Page 22

The Kane brothers aren’t exactly touchy-feely, and I guess it’s been a long time since I’ve brought anyone around them. Mostly because... well, I haven’t wanted to. Until now.

Shit. When did I get so soft?!

I rub the back of my neck, trying to find the right words.

“I mean... they’re rough around the edges, but they’re good guys.

We used to do this trip every year before the season.

Fish, drink, talk shit. Sometimes we’d come back to the cabin with enough to cook up a feast. Other times, just a bunch of empty cans and stories that get more ridiculous every year. ”

A soft smile touches her lips. “Aw, Logan. That sounds really fun.”

I take a breath, stepping closer, brushing a lock of hair from her face.

“But my brothers haven’t met anyone important to me in... well, ever. Nate’s the oldest. He’s the one who usually takes charge. Then there’s Cole—he’s the youngest, but probably the loudest. They’re good guys. Just... opinionated. So, yeah. You’d fit right in.”

Her nose scrunches up in that way I’m learning means she’s embarrassed but pleased.

“So you’d... want me to meet them?”

I shrug again, this time more relaxed. “Yeah. It feels right.”

Her eyes soften, and I can tell she’s thinking hard. “It’s just... no one’s ever really introduced me to their family before. Like, not in a way that actually meant something.”

I frown, tracing my thumb along her jaw. “No ex-boyfriends?”

She shakes her head and laughs at the gruff expression on my face.

“No. I've never had that kind of relationship. And with my family...” Her voice trails off, and she pulls back just enough to lean against the counter. “My mom’s always been stubborn about wanting a different life for me. My sister, too. They’re happy doing their own thing…

just like I am, I guess. I’ve always been alone in all this, and that's normal to me now.”

My chest tightens.

I can’t imagine having family that just... doesn’t show up. My brothers and I might not always see eye to eye, but we’re always there when it counts.

“Hey,” I murmur, stepping between her legs, resting my hands on her hips. “You don’t have to do it alone anymore. You’ve got me.”

Her breath hitches, and she looks up at me, her eyes searching mine. “You mean that?”

I brush my lips over hers, just a soft, lingering kiss. “Yeah. I do.”

Her hands slide up to my shoulders, fingers tracing the muscles there. “You know, you’re making this really hard.”

My brow furrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She bites her lip, but a smile sneaks through. “You’re making it really hard for me not to fall for you.”

Something clicks in my chest, like a goddamn trap snapping shut. I cup her face, kissing her deeper, slower this time, like I need her to feel every word I’m not saying out loud.

When I pull back, her cheeks are flushed, and her fingers are still tracing patterns on my shoulders.

“Good,” I whisper against her lips. “It’s settled then. You’re coming with me. I’ll teach you to fish, even if it takes all goddamn weekend.”

She laughs, but there’s a sheen in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

“Okay. But I still have one condition.”

“Oh yeah? And what’s that?”

She crosses her arms, mock-serious. “We finish every last detail of the community program before we leave. You're cutting out two-hundred bookmarks, mister. No excuses.”

"Two hundred?!" I huff out a laugh, brushing my nose against hers. “Fine. You've got yourself a deal.”

She gives me one of those sweet, slightly crooked smiles that makes my chest feel too small. I can’t resist running my hand through her messy bun, loosening her hair until it spills over her shoulders.

She giggles, swatting at me. “Now you’re just distracting me. Maybe you should start cutting now.”

“Maybe.” I give her hip a squeeze. “But I like seeing you like this. Comfortable. Happy.”

Emma’s laughter fills the tiny kitchen, something tightens in my chest. A knot I haven’t untangled in years.

She’s going to meet my brothers. Spend the weekend with us.

With me.

The realization slams into me harder than any check I’ve taken on the ice.

I’m not just letting Emma in.

I’m giving her a piece of my world. Of my family. And that part of me that still aches, still remembers the sting of losing my mom and not even being able to say goodbye, clenches tight.

Her smile softens, and she rises on her toes to kiss me, quick and sweet. “I like seeing you happy too.”

Christ.

For now, I don’t want to think about trades or locker room tension. I don't want to think about what all this means.

I just want Emma.

Her warm, cozy space. Her soft lips, and her laughter.

Our own little world, just how we want it.

She pulls back, giving me a cheeky grin. “Now, are you gonna help me cook, or just stand there looking pretty?”

I chuckle, grabbing a spoon and giving the sauce a stir. “I can multitask.”

She rolls her eyes, and we fall into an easy rhythm, cooking together in her tiny kitchen.

It’s messy and imperfect, but it feels like home.