Page 103 of Defensive Desire

But as they walk away, I can't shake the feeling that our perfect day just developed a crack that might split everything apart.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Logan

Seattle want you. Seattle want you. Seattle want you.

The words keep circling inside my head. The way Big Mike said it, so casually, like I should have been excited, should have been expecting it.

I never expected it.

Any of this.

The Players' Lounge hums with the kind of satisfied energy that follows a successful event. Half the team's sprawled across the leather couches, still riding the high of Arena Experience Day, while the other half clusters around the pool table, chirping each other about missed shots.

I lean against the windows overlooking the practice rink, watching Emma work the room like she was born for this.

She's got Sophia's tablet in her hands, scrolling through photos from today's event, her face lit up with the kind of joy I haven't seen since... fuck, maybe ever.

She's stunning. Never looked better.

"Kane, you listening?" Connor appears at my elbow, beer in hand. "I said the kids couldn't stop talking about your reading voice. Who knew Big Bad Logan had a secret talent for children's literature?"

I grunt, taking a swig from my own bottle. "It's nothing. Kids are easy. They don't judge."

"Unlike bitter hockey fans," Ryder chimes in, still wearing his Iron Ridge Veterinary shirt from his own workshop with Mia today. "But seriously, man, you were killing it. That gap-toothed kid asked for your autograph like five times."

Blake settles into the armchair across from us, looking every inch the proud captain. "Good work today. All of you. That event was exactly what this team needed before the season starts."

The After Party moves around the team, and soon, Sophia's voice cuts through the chatter, pitched to carry across the entire room.

"Attention everyone! I have an announcement!"

The room falls quiet, all eyes turning to where she stands near the coffee station, tablet clutched to her chest like a shield.

My eyes find Emma's across the room. She's standing near the coffee station, a cinnamon stick twirling between her fingers. When our gazes lock, her lips curve into that smile—the one that makes my chest ache in ways I never thought possible.

I smile back, ignoring the knot in my stomach.

Sophia's voice fills the room, something about engagement numbers and social media success, but her words blur together. All I can think about is that damn meeting with Big Mike tomorrow.

Seattle wants you.

Three simple words that could tear everything apart.

My life is here now. Not just hockey now though. Emma. The shop. This fucking town that somehow became home when I wasn't looking.

Does Big Mike even realize what he's asking? Or does he think I'm just another player who'll pack his bags and follow the money?

Emma's nodding along to whatever Sophia's saying, her silky hair catching the light. She looks happy, proud of what we built today. What we're building together.

Shit.

All afternoon, one thought has dominated my mind: do I even have a choice in this? Contracts are contracts. If the front office wants to move me, they will move me. Simple.

But for the first time in my career, the thought of leaving makes me feel like I'm drowning.

Emma glances my way again, her brow furrowing slightly when she notices my expression. She mouths, "You okay?"