Page 188 of Playing the Pucking Game

I can’t help but chuckle as the thought of Kodie sitting on his couch, crossed-legged, waiting for Casey to get home to spill the beans pops into my head.

I bet he loves the gossip, really.

“And while we’re out, what are you doing to be doing?”

“Seeing if I can talk some sense into your boy.”

“He’s not mine,” I counter quickly.

Despite me still having my hands on his shoulder, Kodie pushes from the table and twists to look at me.

“Parker,” he says, his eyes bouncing between mine as if he’s looking for a secret. “I hate to tell you this, but Linc has it bad for you.”

I swear to God, my heart stops. But while hope and all my teenage dreams might threaten to bubble up at his words, I force it all back down.

Instead of jumping up and down like an excited little girl, I keep my eyes locked on Kodie’s.

I sigh. “Linc isn’t made for a life like you have with Casey. He’s a player—he loves the game, the limelight, the celebrity status, and the puck bunnies who come along with that.”

“When was the last time you saw or heard about him being with a bunny?” Kodie asks, his brows lifted.

“Since you moved in, what has he been doing with his evenings?”

“Uh…” Images of him chilling on the couch watching TV or gaming fill my head. Him hanging out with friends, their dance mat battle. Nights on the road where he might go for a drink with the guys, but then head to the room not long after Kodie.

That isn’t the Linc we all used to know and…tolerate.

He’s…he’s different.

“Exactly,” Kodie says with a smug grin.

“It’s so easy to get swept up by the glamor of this life. We’ve all done it. I know it might be hard to believe, but back in the day, I was out every chance I got and making the most of the benefits.” Now it’s my turn to lift a brow. I’m teasing, though—thanks to Casey’s lifelong obsession with the man sitting before me, I’m aware of what his life was like before Sutton came along. He was no different to all the others. To Linc.

But now, he’s a family man who’d choose spending time with Casey and his daughter over anything.

“It gets old, Parker, and guys start looking for other things. For a quieter life. Maybe that time has come for Linc.”

My mouth opens and closes like a fish.

“And maybe you’re the reason.”

Christ.

Kodie and I finish up in silence. Even if I wanted to continue a conversation, I’m not sure I could form the words.

It’s not until he’s dressed and about to walk out that I speak.

“Where is he?” I question, my concern for his lack of presence only getting worse.

“He stayed out on the ice with Killer and Brit; they’re working with the rookie.”

A smile appears as I think of Hayden. On the outside, he seems overly confident, and it looks like he fits right into life on the team, but as a rookie, I find it hard to believe that’s the case.

“I’m sure they’ll all be in to hound you soon. Enjoy the rest of your day, and your dinner.”

“Wait,” I call as he ducks around the door. “Where are we going?” I ask quietly.

As I clean up,Jarad finishes with his player, and as soon as he’s done, he disappears into the office, leaving me waiting anxiously.