Page 21

Chapter Twenty-One

Sophia

I step into the board room at Icehawk Stadium feeling… good .

Scratch that.

I feel fucking fantastic.

Since landing back in Iron Ridge last week, work with the Icehawks isn’t just going well - it’s exploding.

My inbox is a battlefield of interview requests, sponsorship deals, and PR opportunities, each one more ridiculous than the last. GQ wants to do a feature on Blake. A luxury watch company is practically begging him to wear their brand.

It's got so crazy that some influencer with a million followers slid into my DMs last night just to say: "Sis, you’re living the dream."

And honestly?

Yeah. Yeah, I kind of am.

I stride into the Monday morning meeting with the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing you’re killing it. The kind of confidence that has my heels clicking and my ice coffee balanced effortlessly in one hand as I slide into my usual seat at the long conference table.

I’ve spent my entire career making calculated moves, planning three steps ahead, ensuring that I was in control of my professional trajectory.

But with Blake?

With Blake, I’m all in. No strategy. No contingency plan. Just pure, lustful chaos wrapped in a six-foot-four hockey captain with a delicious tongue that should be illegal.

I cross my legs as Big Mike leans back with an expectant look. Greg, however, looks downright giddy. He's been like this for weeks, but I thought his childish excitement would have worn off by now.

He leans forward and grabs a huge muffin from the tray of treats laid out in the middle of the meeting table, the same tray that had astounded me on my very first day.

It’s practically tradition now - Greg always gets the biggest muffin.

I cover a snigger as I watch his eyes light up like a five-year-old on Christmas morning, tearing a chunk off the chocolate muffin and popping it into his mouth.

I scan the room, noting how every seat is filled except for one - the same one as always. Blake's chair.

I roll my eyes, but this time, I can't help but smile at the missing hockey star. Jeez, are my professional standards slipping that badly?

“Alright, let’s get started,” Big Mike says, clapping his hands together at the head of the table. “Sophia, Miss-woman-of-the-moment , I believe you have some updates for us?”

I nod and shuffle my papers, even though I don’t need them. The numbers are seared into my brain.

“Engagement is up fifty percent across all social media. The biggest video is still the one of Blake teaching skating basics…” I clear my throat. “To me. It now has over two million views.”

Greg chokes on his muffin. “Two million? That’s insane.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool. “This is what I've been saying from the start. Fans love seeing behind-the-scenes content. They feel more connected to the team.”

Big Mike leans back in his chair, clearly pleased. “And what about merchandise sales?”

“Up thirty percent since we started featuring Blake more prominently,” I reply, conveniently skipping over the part where I'm part of that very significant 'boost'. “The new line of jerseys with his number sold out within hours.”

“Excellent,” Big Mike says, nodding approvingly. “This is exactly what we needed.”

I glance at Blake's empty chair again and feel a pang of something... not quite guilt, but close. He hates being in the spotlight this much, but he’s done it for me. For us.

Greg clears his throat. “And what about the upcoming charity event? Any updates?”

“Yes,” I say, flipping to another page in my notes. “We’ve secured several high-profile sponsors and local businesses are eager to participate. We’re expecting a significant turnout.”

“Good work,” Big Mike says, looking genuinely impressed.

Greg's grin spreads wider than I've ever seen it, like he just hit the jackpot in Vegas. "Sophia, just keep doing what you're doing. Loving your work, well done."

I shift in my seat, suddenly too aware of the board’s expectant eyes on me.

Big Mike smiles in my direction, but somehow, all this praise, all the career cookies I'm getting doesn't feel as good as it should.

"The engagement is off the charts," Big Mike agrees. "Ticket sales are at an all-time high. The ' Blake Maddox Effect ' is officially a phenomenon."

My brow furrows. "The... what?"

Big Mike's deep chuckle fills the boardroom. "You. Him. The fans are eating it up. The interviews, the behind-the-scenes shots, the glimpses of the two of you? Hell, it's like a damn reality show, and the world is obsessed."

I swallow hard. "Right. But... that's not what I came here to do. I came here to build the brand, to—"

Greg waves his hand dismissively, muffin crumbs scattering across the polished table. "And you are . By being a part of the brand. Just keep going. Whatever you're doing with Maddox? Keep doing it."

Big Mike winks at me. Actually winks.

"Perhaps just leave out the finer details, though," he says.

A fresh wave of nausea rolls through me.

I force my lips into what I hope passes for a smile, but the knot in my stomach tightens as I stare at my reflection in the glossy conference table.

That's not what this is. Right?

This should feel like a win.

So why does it feel like I’ve just lost control of the narrative? The one that I decided.

I glance at Blake’s empty chair again, but this time it doesn’t make me smile.

This was my plan. To use our chemistry to distract the board, to shift the conversation, to get them off Blake’s back and away from the youth program.

But now?

Now we’re the conversation. Now I’m part of the brand.

And suddenly, I’m not so sure I like that.

Blake and I aren’t a brand.

We’re… something else. Something real.

Shit ... What have I done?

***

"Girls night!" Natalie squeals, jumping up and down on the spot like a tiny yapping chihuahua.

Mia grins, looping her arm through mine as we push into the Summit Café. “About time.”

"I can't believe what Clara has done to the place! It's look nothing like this during the daytime," I say, holding the front door of my favorite café open.

The Summit Café is a vision of cozy, twinkling lights and the scent of cinnamon and vanilla in the air so strong it makes my soul sing. There's a crackling fireplace that adds a warmth to the room, and so much laughter in the air that it floats around us like a big bear hug.

“Holy shit, this place is magic,” Mia breathes, looking around.

Natalie smirks. “Clara outdid herself.”

I follow behind Natalie and Mia towards the corner booth. It's complete with plush cushions and candles, and has a 'reserved' sign that reads: For the Queens of the Night .

Natalie looks stunning in her deep emerald wrap dress, cinched at the waist to add a yummy 'pop' to her curves. Her heels could kill a man - if her attitude didn't do it first.

Mia is always a playful vision, but tonight in her off-the-shoulder red number, her dark hair cascading down her back in waves, she looks downright stunning.

And me?

I’m wearing Blake’s favorite: a silky champagne slip dress with delicate straps that slide off my shoulders when I move. He threatened to destroy it when I got home later, but for now, it’s my armor from the dozens of eyes locked all every one of us.

Natalie adjusts her dress and throws an appreciative glance around the café. "We deserve this, girls."

The first round of cocktails arrives, and they’re as stunning as we are. My raspberry and peach bellini sparkles with red flakes floating in the bubbly prosecco. Natalie’s classic dirty martini looks sophisticated - just like her… not.

And Mia’s spiked hot chocolate is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon

"To us," I say, lifting my glass.

"To trouble," Mia adds with a wink.

"And to whatever happens next," Natalie finishes.

We clink our glasses together, giggling and sipping our drinks all at once.

Our waiter returns with a tower of decadence that would make any dessert lover weep with joy: chocolate lava cakes oozing molten goodness, lemon tarts zesty enough to make your mouth pucker in delight, and caramel-drizzled waffles so golden they look like they were kissed by the sun.

"Oh my god," Mia gasps. "I think I’m in love."

"With the dessert? Or with Clara?" I tease.

"With everything," she says dreamily.

I spot Clara behind the counter. She's a whirlwind of motion as she expertly handles the rush of her first themed night in Iron Ridge. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a messy bun, and her apron is dusted with flour and sugar.

Despite the chaos, she catches our eyes and waves enthusiastically.

“Thank you!” we call out in unison, raising our drinks in salute.

“Looks amazing, babe!” Natalie adds, her voice carrying over the gentle acoustic guitar playing in the corner.

Clara grins, and gives us a thumbs-up before returning to her whirlwind of activity.

“She’s incredible,” Mia says, shaking her head in admiration. “I don’t know how she does it.”

“Magic,” Natalie replies with a wink. “Pure magic. And to think she's still single? Come on, what hope do we have?”

Mia and Natalie laugh together, but quickly their focus turns to me.

“Alright, ladies,” I say, setting my glass down with a determined clink. “What’s the plan for tonight?"

“Oh, definitely girl talk,” Mia says, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “You guys were away for too long, and I want all the juicy details about you and Blake.”

Natalie smirks. “Yeah, spill it, Sophia. We’ve seen the way he looks at you. We've seen the posts on the Icehawks account. Come on, is this all for real?”

Mia hums. "Because it looks so delicious."

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks and try to play it off with a laugh.

“There’s not much to tell,” I say casually. “We’re just... figuring things out.”

“Uh-huh,” Natalie says skeptically. “Figuring things out while he practically undresses you with his eyes every time you’re in the same room?”

Mia giggles. “Ryder says the chemistry whenever you're down at practice is off the charts!”

I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. “Okay, okay. Maybe there’s a little more to it than that.”

Natalie leans forward, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Do tell.”

Sipping my drink, I try to push the thoughts of the board meeting today out of my mind. They see me and Blake as a marketing tool, not as real people with real lives.

But I can't exactly tell the two sets of love-heart shaped eyeballs staring at me right now that, can I?

I never got around to calling my mom. I can already hear her voice in my head, filled with disappointment and concern about my professional work. She’d want me to stand up for myself, to demand respect and authenticity.

But I can't think about that now. Not here, not tonight.

I need this night with Natalie and Mia.

“Well,” I begin, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as I think about Blake. “He’s... different than I expected. Underneath that tough exterior is someone who really cares about his team. And this community.”

“And you,” Mia adds with a knowing smile.

I shrug, trying to hide my own grin. “Maybe.”

Natalie raises an eyebrow. “Oh, come on, Sophia. That's nothing. We want details! The good stuff.”

“Fine,” I relent, laughing at their eager expressions. “But only if you promise to share your own stories one day too.”

“Deal!” they chorus.

I roll my eyes, trying to downplay the whole thing before diving into a half-hour long retelling of everything that happened before the road trip, after the road trip, leading right into the way he helped me button up my dress before I left for tonight.

I'm careful not to delve too far into Blake's past, and skim over the details he confided in me about his hatred for birthdays.

“So, we’re kind of just... spending time together. That’s all," I eventually conclude after talking for what feels like forever.

Natalie snorts, clearly not buying it. “Hmmmm. I'm not buying it. Just spending time together? Babe, that’s what I say about this martini, and yet, I’ve already ordered a fourth.”

Mia leans in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Is he bossy in bed? I bet he’s bossy in bed.”

I glare at her, my cheeks flushing. “I am NOT having this conversation with you two.”

Natalie grins wider. “Which means you absolutely should.”

I let out a groan. “It’s not what you think. He’s actually... sweet. Really thoughtful. Always looking out for me.”

Natalie and Mia exchange a look and slurp on their straws as the next round of drinks is dropped on our table.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so... I don’t know. Safe? Cared for?”

Silence falls over our table.

Then, in perfect unison: “You’re in love with him.”

I gasp, feeling like the wind has been knocked out of me. “I—”

Mia raises a brow, her expression smug. “Oh my god. You totally are.”

Natalie smirks at me like she’s just won the lottery. “How does it feel to have your entire existence changed by one ridiculously hot hockey player?”

Without another word, I down the rest of my drink, hoping the alcohol will numb the pain of the look on their faces.

They don't need to know I already opened my heart up to him. Blake has changed everything. I don't care what they think. He's even changed how I perceive my work, which is a huge deal considering the girl I was when I moved half way across the country to be here.

But I'm still not sure that's a good thing… even if my heart does a triple backflip every time he looks at me, and my insides turn to warm caramel whenever he's near.

God, when did I become such a cliché?

A few hours later, the night air hits my face as I step out of Summit Café, my head spinning - not from the cocktails, but from the truth I can't shake loose.

The streetlights shine above me and the snow-dusted sidewalk is layered with a small layer of freshly fallen flakes.

A familiar engine purr catches my attention down the street. Blake's Range Rover idles at the curb, its headlights cutting through the night.

The passenger door swings open, and there he is - all six-foot-four of him leaning against the frame, arms crossed over his chest.

"Evening, girls." He nods to Natalie and Mia, then flicks his eyes to me, taking in my dress and flushed cheeks. "Have fun, sweetheart?"

Behind me, Natalie and Mia burst into giggles, stumbling past me to climb into the back seat of his SUV.

"Hi, Blake," Mia giggles.

"Thanks for the ride," Natalie slurs, bumping hips with Mia in the back, slamming the door in hope to cover their childish amusement.

I laugh, but freeze as I get to the passengers side door, a big hand moving over my shoulder before I get the chance to grip the handle.

"I missed you," Blake grunts from behind me, his hand holding the door closed for a moment longer as his breath warms my neck.

I turn around and look up at him, smiling.

The light catches his jaw, shining over that scar that I've traced with my fingers a million times now. It might just be the booze, but the way his eyes soften when they meet mine tonight… it's nice.

"I missed you too," I say, leaning up to peck his lips.

I hear him take a deep inhale as his nose presses against my cheek, and then, when the kiss breaks, he yanks the door open and lets me slip inside.

He's here. Just like always, making sure I get home safe.

Just like the coffee he brings me every morning, the way he shields me from reporters, how he remembers exactly how I take my chamomile tea right before I go to sleep of a night.

My heart pounds as Natalie and Mia try, and fail, to plug the seat belts in the buckle from behind us.

Oh god. I am in love with Blake Maddox.

I know I've already told him I do, but after today, after being in that meeting and facing the jeopardy of the choices I've made to put us in the spotlight… to shield Blake and protect what means so much to him.

I am so completely, terrifyingly in love with him that the thought of losing him steals my breath.

And maybe that's all that matters?

I slide into the front seat, reaching across the console to grip Blake's leg, giving it a tight squeeze and flashing him a smile.

"Drive, Captain."