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They’re just being more careful, avoiding any hard hits and genuinely just enjoying their time without the pressure of needing to win.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I lean to the side, pulling it out. It’s just a notification for an email, but it strikes me as weird that it was one that triggered a notification. I unlock my screen and tap on the app only to find that it’s just an email about youth hockey. But my eyes scan the other items visible in the inbox and my stomach immediately sinks when I see an email from earlier in the day.

It’s from the director of the historical foundation that I work for.

My stomach sinks even further when I open up the message and begin to read the text. I inhale deeply, my lungs expanding to capacity as disappointment washes over me. None of this is good and it completely derails all of my plans.

They’re removing all remote positions and if I want to keep my job, I will have to start working in the office. Per the email, the new changes will go into effect at the start of next week and I’m to reach out if that is any issue or if I would like to decline the position.

Today is Wednesday.

That means I have five days.

“Shit,” I mumble to myself, not realizing I spoke the word out loud.

“Why did you say shit?”

I whip my head to the side, eyes widening as I look at Tella. “Tella, that’s a bad word.”

“But you said it.” She gives me a pointed look. “Daddy puts a dollar in the jar at home every time he says a bad word. You can give the dollar to Daddy to put in with all his dollars.”

“We don’t have a jar,” Matteo tells Tella before glancing at me. “Do I get a dollar too?”

A sigh escapes me. “I don’t have any cash on me right now, but I will give you each a dollar then.” I look back at Tella. “And do not say any more bad words, okay?”

Tella nods and leans closer to Matteo, whispering something that has him giggling. She’s a sweet little girl, but goddamn, she’s a bit of a menace. Caleb certainly has his hands full with her.

My gaze travels back to the ice and I watch as the puck gets passed to Carson. He doesn’t even look like he’s trying when he receives it and skates around another guy before shooting it. It soars toward Rowan and he doesn’t move fast enough. It flies over his shoulder, sinking into the net behind him.

“Yes!” Matteo yells, jumping up and down. Tella is right there with him, both of them doing a celebratory dance. I lift my phone, taking a video of the two of them before moving it down to the ice.

Carson skates past, his feet moving slower as he looks right out to me, pointing at me with his gloved hand. A smile lifts my lips and he winks, tapping his stick against the glass in front of me before making his way back to the face-off circle in the center of the ice.

I love seeing him like this. Happy and carefree—doing the exact thing he loves to do. And I hate the thought of ruining his buzz later tonight when I tell him the news.

That Matteo and I have to go back to Starling Ridge this weekend.

“Thanks for coming and watching tonight,” Carson says softly as he walks into the kitchen after getting Matteo in bed.

I turn off the faucet and spin around to face him as I dry my hands on the towel. He walks over to me, hair damp from his shower as he spins me around to the other side of the counter. His hands find my hips, lifting me into the air before setting me down on top of the counter.

“I enjoyed watching you play.”

Carson leans forward, his lips connecting with the side of the throat. He peppers kisses along my flesh, nipping and sucking his way up to my jaw. “I’m going to see what I can do to get you and Matteo good seats for next season.”

The words prick my skin, reminding me of that stupid email from earlier. “Carson,” I say softly, my hands finding his shoulders. He murmurs against my skin, continuing to kiss my neck as he slides his hand up to cup the side of my face. “Carson, stop.”

He immediately freezes and pulls back, just enough to look at me. “Is everything okay? Did I hurt you?”

“No, I’m fine,” I tell him, a sigh following my last word. “It’s about next season. I have to tell you something.”

His eyebrows tug together and concern knits his brows. “Okay.”

“I got an email from work earlier and they’re getting rid of the remote positions. Everyone will be required to come into the office as of next week.”

He stares at me, his shoulders sagging in defeat. “So, you’re leaving.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, nodding. “I have to meet with the realtor tomorrow, but Matteo and I will have to leave by Sunday at the latest.”