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I can’t help but laugh. “Typical hockey player then,” I deadpan.

“Whoa, we’re not all…” I quirk a brow. “Yeah, okay. Just like the rest of us.”

A few seconds later, Casey joins us, and when she discovers we’re discussing her team, she lights up and starts telling me everything I could possibly want to know about girls’ youth hockey and her beloved team.

Everyone around us continues to enjoy themselves; laughter and happy voices fill the air, but as much as I’m engaged with Casey, I can’t help but look for Nash in the crowd.

Honestly, I was surprised to see him here when he first arrived, but I’m so glad he is. I just need to figure out how I’m going to get to him.

He might have sent me away last time we were together, but I’m not about to forget that we have unfinished business anytime soon.

22

COOPER

Ifigure that winning over Sutton Rivers has to be a major step forward in my quest to being a real part of this team.

She has every reason to hate me. I can’t imagine many good things are said about me in their house, so the fact she was willing to talk to me, challenge me, has to be a good sign. Right?

After I let her win our little race, Rovvy comes to join me, looking proud as punch as his pooch hangs out with her besties.

I try to ignore the fact that I’m referencing a dog having a best friend. I figure that’s probably the least of the weirdness that has happened so far. And I’m more than happy to focus on three dogs sliding around on the ice if it means I stop obsessing over a certain man who, I’ve learned, is actually a really good skater.

Honestly, I’m not sure why I’m surprised. Everything I’ve learned about Garrett Wentworth so far has been good. Other than the fact that he’s far too connected to this part of my life, he’s the perfect man.

Jesus.

I drag my hand down my face.

I’m not in the market for a man. My last—my only—attempt at seeing someone for more than one night of fun blew up in my face. I don’t have any reason to believe this would end up differently. And I can’t dodge the bullet of it being released to the media twice.

The first time I was lucky.

There won’t be a second.

But…I really want a second time with him.

There aren’t many men I’ve even considered going for another ride with.

Maybe it’s because we didn’t get to finish what we started.

I’ve still got an itch that needs scratching.

Well, before we head off for our next road game, I’m getting that scratch. Nice and hard, if I get my way.

I just don’t know if he’s going to be up for it after the way I shooed him out of my house.

I could just tell him the truth about what happened that night. I have no doubt he would understand. His close relationship with Sienna is obvious. If I so much as mentioned an issue with my brothers, he’d forgive my behavior, I know he would. I doubt I’d even have to go into details.

But still, unease knots my stomach.

Without meaning to, my eyes linger on him again.

He’s working the room—or the rink—like a pro. Like I should be doing. But I’d rather claw my eyes out than make small talk with people. So, after Rovvy has walked off to no doubt have a more stimulating conversation with someone else, I find myself a seat on our bench and just watch.

This is how I prefer things—watching from the sidelines. Sure, I might be up there during a game, doing my thing, but outside of playing, I prefer the shadows, always.

Time ticks by, and I spend more than I’m willing to admit watching Garrett.