Page 24 of Power Play Daddies (Miami Icemen #1)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Daisy

I sit at my desk and type up my latest article. I can’t help but smile to myself as I work.

The words flow easily, though my mind is still on the way Beau’s hands felt on me, the way he kissed me, the way he fucked me in the water.

I know the guys are all back at practice, probably sweating it out on the ice, but I had to get work done. I couldn’t spend my whole day just… getting distracted by them.

But damn, I’m sure if I went to the rink, it’d only take about five minutes before I was dragging one of them off into a quiet corner.

And, hell, I’m not even sure I’d care.

I snort, shaking my head.

“Focus, Daisy,” I say aloud.

It’s quiet now, no noise but the tapping of the keys and the occasional sigh I can’t hold back. I finish up the section I was working on, lean back in my chair, and stretch.

God, it’s hard to think about anything else when my mind keeps flashing back to how Beau kissed me, how he touched me, how it felt like there was no one else in the world but us.

It’s like the guy knows exactly how to undo me, piece by piece.

But okay, work. Right.

I scroll through my notes on the next interview I’ve got lined up. Kieran or Mason could be interesting for the next piece.

They’re both solid choices. I could probably milk a good article out of either one of them.

But then I stop. That could draw attention to whatever weird polyamory situation we have going on, and the last thing I want is my uncle and the rest of the world in my business.

Rhett. I can interview Rhett next.

The interview with Rhett goes well. Way better than I expected, actually.

He’s a lot more chill when he opens up, and I think I got some good stuff for the article.

As I step out of the rink, the cool evening air hits me, and I breathe it in, shaking off the tension that’s been hanging around all day.

I barely make it past the entrance when I nearly run into Uncle Ace. Damn. I didn’t even hear him coming.

“Whoa—watch where you’re going there, kid,” he says, chuckling.

I smile at him, trying to keep it casual. “Sorry, Uncle Ace. Just heading out.”

He nods, looking me up and down with that calculating look he gets sometimes. Then his face softens, like he’s remembering something else.

“How’s everything going with the job? You’re not, uh, having any trouble with those guys, are you?”

I swallow, my mind instantly going to the image of Beau, Mason, and Kieran—my personal, private little mess of tangled sheets and secrets.

And now, especially with the pregnancy. Yeah, definitely not going to tell him that.

“Perfect,” I say with a smile that I hope looks convincing enough. “Everything’s on track.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it entirely, but he lets it slide. “Good. Good. You know, tomorrow evening, we’ve got a management-planned team event. It’s kind of a big deal, actually.”

My brows furrow. “An event?”

“Yeah, one of those things where they make a big show for the sponsors and all that corporate nonsense. You know the drill. But,” he grins, “I managed to get you a pass. Thought you might want to see the guys in their element, get some more material.”

I tilt my head, trying to play it cool. “The players will be there?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“Of course,” he replies, smirking. “Can’t have a team event without the team. I think it’ll be a good time, but I wouldn’t expect anything too exciting. Just a bunch of handshakes and small talk.”

“Sounds… fun. I’ll be there.”

“Good,” he says with a final nod, his voice dropping slightly. “I’m sure you’ll get what you need. But remember, you’ve still got to play nice. Don’t get too cozy with the boys, all right? They can get a little out of control when they all band together and alcohol is involved.”

God! If only he knew…

I grin, trying to hold back a laugh. “Yeah, I’ll keep it professional. Don’t worry.”

Uncle Ace studies me for a second longer, then pats me on the shoulder. “All right, I’ll see you tomorrow, Daisy. Enjoy your evening.”

He turns to walk away, and I stand there, watching him go. His words replay in my mind, but the part that sticks is the reminder of what’s coming tomorrow.

The team event. The players. Beau, Mason, Kieran.

It’s all a lot to take in. And I’m not sure if I’m ready for the mess that’ll come with it.

But I’m sure as hell going to enjoy it.

The event is in full swing by the time I arrive, the soft hum of conversation mixing with the clink of glasses and distant laughter.

The place is nothing short of extravagant—chandeliers casting a golden glow, waitstaff moving seamlessly through the crowd with trays of champagne and bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.

I take a slow breath and smooth a hand down the sleek black dress I chose for tonight. It’s off-the-shoulder, hugging every inch of my body in a way that’s just the right amount of inappropriate.

My heels click against the polished floor as I step inside, scanning the room for a familiar face.

And then?—

Kieran.

Standing by the entrance in a dark suit that fits him too damn well, his broad shoulders filling it out like it was tailored just for him. Probably was.

He’s got that easy smirk on his face, the one that makes trouble sound tempting, and his eyes drag over me with a slowness that makes my skin heat.

“Jesus, Daisy,” he murmurs as he steps closer, his voice just for me. “You look so fucking sexy.”

Before I can say anything—before I can even think—he leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek, his lips lingering a second too long, his scent wrapping around me.

The heat rises to my face, and when he pulls back, he’s grinning like he knows exactly what he’s doing.

I clear my throat, shifting on my heels. “You’re not looking so bad yourself.”

“Yeah?” He smooths a hand down his tie, eyes still locked on me. “Beau and Mason are already inside. You ready?”

I nod, ignoring the way my stomach tightens at the thought of seeing them. “Let’s do this.”

We walk in together, the air thick with polished conversations and business smiles. The players are scattered around, deep in discussions with suited men and sharply dressed women, all of them here to talk deals, sponsorships, and whatever else keeps the team’s brand alive.

And then, I spot them—Beau and Mason.

They’re both in suits, looking unfairly good, and the second they see me, their expressions shift, something knowing passing between them.

Mason moves first, closing the space between us, dipping his head to press a slow kiss to my cheek. Then Beau does the same, his lips just a breath longer on my skin than necessary.

My whole body reacts, heat coiling low, and I force myself to step back, hoping no one else noticed.

“What exactly is this event?” I ask, needing a distraction.

Mason leans against the bar beside me, taking a sip of his drink. “Every once in a while, we meet with all these people— brands, companies, investors. They pitch endorsements, try to get us to slap our names on shit.”

I glance between them. “And what endorsements are you two in so far?”

Beau grins. “High-end watches and a ridiculously overpriced sneaker line.”

Mason shrugs. “Car commercials. Some sports drink. And apparently, I have a cologne deal now.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” I say, turning to Mason. “You? A cologne?”

“Yeah,” he smirks, eyes dark. “It’s called ‘Heat.’”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I laugh, shaking my head.

We’re still laughing when my uncle’s voice cuts in. “Daisy.”

I turn to find Uncle Ace standing behind me, expression unreadable.

“There’s someone I want you to meet.”

I nod, letting him guide me through the crowd until we stop in front of a man I recognize from video calls but have never met in person.

“Daisy, this is Cam,” my uncle says. “The team analyst.”

Cam offers a hand. “Nice to finally meet you.”

“You too,” I say, shaking it.

We make small talk. Cam talks about how excited they are to read the final article and how he thinks it’ll be good for the team’s public image.

He seems genuine, which is a relief.

Then his phone rings, and he steps away to take the call, leaving me standing with my uncle.

A waiter stops by, offering champagne. My uncle grabs two glasses and hands one to me. “To your article,” he says, lifting his glass in a toast.

I hesitate, fingers curling around the stem.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, watching me.

I swallow. “I’m not drinking tonight.”

He raises a brow. “Why not?”

I can’t tell him the real reason, so I go for the next best excuse. “I need to stay sharp for the event.”

Ace studies me for a moment, then nods. “Fair enough.” He takes a sip of his drink, then exhales. “Listen… I know there have been differences between us.”

I blink, caught off guard by the shift in conversation.

“But I’m glad you’re here,” he continues. “Actually, I wanted to ask if you’d be available for a family dinner soon. Just the two of us. We should talk.”

My stomach twists. My uncle has never—never—suggested something like this before.

I nod. “I’d like that.”

“Good,” he says simply.

Before I can process it any further, the first course is being served. Something with fish.

The second the plate is set in front of me, the smell hits. Sharp, pungent. My stomach flips violently.

Shit.

I push back my chair so fast it scrapes against the floor. “Excuse me,” I mutter, already moving.

I barely make it to the women’s bathroom before I dry heave over the sink, gripping the counter as nausea rolls through me.

Fuck.

Keeping this pregnancy secret is going to kill me.