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THEO

NOAH: I can’t believe I didn’t get to do the puppy thing. I am the fucking golden retriever on the team. And what about Wolfie?

COLE: You know that’s a MMC stereotype

JAXON: Or is it a trope? Romance shit is so confusing. Don’t tell Nia I said that.

NOAH: I think it’s a micro trope?

THEO: Trope. And you’re seriously crazy, LeCav. Plus my girl’s doing it, so…

NOAH: Screenshotting and putting that in the group chat.

COLE: Please don’t.

NOAH: But our little #HOCKEYDADDY is in love

COLE: And he wasn’t before?

NOAH: I think they both weren’t ready to admit the playing around was getting old.

THEO: We weren’t playing around.

NOAH: You were a few weeks ago until we won the last series. But now, you’re both all in. I can tell these things.

COLE: He’s right. See you in a few.

WOLF: How do I get traded before the next game?

NOAH: Stop fronting. We know you’re not crashing out. You admitted you loved us after four shots of Tito’s

WOLF: It was six. And I said I tolerated you.

NOAH: I have video. And how did COLE get invited?

WOLF: …

NOAH: It’s just for me, Wolf. And the rest of the pack, but not until we lift the cup.

COLE: Laney said I don’t have to actually do anything, and I only agreed because Eden is going to be there, too.

THEO: Not fronting. And I have to go. Press conference.

NOAH: Tell newbie hi from the #GHOSTHOCKEYDADDIES

L aney motioned me over to a corner of the room where the press had already started gathering for the announcement of the fundraiser. Anything with romance books, puppies, and hockey players did well, and got attention for causes that might not get as much support.

Serena had even showed up to the press conference, and looked very satisfied with herself as Indie waved her fingers at me with a cute glare that reminded me of how she looked when I bent her over in the shower this morning.

Hayden Lewis walked in along with Cole, a cocky smile on his face.

His eyes searched the room, but Laney pulled my attention away as she introduced me to the nonprofit head, Frannie, that was going to benefit from the endeavor.

Cole spotted Eden in the corner, talking to a few of the media and made a beeline to her.

Ten minutes later, the press conference began, and Laney and Indie stood up alongside Frannie, and as Laney talked, Indie interjected in her usual adorable way.

I watched her in utter awe, the way she was self assured, just like she had been at every event including the auction this past Christmas.

And with Travis when he was closed off to everyone and barely opening up to me.

And then Hayden and I stepped up to do our part, but Hayden had maneuvered his way and stood next to Indie. The entire thing blurred as I watched her look up at him and smile, but when he put his hand on her back she stiffened, then relaxed and plastered a smile one her face.

Luckily, the fucking thing ended because I was seeing red. As we stepped off the small stage used for events and other press announcements, Hayden moved in closer and put his hand on her arm, and I lost my shit.

Before I thought better of it, I knocked him out, and Indie screamed.

In front of the last two remaining press, who caught the whole thing.

I was fucked.