Page 360 of Breaking the Pucking Rules

“So…” Dad starts once he’s positioned in his favorite spot while Kodie and I take the couch opposite. “You two have some explaining to do. Earlier, during your very heartfelt speech—good work there, by the way. Got me right here,” he says, slamming his fist against his chest. “You mentioned that this had been going on for months. Talk me through that.”

I groan, aware that I’ve got a few more confessions to make.

“I may have made use of your masquerade ball ticket this year.”

Dad’s brows lift slightly in surprise, but that’s as much of a reaction as I get. “I see.”

“I dyed my hair, chose a mask that covered enough of my face that I hopefully wouldn’t be recognized, and…well…”

“We hit it off but I had no idea who she was,” Kodie finishes.

“And when did you learn who she was?”

“About a week later. She came down to the rink to see you and…one look at her and I knew. I didn’t think I’d ever find her again. And there she was, right under my nose.”

“I tried to do the right thing. I tried to follow the rules, but…I couldn’t. Not this time.”

Dad frowns. “Rules? What rules?”

“What?” I ask on a laugh. “The rule that I should never get involved with one of your players.”

I expect Dad to remember and agree, but what I don’t expect him to do is throw his head back and laugh.

“What?” I ask, confused and a little offended by his reaction.

“Casey, you are a fully grown woman. I’m not controlling who you can and can’t spend time with.”

“B-but?—”

“Yes, there were a few years when I warned you to stay away from my team. You were young and impressionable, and I’m sure Kodie will be the first to agree that hockey players aren’t always the best role models. Sure, there are many of my players I’d rather you steer clear of because the chances are that you’d end up hurt. But I can assure you, Kodie isn’t one of those.”

I blink, utterly speechless.

“And anyway, I knew the minute he moved to LA there was a chance you’d go after him,” he admits.

“W-what?” I blurt.

“Oh, come off it, Casey. You’ve been in love with Kodie since you were about twelve years old.” My expression must tell him what I’m thinking. “You didn’t think I knew you had his postersstuck everywhere, or that you suddenly paid more attention to college hockey than you did any of my games?”

“I…um…”

“Casey, I know you. Clearly, better than you think I do.” He laughs again, amused by my utter cluelessness. “Why do you think Kodie was traded here in the first place?”

“Because he’s an amazing winger. Any team would be lucky to have him.”

“Well, yes. I wouldn’t bring a shit player to my team. But…I brought him here…for you.”

All the air rushes out of my lungs.

“Of course, I didn’t know this would happen,” he says gesturing between us, his eyes locking on our joined hands again. “But I knew you’d get a kick out of getting to spend time with your hero.”

“You’re my hero,” I counter.

“When you were a child, maybe. But as I said, you’re an adult now, Casey. You get to make your own choices and decide your path.

“I just wish you would have told me sooner instead of allowing me to find out online.”

A regretful sigh passes my lips. “I’m sorry. We wanted to tell you, but it was all so new and…I was scared.”