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But Beck makes me feel things I didn’t think I’d ever feel again.

Hope. Possibility. Love.

My heart clenches painfully at that last word.

I’m falling for him.

Hard.

But if I let myself love him—if I let Jake get too close—and Beck walks away?

It won’t just be me who’s shattered. It’ll be Jake, too.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I bury my face in my knees.

Beck feels like everything I never knew that I was missing.

But maybe that’s the problem.

Because I know what it’s like to lose everything.

And if Beck leaves, I’m not sure I’ll survive that kind of heartbreak again.

And neither will Jake.

Chapter ten

Beck

Thescentoffresh-brewedcoffee fills my kitchen as I lean against the counter, scrolling through my phone. My eyes land on an email from the team’s PR department—details about the upcoming Ice Hawks VIP Kids’ Day.

Perfect. The event is a big deal—an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience where a handful of lucky kids get to meet the players, tour the locker room, and skate on the Ice Hawks’ practice rink. But this year, there’s more to it.

We’re turning it into a charity event to support kids from underserved communities—kids who might never get a chance to lace up and experience the magic of hockey.

I scroll down, reading the details again. Donations will fund scholarships for hockey programs, provide gear for kids who can’t afford it, and sponsor after-school clinics.

This isn’t just an event. It’s a chance to change lives.

And Jake should be a part of it.

And maybe… Abby will see how serious I am about being part of their lives.

I sip my coffee, the warmth doing little to chase away the nerves creeping in. Ever since that private skating session with Jake, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. Abby’s laugh, Jake’s bright smile, and the way they make my world feel… complete.

But Abby’s walls are still up. I see it in her eyes—the hesitation, the fear that letting me in means risking her heart again. And I get it.

But I’m not going anywhere.

My phone vibrates, pulling me from my thoughts. I glance at the screen and smile when I see Abby’s name.

“Hey,” I answer, leaning against the counter.

“Hi.” Her voice is soft, a little hesitant, but there’s warmth there, too.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” She pauses, and I hear the faint sound of Jake chattering in the background. “Actually… I was wondering if you might want to come over this afternoon. I, uh… I thought I could make lunch.”