Page 101 of Power Play Daddies

“I think it happened before I even started the piece,” I add quickly, avoiding the look he’s about to give me.

He lets out a deep breath, more firmly this time. “I’ve got you.”

I smile weakly at him. “Thanks.”

Then, like he’s changing the subject, he leans back in his seat. “When I’m upset, I go to this place. Mint chocolate ice cream. It’s the best ice cream flavor. You ever had it?”

I blink. “Mint chocolate? Yeah, I love it.”

Ha! Turns out I have something in common with him.

He grins, this slight, sad smile. “Good. Let’s go, then. You need a little pick-me-up.”

“Hell yeah,” I say, finally feeling like I can breathe a little easier. “Let’s go get some ice cream.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Beau

The soundof the skates scraping against the ice fills the air as I move to the edge of the rink, the cold air hitting my face like a slap.

I’m not even sure if I’m focused on the drills right now, but I can’t help it. I need to make sure Daisy’s okay. Kieran’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

“You talked to her, right? She hasn’t replied to any of the messages in the group chat,” he says, glancing at me between drills.

“I did,” I reply, trying not to sound like I’m hiding something. “Talked to Mason, too. He said brunch was fine, but she said she was tired and went to rest.”

Kieran raises an eyebrow. “That was yesterday, man.”

“Yeah,” I say, dragging my fingers through my hair. “Something’s definitely wrong.”

He’s watching me carefully. “What time’s her check-up?”

“At noon.” I can feel the worry bubbling up in my gut. “It’s ten. I think I should go check up on her.”

“You sure you don’t want me to go with her?”

I shake my head, the decision already made. “Nah. I’ll go with her. You stay here. Let Mason know.”

“All right, man. Let me know how she is,” Kieran says, pulling his helmet on.

I skate off the rink and head straight for Coach Ace, but as soon as I get close, I can feel my stomach tighten. “Coach, I gotta run. Got a meeting with a realtor today.”

Coach looks at me for a second, the lines on his face deepening. “Actually, Blaze, we need to talk.”

I freeze. Shit. What now?

He waves me over, motioning for me to walk with him. I follow, trying not to let the nerves show.

“Listen, I got some concerns about Daisy,” he says, voice low.

My pulse spikes. “What concerns?”

He pauses, rubbing the back of his neck. “Can’t really say. But you need to keep an eye on her. Something’s not right, Blaze. Trust me on this.”

My stomach drops, but I nod, trying not to let the worry slip into my voice. “All right, Coach. I got it.”

He pats me on the back and walks off, leaving me to contemplate what he just said. I thought she had told him about our fun little foursome, but he would not be talking to me if that was it.