CHAPTER NINE

Ally

I adjust my chair, stretch my back, and straighten the stack of paperwork I’m steadily working through.

My desk is a controlled mess, neatly arranged folders on one side, my laptop open to the latest roster updates, and a steaming mug of coffee nestled next to my keyboard.

Dr. Martin has been in and out all morning, his usual gruffness tempered by what I can only describe as reluctant approval.

He hasn’t barked at me once today, which is a new record. It seems like he’s finally realized I know what I’m doing.

The work is routine but welcome, a reprieve after last night’s whirlwind of emotions.

I’m halfway through typing up an evaluation when movement catches my eye.

It’s Tyler.

He strides past my office with his usual easy confidence, his broad shoulders filling the doorway for a brief moment. He glances inside, his dark eyes locking with mine.

A quick, charming smile spreads across his face, followed by a wink that’s so effortless it’s almost maddening.

Before I can process it, he’s gone, disappearing down the hallway like a phantom.

My cheeks burn instantly.

I duck my head, pretending to study the text on my screen as though my computer holds the answers to life’s biggest mysteries.

But it’s no use.

The memory of his kiss, warm, firm, and entirely overwhelming, floods my mind.

“It was just a kiss, Ally,” I whisper, trying to steady myself. “Chill out.”

The rational part of me knows it shouldn’t have been a big deal. But the truth is, that one kiss sent my world spinning.

I close my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting the rhythmic clatter of the keyboard settle my nerves as I dive back into my work.

Dr. Martin had asked me to do an inventory count earlier, so I grab a clipboard and head to the storage room.

The cool, sterile smell of alcohol wipes and disinfectant fills the air as I start combing through rows of neatly labeled shelves. Gauze, medical tape, splints, ice packs, it’s a parade of items that have become second nature to me over the years.

Hours pass without me noticing. When I finally finish, I go to hand the report to Dr. Martin.

He glances over it, his sharp eyes scanning the details. Then, to my surprise, he nods. “Good work, Dr. Perry,” he says gruffly.

The words take a second to sink in. “Thank you, Dr. Martin,” I reply, trying to keep the shock out of my voice.

He grunts in response, turning back to his desk. I can’t help but smile a little as I return to mine.

It’s early afternoon when Dr. Martin announces he’s heading out for lunch. He pauses at the door, his sharp gaze fixed on me.

“Don’t burn the place down while I’m gone,” he says, his tone gruff but not unkind.

“I’ll do my best.”

The silence that follows feels strange.

Before I can leave, a shadow crosses the doorway, and I glance up to see Brooks standing there. His tall frame fills the space, his arms crossed over his chest in a way that makes him look even broader.

“Hey,” he says, his voice low and a little stiff.

“Hey, what’s up?”

He steps inside, his boots scuffing softly against the floor.

“I just wanted to check in,” he says finally.

I study him for a moment, the tension in his expression telling me more than his words. “It’s okay, Brooks,” I say gently. “I’m not mad at Tyler or anything.”

He exhales, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Still…he can be a handful.”

I smile, shaking my head. “It’s fine. Really.”

Brooks shifts his weight, his hands sliding into his jacket pockets as he clears his throat. “You eaten yet?”

I blink, caught off guard. “Not yet. Why?”

He shrugs, his voice still a little gruff. “Figured I’d grab something. If you’re hungry, you could come along.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “You’re asking me to lunch?”

“Yeah,” he says, his tone casual, though there’s a flicker of something, maybe hesitation, in his eyes. “No strings, no funny business. Just lunch.”

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes playfully. “Promise?”

A smirk tugs at his lips. “Scout’s honor.”

I can’t help but laugh, nodding as I grab my bag. “All right, fine. Let’s do it.”

He gestures toward the hallway, and I follow him out to the parking lot. When we reach his truck, I stop short, staring up at the shiny black beast of a vehicle.

“This is yours?” I ask, tilting my head.

“Yeah,” he says, opening the passenger door for me.

The interior is pristine, with black leather seats and a dashboard that looks like it belongs in a spaceship.

As he pulls out of the parking lot, I feel a little giddy, though I can’t quite explain why.

“So,” I say, breaking the silence with a sly smile, “what’s with the big truck? Compensating for something?”

He glances at me, caught off guard, before a deep laugh rumbles out of him. “Really, Dr. Perry?”

I grin, shrugging. “Just saying. It’s a lot of truck for one guy.”

He chuckles again, shaking his head. “I’ll have you know, I actually need it. Comes in handy for hauling stuff.”

“Uh-huh,” I reply, my tone teasing. “Like what? Hockey sticks and pizza boxes?”

He laughs, and the sound is infectious, making me laugh too. The tension in the air eases, and I find myself relaxing a little.

As the truck moves through the city streets, Brooks’ tone softens. “I wanted to make sure you were okay after last night. Tyler can be a handful, and I didn’t feel like we really got to hang out much at the bar.”

I glance at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks, Brooks. That’s…really thoughtful of you.”

He shrugs, his gaze fixed on the road. “Didn’t seem right leaving it like that.”

I smile, glancing out the window as the cityscape blurs past. “Well, Tyler did chase me out, though I don’t think that was his intention.”

Brooks raises an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. “Oh, I’m pretty sure his intention was to get you back into his bed.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Well, that’s not happening. I don’t…do that sort of thing.”

“Good to know,” Brooks says with a nod, his tone thoughtful. “I got the ‘good girl, girlfriend material’ vibe from you right away.”

Heat rises to my cheeks, and I bite my lip, my mind racing.

He doesn’t know, of course, how could he? How could he know that the truth is that I’ve never been with anyone.

I’m not just a “good girl”.

I’m a total novice.

I clear my throat, trying to push the thought away. “Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Brooks glances at me. “It was meant as one.”

The truck slows as Brooks pulls into the parking lot of a small diner nestled between two brick buildings.

The retro aesthetic immediately catches my eye. It has bright neon lights in pink and teal outlining the windows and a giant sign shaped like a milkshake towering over the roof.

As we step inside, the smell of sizzling bacon, freshly brewed coffee, and something sweet, maybe pancakes, fills the air. The soft hum of chatter blends with the clink of plates and the low buzz of a jukebox in the corner, playing an old pop hit.

The decor is straight out of the ’80s, with checkered floors, chrome accents, and an old-school bar lined with red leather stools. The walls are covered in framed photos of smiling patrons and signed headshots of local celebrities.

I spot a few signed pictures from hockey team members on the walls. I wonder if there are any from the current team members.

Brooks gestures toward a booth in the corner with bright neon pink seats, and I slide in, the cushion soft beneath me.

A waitress appears almost immediately, her notepad poised and her smile warm.

“What can I get you two to drink?” she asks.

“I’ll have coffee,” Brooks says.

“Same for me,” I add, glancing at the laminated menu filled with comfort food classics.

As she walks away, I lean back in the booth and pick up the menu, but my eyes keep flicking up to Brooks. He sits across from me, his broad shoulders filling the booth, his hands resting lightly on the edge of the table.

His gaze is focused on the menu, his brows furrowed slightly, giving him that same harsh, domineering expression he seems to wear so effortlessly.

The soft glow of the neon lights from the jukebox catches the sharp lines of his face, making him look like he belongs on the cover of a gritty sports magazine.

It’s hard not to notice the glances from other women in the diner. Some are quick, a flick of the eyes as they pass, while others are more lingering.

They probably think we’re together.

The thought makes me smile, even though I know it’s ridiculous. For a moment, I let myself revel in the harmless fantasy before tucking it away.

The waitress returns with our drinks, her smile warm as she places a cup of coffee in front of each of us. “Ready to order?” she asks, pulling a pen from behind her ear.

“I’ll have the burger and fries,” Brooks says, his deep voice carrying easily over the low hum of the diner.

“Same for me,” I add, setting the menu aside.

As the waitress leaves, Brooks leans back in the booth, his arms stretching along the top of the seat. “Didn’t think you’d go for a burger,” he says, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re in great shape.”

The compliment catches me off guard, and I feel heat rising to my cheeks. “It’s a lot of work keeping up with the likes of you all,” I jab, trying to keep my tone light.

His smirk widens, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy. Brooks Bailey, the team’s gruff enforcer, is flirting with me.

He shifts slightly, his expression softening. “For what it’s worth, I don’t blame you for leaving the bar last night,” he says. “Tyler was totally out of line.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s fine. Really. I’m over it.”

He arches a brow, his eyes sharp and knowing. “You’re a terrible liar.”

I snort, taking a sip of my coffee to hide my smile. “Maybe. But it’s true. I’m fine.”

Brooks studies me for a moment, his gaze unrelenting. “If you’re so fine, why do you look like you’d rather crawl under the table than talk about it?”

I roll my eyes, trying to dodge his scrutiny. “Can we not make this a thing?”

He leans forward, resting his forearms on the table. “You must have a boyfriend or something if a kiss got you this flustered.”

My stomach tightens, and I shake my head quickly. “I’m not seeing anyone, I’m a?—”

The waitress arrives with our food, cutting me off as she places a plate in front of each of us. The smell of sizzling beef and crispy fries wafts up, making my stomach rumble despite the awkward tension.

“Everything look good?” she asks brightly, oblivious to the charged silence between us.

“Looks great,” Brooks says, and I nod in agreement, offering her a polite smile.

She leaves, and as soon as she’s gone, Brooks looks at me expectantly.

“You’re a what?” he asks, his tone curious but firm.

My face heats, and I drop my gaze to my plate. “A virgin,” I mumble, barely audible.

“What?” His voice rises slightly, his shock evident.

I groan, glaring at him. “ Shh! Yes, a virgin! I’ve never had sex before, okay?”

The look of pure shock on Brooks’ face makes me groan again, louder this time.

I bury my head in my hands, wishing I could take the words back and throw them into the abyss.

He blinks a few times, as though trying to process what I just said. “That’s…fine,” he says slowly, his tone cautious. “Waiting for marriage is cool. Good for you.”

I lift my head, shaking it quickly. “It’s not that,” I say, my voice quiet but firm. “It’s just…no one appropriate has ever wanted me. Nice guys don’t ask me out.”

He frowns, his expression softening. “That seems unlikely. You’re smart, funny, beautiful. What guy wouldn’t want to date you?”

I laugh bitterly, pushing a fry around my plate. “Well, for starters, I never wanted to date another doctor, and I’ve been surrounded by them for years. And when my mom died of cancer in high school…” I pause, swallowing hard. “It kind of derailed my social life. I didn’t feel like hanging out with anyone for a long time after that.”

Brooks’ expression shifts, his eyes filled with a quiet empathy that catches me off guard. “I’m sorry about your mom,” he says softly.

“Thanks,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

The conversation falls away into a solemn yet comfortable silence.

The rest of the diner visit is quiet, and the air between us feels heavier than before. I can’t tell if Brooks is mulling over what I said or if he’s just trying to find the right words to break the silence. Either way, neither of us seems willing to speak.

When the waitress brings the check, I reach for it instinctively, but Brooks is faster.

“I’ve got it,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Brooks, really, I can pay for myself.”

He gives me a look, one that makes it clear this isn’t up for discussion. “It’s fine, Ally.”

I sit back, crossing my arms with a huff, but I let it go.

He’s already pulling out his wallet, handing over his card to the waitress.

When we head back to the truck, the silence follows us like a shadow. As he starts the engine, I glance at him from the corner of my eye. His jaw is tight, his gaze focused on the road ahead.

The tension is almost unbearable.

I want to say something, anything, to break the thick quiet, but no words come.

The truck idles at a red light, the soft rumble of the engine the only sound between us. I can tell Brooks is wrestling with something in his mind.

Finally, he glances at me, his tone casual but his words anything but. “You know, I could help you out with that whole virgin thing.”

My mouth drops open slightly, and the air in the cab feels like it’s been sucked out completely.

For a moment, all I can do is stare at him. “What?” I manage to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.

He shrugs, his gaze still on the road. “I mean, if it’s just about learning the ropes. No pressure, no strings. I’d make sure you’re comfortable.”

My mind races.

Do I want to slap him or…consider it?

Because as shocking as his offer is, I can’t deny the flicker of intrigue it sparks.

Brooks is ruggedly handsome, kind in his gruff way, and, if I’m being honest, I’ve been fantasizing about what it would be like to be with him since I started this job.

But then reality crashes in.

What if we get caught? What if this ruins my fellowship and tanks my career before it even begins?

The thought twists my stomach, and I press my lips together, unsure of what to say.

I stare out the window, chewing on my bottom lip as his words sink in. On one hand, the idea is utterly insane. On the other…it has a certain charm. Brooks is trustworthy, handsome, and has a confidence about him that makes me feel safe.

But my job…

“I don’t know,” I say finally, my voice soft. “It’s a bad idea, isn’t it? With work and everything?”

He glances at me briefly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Look, I get it. You don’t want to mess up your career. But trust me, I’ve got just as much to lose. I’m ancient for a hockey player. One wrong move and I’m done. So, if we do this, it stays between us. No one needs to know.”

The reassurance settles something in me, and I meet his gaze. His eyes are steady, sincere, and it’s enough to make me believe him.

I take a deep breath, nodding slowly. “Okay. But only if we’re careful. Really careful.”

His smile widens, just slightly, and he nods. “Of course.”

The tension in the cab eases as we start talking again, this time with a lighter, flirtatious edge. I catch myself smiling more, my nerves giving way to a fluttery excitement.

Brooks teases me about my meticulous inventory skills, and I shoot back that he’s probably never organized anything in his life.

“Hey, I’ve organized plenty,” he counters, grinning. “I can even alphabetize…when I feel like it.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Sure you can, Brooks.”

The playful banter fills the truck, making the drive back to work feel shorter than it is. My earlier doubts still linger, but they’re drowned out by the way he looks at me, a mix of warmth and something deeper I can’t quite place.

When we pull into the rink’s parking lot, he parks the truck and turns to me. “So, tonight?” he asks, his tone casual, but his eyes holding a quiet intensity.

I nod, my cheeks warming. “Yeah. Tonight.”

He smiles, a rare, genuine expression that softens the rough edges of his face.

We step out of the truck, walking side by side toward the rink.

At the doors, we part ways with a simple nod, but the anticipation buzzing in the air between us says more than words could.

As I head back to my office, I feel a strange mix of nervousness and excitement.

Tonight is going to change everything.