Page 23 of Pucking Around

She looks up from her phone. “What’s that, hon? Oh—yes, we got a great price with the dealership,” she explains. “Most of the guys prefer something with a little towing capacity. They’ve all got boats and sea-doos and Lord knows what else. That won’t be a problem, will it? You can drive a truck, right?”

I nod, signing the form. “Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

In reality, I’m terrified. Tess is going to have a big laugh at my expense when I tell her I’m now in possession of an armored tank.

Vicki hands over an electric key fob. “Well, let’s head out to the parking garage and I’ll show you where you’re parked.” She slings open one of the double doors, leaving me space to slip through.

She says something else, but I’m not listening. All I can hear is the humming of my body. My brain tries to catch up with the truth that my eyes and my heart already know.

My Mystery Boy is walking right towards me.

11

Ican hardly breathe as I watch him walk closer, his eyes on his phone. He’s still wearing his sunglasses, his dark hair hidden under a baseball cap. It’s a little bit shorter than when I saw him in Seattle, a closer fade at the nape And he’s clean-shaven.

But it’s him. There’s no doubt in my mind. Those broad shoulders are stretching his NHL tech shirt tight across his chest. His long, muscled legs are wrapped in nothing but a pair of athletic shorts. He’s wearing trainers in the Rays colors.

He’s a hockey player. Mystery Boy plays defense for the Jacksonville Rays…the team I now officially work for…as his doctor.

Oh, fuck—fucking—fuck!

I think I’m gonna pass out. But then he dares to look up from his phone and flash us both a panty-melting smile.

I’m dead. Just bury me here.

“Vicki, my goddess, my queen!” he calls out in that deep voice I’ve heard a thousand times in my dreams.

“Mmhmm,” she says, arms crossed. Clearly, she’s unimpressed. “You get it done finally?”

“Would I dare defy your direct order?” he replies, slipping his hand into the pocket of his athletic shorts to flash her his driver’s license. “All fixed. We’re good to go.”

“Bring it to my office before close of day so I can make a copy.”

As they talk, I just stand here like their own private statue. He sees me, right? He looked right at me. I don’t understand what’s happening. Why is he pretending not to know me?

“Rachel, this is Jake Compton, and he’s trouble with a capital T,” Vicki says by way of introduction.

Oh god, his name is Jake. My heart does a little flip.Jake Compton.Caleb’s best friend. He turns his gaze fully on me and I swear I can’t breathe. Those hazel eyes hook me.

“Jake, this is our new Barkley Fellow, Doctor Rachel Price.”

“Hey Doc, nice to meet you,” he says holding out his hand, apparently still oblivious.

I can’t even believe what I’m doing as I slowly reach a hand out. I’ve spent the last two months having my every dream revolve around this guy. Now I’m standing here, right in front of him, and he doesn’t even recognize me!

12

I’ve had the best morning ever. No early morning workout, no coaches’ meeting, no warmups or practice. Instead, I slept in and made myself breakfast. Sure, I had to wait for over an hour at the DMV, but it gave me time to just relax.

The last few months have been crazy. Between Vicki and Poppy, we’re having our balls busted every day. If we’re not at practice or working out, we’re in endless HR meetings, travel meetings, or dealing with press bullshit. I don’t even know how many times I’ve had my picture taken for different promotional stuff.

So yeah, taking a morning off to drink my coffee and go to the DMV has felt pretty damn great.

Luck shines down as I stroll through the parking garage. Vicki is right there, intern in tow. She’s always got someone new shadowing her. My phone pings and I glance down.

CALEB (11:45AM): Novy is lookin great. You’ll skate well together against Carolina

I sigh with relief. Our starting line is feeling more solid each day. Maybe we actually have a chance at a win this season.