wants to date me. Be my boyfriend. I watch him skate back over to the other players, trying to imagine how this could work because I want nothing more than to…

“Abby! Hello.”

Shit. I drifted again. I turn to find Thomas clapping his hands together twice to get my attention.

My cheeks burn from mortification.

“Look, we all want to be taken to the cottage by one of those guys,” Thomas says, pushing his glasses up his nose. “But we’re here for the children.” He gives me a wink, though, confirming he’s teasing me.

But Karina nods.

I feel the sudden urge to giggle. Is she nodding because of the kids or because she wants to be taken to the cottage?

She’s only a year out from retirement, as she tells us daily.

Thomas is just a year or two older than me.