Page 58 of Her Puck Daddies
Levi throws up a hand, a vein popping on his forehead. “Wait… you’re telling me she’s got a stalker ex after her?”
Thetension in the room thickens. And suddenly, keeping her close isn’t just about fucking anymore. It’s about protecting what’s ours.
Levi's forehead and the bridge of his nose crinkle into a furious V, making him look as intimidating as he does on the ice. He doesn't mess around when he looks like that. He’s either about to throw a punch or block your shot.
“Then we have to convince her,” I say, and Levi grunts in agreement, his scowl so intense his lips disappear beneath his dark beard.
“Yeah,” Sven confirms. “But we can’t strongarm her. She’s been through more than I realized with him. He’s a cheating piece of shit who used to verbally assault her, so we need to be careful with this.”
That makes it trickier. None of us have the best track record with relationships.
So how do we approach this?
Then it clicks.
“How about we convince her to just spend one night with us?” I suggest. “We won’t make a big deal out of it. Just say we want to take care of her while she’s laid up.”
Sven shakes his head. “She got pissed when I suggested she go home and rest. She wants to be independent and trying to tell her what to do won’t get us anywhere.”
"Okay, so we get honest with her,” I suggest, an idea forming. “Like coach does when he’s giving constructive criticism. We tell her how amazing she is, pushing through like a total badass, but also point out that if she falls again, it could cause more damage. And we’d be without a masseuse altogether. We can't afford that.”
Sven nods thoughtfully, clearly warming to the idea. “Yeah, that could actually work.”
Levi agrees, “Let’s do it. We have to make sure she’s taken care of.”
Ava moves stiffly as she steps out of the hallway, her shoulders tense, her posture defensive. “You have a very nice place, Sven, but I’m not moving in here. That’s insane.”
Sven doesn’t argue, just tilts his head with a knowing smirk. “We’ll see about that. But for now, how about we enjoy each other’s company? And maybe let us help you take your mind off your ankle?”
I shoot him a pointed look, unsure if he’s pushing too hard. She’s injured, and springing this on her might be too much. But Ava squares her shoulders, lifting her chin like she’s ready for a fight.
“After dinner,” Levi adds, like it has somehow already been decided.
Ava blinks. “Dinner?”
“Yeah,” I say, casually. “You like Pad Thai?”
It’s easy to order more. The ladies at that place know all three of us by name. Before she can answer, as if on cue, her stomach growls loud enough for everyone to hear.
Levi chuckles. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Ava presses her hand to her abdomen like she can silence it, her cheeks flushing. I love it when she blushes.
“We already have some down at my place,” I add, hoping to sweeten the deal. “I can grab it now so you don’t have to wait.”
She hesitates, pride warring with hunger, but I don’t give her a chance to refuse. “Be right back.”
I take the stairs two at a time, placing an order on the restaurant’s app while I grab what’s left of our takeout—more than I expected, thanks to Levi’s half-eaten meal. Back upstairs, I throw a plate together, pop it into Sven’s oversized microwave, and hand it to Ava.
Sheeyes it cautiously. “I’m not eating alone while you guys just sit here.”
I flash my phone screen at her. “No worries. Delivery driver’s five minutes out.”
Ava takes a cautious bite. Then another. When her eyes roll back slightly, I know she’s either really enjoying it or hasn’t eaten in way too long. She eats slowly, like she’s savoring every bite, or maybe just making it last in case she’s not ready for us.
Once more food arrives, she seems to relax, and we all sit around Sven’s sleek, glass dining table. Conversation shifts naturally to hockey, the one topic we can always fall back on.
When we’re done eating, Sven grabs the remote and clicks a button. A hidden wall-mounted screen slides into view. “Do you want to watch something?” he asks, already flipping to ESPN.