Page 21

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

DELANEY

T he plane touches down in Chicago with a soft thud, and my heart is already racing.

I knew I wanted to surprise Max with a visit.

He’s said more than once how difficult road games are for him and how much he misses home.

But I didn’t feel right taking his daughter on a plane without his permission—so Iris obtained said permission.

While Max agreed to a date in the future, little did he know Iris already had it all planned for today. I figured Chicago would be a great trial run for future travel. It’s a short one-hour flight from home—just long enough for a baby’s first flight.

Caroline was absolutely perfect the entire way.

She babbles beside me now, kicking her little feet in the navy-blue leggings I paired with a fuzzy white sweater and matching hat.

Her Crane Hockey onesie with her dad’s jersey number four is hidden underneath for a surprise reveal later.

I swear, I nearly cried when I found it online—custom-made with “PARK” stitched on the back in tiny silver lettering.

It’s absolutely ridiculous how obsessed I’ve become, but here we are.

Several months ago, I had never watched a hockey game in my life. My only exposure to the sport came from TikTok—and those were mostly thirst traps. Now, I watch every game on TV and cheer along, wanting so badly for the Cranes to win. I’m invested. And not just in the team.

I don’t know why watching Max skate across the ice in all that gear is so sexy, but it absolutely is. Home game nights are... very fun.

I’ve yet to bring Caroline to a home game because they usually start past her bedtime. But we’re making an exception today. One night off routine won’t mess her up too much. Worst case, it takes a couple of days to reset her schedule. It’ll be worth it to surprise Max.

A driver meets us at the airport, collects our bags, and takes us to the hotel to check in.

I can’t stop smiling. Iris went above and beyond—booking us a two-bedroom penthouse suite so Caroline can have her own space.

The second bedroom is stocked with everything an almost-seven-month-old baby could need.

I realize this is not normal travel accommodation, and I’m beyond grateful for the frills.

Caring for the child of a rich sports star definitely has its perks.

We have a short time in the suite to freshen up. I order a quick bite from room service while I feed Caroline, and minutes later, our driver returns to take us to the arena.

After a short drive through the streets of Chicago, we’re being led to our box, which—once again—is complete with everything a baby might need, including a little travel crib. I could definitely get used to this.

“Well?” Iris enters the VIP box, clasping her hands together.

With Caroline on my hip, I turn to face her. “OMG, Iris. This is insane.”

“So you approve?” She grins.

“Every possible need has been taken care of. This trip hasn’t had a single ounce of stress. I’m surprised you didn’t have someone here to feed Caroline her bottle for me,” I tease with a laugh. “Seriously, thank you.”

She gives a half curtsy. “You’re so welcome. And it was no big deal. Beckett and Elena have been traveling with a baby for a while now, so I’m used to planning accommodations around it. It’s fun.”

“Yeah, I’ve stayed away because I didn’t want it to be too much for the baby, but besides the extra noise, she’ll barely notice. Plus—” I motion to the enclosed box. “I’m guessing these windows block out some sound. It’ll be like her sound machine at home.”

“Exactly. There’s no reason you can’t come to more of Max’s games,” she adds with a wink. “So will the hotel room suffice? Or more specifically, the king-sized bed?”

“Seriously.” I raise a brow, puckering my lips. “I shouldn’t have said anything to you.”

She laughs. “Like you could keep it from me. You’ve never been a good liar.”

She’s got me there. I’m one of those people who wears most of my thoughts on my face.

I have a bunch of obvious tells when I’m lying—and Iris knows them all.

When she asked me a week ago if anything physical was going on between Max and me, I tried to dodge the question for about two-point-two seconds before realizing anything but the truth would be pointless.

“Okay, but don’t say anything around the team or Max. This is all very casual.”

She nods. “Casual.”

“What? It is.”

“Oh, I believe you,” she says, her tone making it crystal clear she doesn’t believe me at all.

“Don’t do that.” I laugh.

“Do what?” She feigns innocence.

“Don’t placate me.”

“What? Do you want me to argue and say I don’t buy your story for a second?

Where will that get me? You’ve always been stubborn.

I know you’re not going to do anything—or admit anything—until you’re ready.

And that’s fine. Whatever’s going on between you and Max is exactly that… between you and Max.”

“I told you. It’s just a friends-with-benefits type of deal. Nothing serious.”

She lifts her hands. “Nothing serious. Gotcha. So the guys will be back out for a few minutes of warm-ups before the game begins. If you need anything, a server will come by to take your order. There are beverages in the mini-fridge for now.”

“Perfect. Are you coming back to join me?”

She nods. “Yep. I’ve just got a few things to take care of first, but I’ll be back in a little bit.” She heads for the door, pausing to glance over her shoulder. “Laney?”

“Yeah?”

“For what it’s worth, I think Max would be worth it.”

“Worth what?” I ask.

“Tearing down a few walls for,” she says before disappearing into the hall.

Before I have time to let her words sink in, my attention is drawn to the ice. The guys are exiting the locker room and stepping onto the rink for warm-ups. My heart flutters when I see Max.

Oh, Max.

My chest warms as all of my attention zeros in on my boss. Caroline’s dad. My Max.

Mine? He isn’t though, is he?

Walls? What is Iris even talking about? Do I have very specific boundaries when it comes to dating?

Sure. I’d be stupid not to, given the quality—or lack thereof—of the dating pool.

I’ve seen what loving a man can do to a woman.

My mother gave my father everything, and in return, she was disrespected, gaslit, ignored, verbally abused, and cheated on.

Growing up, everyone always told me how great my father was. To the outside world, he was charming, respected, and handsome. But he was the villain in my origin story.

The truth is, I don’t know what molded me more into the woman I am today—the way my father treated my mother, or the way she stayed with him, hoping it would get better.

I remember questioning her, asking why she stayed loyal to him.

Why she wouldn’t leave. She had told me that one day when I truly loved someone, I’d understand.

Her words—“You’ll be surprised at what you’ll do for someone you love”—have stuck with me.

If loving someone means living a pathetic existence, then why would I ever want that? Love has never seemed worth the heartache.

The one good thing my father ever did was leave my mother—finally. I was grateful because she never would have left him, no matter what he did. I know she still secretly pines for him. But even if it wasn’t her choice, I’m glad she gets to live without him—a man who only ever hurt her.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Max stops skating and looks up toward the box.

His expression morphs from one of confusion to pure happiness as he spots us.

I wave, and Caroline shakes a navy and white pom-pom.

With his gloved hand, he blows us a kiss and presses it to his heart over the number four on his jersey for a moment before giving us another wave and continuing on, skating.

The walls I’ve built around my heart are strong and impenetrable—guaranteed to protect me from heartbreak. I’ve held these convictions for so long, I don’t even know if I’m capable of change. But Iris is right. If there’s anyone worth fighting for, it’s Max. He’s unlike any man I’ve known.

The thought of being vulnerable still scares me, but how will I ever know if it’s worth it if I don’t try?