Page 14

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

DELANEY

I stare at myself in the mirror and question everything.

I’ve changed four times. I even straightened and then curled my hair, allowing my hair to fall in “effortless” waves. It’s a lot of prep work for a work function because this isn’t a date—I know that. Still, something about tonight feels… different.

Every day, Max and I become more comfortable with one another. I’ve never had this in a nanny position before. The three of us have become a sort of family, and it feels right.

Max asked me to come with him to the team’s charity gala—something formal, with players and their families, press, and other donors.

He asked if I’d come “as support,” and in his words, “to help with Caroline.” But let’s be real, he could’ve asked anyone from his contact list. Not to mention, every player’s wife or girlfriend is going to fawn over Caroline. He’ll have tons of support without me.

But he asked me.

To be fair, I know he trusts me with Caroline more than anyone.

Tonight is the first time he’s bringing her to an event this big, with lights, cameras, and a big chunk of the hockey world watching.

If he wants everything to go perfectly, I’m the logical choice—my entire job is to make his life easier where his daughter is concerned.

So yes—clearly, I’m overthinking. My brain hosts a constant duel where Max is involved.

Part of me is solid in my role, and the other part—small but stubborn—longs for something I have no right to want.

It’s ridiculous, really. Sharing the same air with MaxwellPark every day has scrambled my compass.

I smooth the skirt of my emerald-green wrap dress and remind myself yet again that this is just another night on the clock. Nothing more.

A soft knock on the open doorway pulls me around. Max stands there in a black tux with Caroline tucked against his chest in the poofiest pink dress—complete with ruffled-bottom tights. She’s beyond adorable, and he’s… well, beautifully handsome.

“You ready?” he asks.

Pressing my lips into a steady smile, I nod. “Yeah. Ready.”

The ride to the venue is magical. Light snow falls, coating the already white ground.

Trees and houses are lit up with lights.

Christmas is just around the corner, reminding me that I should talk to Max about what he wants to do for Caroline’s first Christmas.

Yes, she’s young and won’t remember this particular holiday, but still, it’s good to establish traditions early.

“You’re quiet,” he says.

“Just enjoying the view. It’s so pretty tonight.”

“It is,” he agrees.

“We should talk about holiday plans for Caroline,” I offer.

“Absolutely. Make sure to put it on one of your to-do sticky notes, and we’ll talk about it tomorrow,” he says as we pull into a circular drive of a gorgeous hotel.

A valet wearing a long black dress coat steps out to greet us. He and Max exchange some words as I unbuckle Caroline. Max walks around the Bronco and gives me a smile, taking Caroline from me. “Let’s do this.”

The venue is stunning. A swanky downtown hotel ballroom dripping in soft gold light and linen-covered tables. There’s a bar in the corner, a string quartet in the other, and the sound of polite conversation and clinking champagne flutes fills the air.

Max hasn’t let go of Caroline since we walked in. She’s in his arms, her tiny head resting against his chest, completely unbothered by the noise and bustle around us. Max, on any given day, is a gorgeous man, but Max in a tux takes my breath away.

He’s talking to a couple of older men in suits—team owners or sponsors, I think—while I stand slightly behind him, smiling, trying to look like I belong. I’m introduced, and when one of the men asks who I am, Max replies casually, “This is Delaney, Caroline’s nanny.”

It’s harmless. True. Accurate. I am the nanny. Yet the word hits harder than I expect. It shouldn’t sting, but it does.

“Laney!” A familiar voice pulls me from my little spiral, and I turn, grateful for the interruption.

“Iris.” I exhale her name in relief.

She pulls me into a hug. “You look stunning.” She takes my hand and spins me around. “I’ve always loved you in green.”

Iris looks like a brunette Cinderella in a baby-blue ball gown.

“You look amazing.”

“Thank you, thank you.” She grins. “Have you met everyone yet?”

I glance back toward Max. “Just the guys he’s talking to. We only just got here.”

“Oh, come on.” She grabs my hand.

I hesitate, hitching a thumb over my shoulder. “I should probably stay with Max and the baby.”

She waves that off like it’s absurd. “Nah, he’s totally fine. He’ll come find you if he needs you. Besides, we need to talk.”

We stop at the bar and each grab a glass of wine.

“I need to hear everything. I’m sorry I haven’t been over more. It’s such a busy time of year. I’ve been traveling with the team, managing everything at the office… and obviously this.” She gestures toward the packed ballroom.

“You planned this event?”

“Yep.” She chuckles. “It’s kinda my job. They pay me good money to organize meet-and-greets and parties. This one’s a big deal—it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. We’re raising money for Cranes Care, the team’s nonprofit building company.”

I raise a brow and take a sip of wine. “You know, I never did hear the full story about how your fancy Harvard law degree turned into party planning.”

“I know. We’re long overdue for a girl’s night.” She gives a dreamy sigh. “But really, it all boiled down to happiness. I finally figured out what that looked like for me—and anything that didn’t align with it had to go.”

“You do look happy,” I say.

She smiles, then leans in, voice lowered. “Okay, so… spill. How’s it going? Are you happy? I haven’t heard much, so I’m assuming it’s not as awful as you thought it’d be?”

She’s right. If this job had turned out to be a nightmare, I absolutely would’ve let her know.

I shrug. “It’s been great, honestly. You were right. Max is very cool.”

“No issues at all?”

I shake my head. “None. And believe me, I’ve tried to find something annoying. The guy has zero bad habits. He’s respectful, he’s clean, he listens to my input… he’s just genuinely grateful that Caroline’s being taken care of.”

“Told ya. He’s great… and adorable. Anything else going on?” She lifts a suggestive brow. “You two looked very stunning walking in here together.”

I gasp, slapping her arm. “Iris! No. It’s a job, and I’m a professional. There’s nothing going on.”

She shrugs. “Okay, okay. I wouldn’t judge you if there was.”

“Well, there’s not,” I repeat, firmer.

“Alright, alright.” She laughs. “Cade just said Max is like a whole new person since you came into the picture. He said he’s happier and playing better than ever. So whatever you’re doing—it’s working.”

I chuckle. “First things first—he’s sleeping. That’s probably the biggest difference.”

“True. He was basically a zombie the week before you showed up.” Iris loops her arm through mine. “Come on. I want you to meet the group. They’ve all been dying to meet you but wanted to give you and Max the space to figure things out. Honestly, no one was sure how Max would handle fatherhood.”

“Really? Why?” I ask. “He’s a natural.”

“That’s amazing to hear,” she says. “I knew he’d give it his all—he’s that kind of guy—but let’s be honest, he was a major bachelor. Commitment wasn’t exactly on his radar. Even with the best intentions, that kind of shift is massive.”

“Yeah, I guess having a kid forces you to grow up fast.”

The first person Iris introduces me to is Jaden, Max’s best friend and former roommate. I instantly recognize the woman on his arm as Annalise Sterling—the movie star.

“There’s our car thief.” Jaden grins, pulling me into a hug, reminding me that we’ve technically met before. “How’s my guy? You keeping him happy? I miss him.”

Annalise elbows him. “She’s not there to keep him happy. She’s there for Caroline ,” she says pointedly before turning to me with a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Anna. Please forgive Jaden. Before me, Max was his one true love.”

“True,” Jaden agrees, nodding. “He’s a hell of a guy.”

“You’re welcome over any time,” I tell him, grinning. “I’m sure he misses hanging out with you, too.”

“I know,” Jaden says, raking a hand through his hair. “We’ve just been trying to give you two time to settle in. Max is very serious about your schedule.”

I laugh. “That’s for the baby—to keep her happy and rested. Max is free to keep whatever schedule he wants.”

“Making this work is really important to him,” Anna adds. “We didn’t want to get in the way.”

“I promise you wouldn’t be. I mean, the baby’s in bed by seven. Max has plenty of time.”

Another guy joins us, tall and gorgeous—like the rest of them—and I’m starting to wonder if being absurdly attractive is part of the team’s contract.

He smirks. “Eh, we see enough of him at practice and on the road anyway, but I can see why he’s keeping you to himself. He failed to mention his new nanny was a total smoke show.”

“Sean,” Jaden groans, punching him in the arm. “Knock it off.”

“Sean, huh?” I arch a brow.

He winces. “Logan, actually. ‘Sean’ is a nickname. One I’d prefer to bury.”

“Laney!” a voice calls, and I turn to see Cade—Iris’s husband—joining the group.

“Hey, Cade.”

“Good to see you,” he says before addressing everyone. “I’ve known this girl forever. Beckett and Iris have known her even longer. They’ve been friends since elementary school.” He calls over his shoulder, “Feltmore!”

Beckett joins us with a smile. “Laney, it’s so good to see you. And thank you for bringing our guy back to life. Seriously.”

Over the next few minutes, I’m introduced to the rest of the team, their dates, and a very enthusiastic equipment manager named Eddy.

I’m overwhelmed in the best way by how kind and welcoming everyone is.

I hate to admit it, but Iris might’ve been right—I was too judgmental.

These people are warm, real, and genuinely seem to like one another.

Most of them are married and clearly in love. Iris always said they were like family, and now I see what she meant.

They rapid-fire questions at me—about my job, my life, how I got into this line of work.

I try to sound as interesting as possible, but after a while, I realize they’re not just being polite.

They’re actually interested . They make me feel included and seen.

And with each new smile or friendly comment, a quiet fondness settles into my chest.

Across the group, I catch Iris’s gaze. She lifts her glass and gives me a knowing smile as if to say, told ya.

Max joins us, and of course, Caroline becomes the center of attention. She's immediately passed around and doted on, especially by the women. Soft coos, big smiles, and more than one, “she’s just perfect.”

“You okay?” Max leans in, voice low near my ear.

“Yeah.”

“Sorry. Coach Albright isn’t usually that chatty, but get a few drinks in him, and he won’t shut up,” he says with a grin.

“No worries. Iris made sure I met everyone. It’s been fine.”

Across the group, Bash calls out, “You know it’s past seven,” with a pointed glance toward the baby.

“All schedules can be broken for special occasions,” I reply easily.

“He’s right,” Max says, eyeing Caroline. “This is going to throw off her sleep.”

“She’ll be fine,” I say, nudging his arm and motioning toward the circle of teammates beaming at his daughter. “It’s good they get to see her. She’s clearly the MVP tonight.”

“Yeah,” he agrees, and his voice softens.

We stand there in quiet, comfortable silence, watching Caroline soak up love from every direction.

But the peace doesn’t last.

A woman in a glittering, microscopic black dress slinks up beside Max. Her long fingers—tipped in dagger-like nails—slide around his arm like they’ve done it a thousand times before.

“If it isn’t Maxwell Park,” she purrs, too close, too familiar.

Max stiffens. “Hey there… Melody.”

He pauses just a beat too long before saying her name. Like he had to reach for it. Or wanted to forget it.

I don’t want to know who she is. Or what she was. I step away from Max’s side and slip into the circle around Caroline. She’s the reason I’m here. And at this moment, she’s the only one I want to focus on.

The evening moves on.

Max gets pulled away for photo ops with the team. The ballroom buzzes with music, food, and bidding wars over silent auction baskets. I talk with Iris and some of the wives, but eventually, they drift away—to dance, to eat, to mingle.

Caroline falls asleep in my arms, her soft breath warm against my collarbone. I leave the noisy ballroom and find a quiet three-season room down the hall. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the walls, and outside, snow drifts lazily under the glow of streetlamps.

I settle onto a plush sofa and let my head rest against the back. Exhaustion pulls at me, and for a few minutes, I close my eyes.

Then I hear the door open.

“There you are,” Max says gently, stepping into the room. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

I offer him a tired smile.

“I’m sorry I got caught up in there.”

“Stop apologizing,” I say sincerely. “We’re fine.”

He glances down at Caroline, then back at me. “We should probably head out soon, huh?”

I rise from the sofa, baby still tucked against me. “Sure.” I try not to sound too relieved.

He frowns. “This wasn’t fun for you. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have dragged you here.”

“It’s fine. Really. It was great meeting your friends. They loved seeing Caroline. And hey—I rarely have a reason to dress up.”

His gaze skims down my dress and back up again, slower than it should be. “I don’t know if I told you this yet, but… you look incredible tonight.”

My pulse stutters. “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.”

He shifts his weight, nervous energy buzzing between us. “Do you have time for a dance before we go?”

“Oh… I don’t know…” I glance down at the baby, sleeping soundly against my chest.

“Just a quick one. Right here,” he says. “I love this song.”

Music floats in faintly from the ballroom. I hesitate, then gently lay Caroline down on the sofa. She doesn’t stir.

Max steps closer, placing his hand lightly on the small of my back. He guides me toward the center of the room. The touch is barely there, but it sends a slow burn up my spine.

We begin to sway.

I focus on the snow outside. It’s easier than looking at him. Being in Max’s arms feels too right—and that’s exactly why I know it’s wrong.

As we dance, he thanks me again for everything I do for Caroline. It's kind. It's genuine.

And it’s also a reminder.

He’s just my boss. A very handsome , very grateful boss. But nothing more.

The song ends.

“We should go,” I murmur, stepping back.

“Yeah,” he says, his gaze lingering on mine a moment too long.

I turn, heart thudding, and gather Caroline into my arms. Without looking back, I head toward the coat check.

I don’t make eye contact with Max the entire ride home.

I can’t.

I refuse to allow my traitorous emotions to give me away now.