Page 16

Chapter fifteen

You’ve gone full dad mode

Jake

T he ice feels different tonight. It’s an away game and the crowd’s loud, hostile even, but that’s nothing new. I’m used to it. Away games always bring a different kind of intensity. But tonight, as I skate out, there’s this nagging thought in the back of my mind, one I’ve been trying to push away since we left town.

I haven’t seen Charlie or the kids since our zoo date last weekend. It’s only been about a week, but damn, I miss them more than I thought I would. It’s like there’s this empty space in my chest that only they can fill, and being away is harder than I expected.

As we line up for a face-off, one of the other team’s wingers skates by, smirking. “Hey, Brooks, heard your contract’s up this season. Think you’ll get another one, or are you headed for the retirement home?”

I shoot him a look. “Keep talking, kid. Maybe you’ll figure out how I keep scoring on you.”

He laughs. “Easy, Grandpa. Don’t pull a groin on us.”

I tune him out, focusing on the puck and the play. I’ve heard it all before, the chirps about my contract, but tonight it digs a little deeper. Not playing with the team I love is a possibility I’ve been pushing aside, but it’s creeping in tonight.

The game moves fast. We’re back and forth, trading hits and shots, and I’m determined to make my presence known. The cold air bites at my face as I streak down the ice, skates slicing t hrough the noise of the crowd. I take the hit against the boards hard, shoulder-first, the impact rattling through my chest. But I push through, adrenaline dulling the pain as I focus on the puck, the play, the goal.

Midway through the second period, I finally get the chance I’ve been waiting for. We’re on the power play, moving the puck around, looking for a gap. Logan threads a perfect pass my way, and I don’t even settle the puck. I wind up and let it fly—a clean one-timer that beats the goalie glove-side. The puck snaps into the twine with a satisfying thud.

I raise my stick as the red light flashes, a grin splitting my face as the boys swarm me, clapping my helmet, celebrating the goal. I point at Logan as I skate past, letting him know that was all him—the perfect assist. He grins like he’s just won the lottery.

As I pass the other team’s bench, one of their defensemen mutters loud enough for me to hear, “Enjoy it while you can, old man. That contract’s ticking down.”

I smirk as I skate backward, locking eyes with him. “Keep counting the days, kid. I’ll still be scoring on you when I’m collecting my pension.” His scowl deepens, but I turn away, knowing I’ve made my point.

The game is a battle, but we hold our ground, and when the final buzzer sounds, we’re on top. In the locker room, the atmosphere is light, full of laughter and banter as we strip out of our gear.

Chase sidles up as I’m tossing my pads into my bag. “So, big man,” he says, voice dripping with mischief, “we all saw that little unicorn drawing in your locker back home. You got a mini fan club now?”

A few of the guys chuckle, and I roll my eyes, smirking despite myself. “It’s from Meadow. Charlotte’s little girl.”

Chase nods sagely. “Because a crayon drawing keeps you focused on hockey, right?”

I grab a towel, slinging it over my shoulder, and turn to face him with a mock-serious expression. “You’d know, Walton, if you ever managed to get past a first date and actually spend time with someone who has kids.”

There’s more laughter, but it’s all in good fun. The guys can joke all they want about that drawing, but it means more to me than any trophy.

Ryan chimes in from his loc ker. “Leave him alone, Walton. At least Brooks has got something real going on.”

“You’ve gone full dad mode already, huh?" Eli chuckles from the bench. "Next thing we know, you’ll be driving a minivan and coaching little league.”

I snort, shrugging it off as I unlace my skates. “I’ll stick to hockey, thanks. But yeah… get used to the idea of me being around her more.”

Ryan gives me a serious look, something between approval and warning in his eyes. “You know it’s a big step, right? Being with someone who has kids.”

“Yeah, I know.” I grab my notebook from my bag. “This isn’t a game to me, though.”

Flipping it open, I jot down some thoughts from the game: the goal, the plays, even some of the chirps. I add three stars to the page, too.

Logan, still riding the high from his assist, glances over as I finish up. “What’s that for?”

“Just a tool for getting my head right, game-wise. Helps me go over plays or whatever’s on my mind.”

Chase can’t help himself. “Yeah, or maybe it’s just your poetry journal, Brooks. ‘Ode to a Rookie’ and all that.”

I roll my eyes. “Fuck off, Chase. At least I have more to write about than beer and bad dates.”

As the locker room starts to empty, Ryan sticks around, glancing at me more seriously.

“You good, man?” he asks, lowering his voice so the others don’t overhear.

I nod, knowing I can’t hide much from him. “Yeah, just been thinking about a lot lately. Balancing everything, you know?”

Ryan leans back against his locker, arms crossed. “Yeah… But you’ve always been good at handling pressure.”

“It feels different now,” I admit, running a hand through my hair. “Didn’t expect to get this attached this fast. And then there’s the contract stuff, the chirps tonight… it’s getting to me. Makes me wonder if I can really do this—be there for them and still give everything to the game.”

Ryan studies me before spea king. “You’re not alone, Brooks. We’ve got your back, especially me. And as for Charlotte and the kids, sounds like they’re worth the effort. You can balance it, man. Don’t let the noise get to you.”

I nod, appreciating his words more than he realizes. Ryan’s always been the voice of reason, keeping me grounded when things start to spin out of control. “Thanks, man. I’ll figure it out.”

His expression softens. “Trust me, I get it. With Claire pregnant, I’m already trying to figure out how to balance this. It’s a whole new game when there’s more than just you to think about.”

The mention of Claire and their baby on the way makes me smile. Ryan’s been a rock on this team, and seeing him so settled, with a family on the way, gives me hope.

“By the way, Claire and I are hosting Thanksgiving this year. First time in the new house. Eli and Chase are coming, and we want you there, too. And Charlotte and the kids are welcome, if things are… you know.”

I nod, appreciating the gesture. “Thanks, man. I’ll see how things are going by then.”

The idea of bringing Charlie and the kids to Thanksgiving at Ryan and Claire’s is both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s only a few weeks away, and it feels like a big step. But the truth is, I want them there. I want to share this part of my life with them.

***

Back in my hotel room, the adrenaline from the game still pulses through my veins. The post-game high usually sticks with me, especially on the road. Normally, a win is enough. But tonight, I can’t shake this restless energy. The thrill of the game, the chirps from the other team, the roar of the crowd—all distractions. Now that it’s silent, all I can think about is Charlie.

I head into the bathroom to shower, hoping the scalding hot water will clear my head. I know the team’s physio hates it when I do this, but there’s something about the heat of the water th at I can’t resist. Under the spray, my mind keeps drifting to Charlotte—her laugh, her smile, the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. The way she trusts me.

Closing my eyes, I imagine her here with me. And that’s probably the worst thing I could’ve done, because now I’m rock hard. I lean a hand against the wall, letting the water cascade over me, and reach down with the other to grip myself.

I let out a low groan as I work my hand up and down, picturing Charlie right here with me, her warm freckled skin pressed against mine, so damn soft. And God, her lips. Those soft, inviting lips I could kiss for hours.

My hand motions grow jerky at the thought of pinning her against these tiles, wondering what shade of pink her nipples are and how I’d take them into my mouth, making her moan as they turn to hard peaks between my teeth. Tasting her, feeling her go weak under my touch—it’s all it takes. I shudder, coming hard against the tiles, her name slipping out softly.

I stand there for a moment, letting the water spray over me, washing away the evidence. For fuck’s sake. I want her bad.

Turning off the water, I grab a towel and step out, staring at my reflection in the fogged-up mirror. I see the tension in my own eyes. I need to figure out how to balance this—my career, my feelings for Charlotte, the life I’m starting to imagine with her and the kids.

As I towel off and get dressed, I think about texting her. I just want to see her name light up my screen, maybe hear her voice. Before I even pick up the phone, it buzzes. My pulse kicks up when I see her name.

Charlie: Congrats on the win! That goal you scored in the second period was unreal. ?? And the way you took that hit - ouch. Your shoulder okay?

A grin spreads across my face. She watched the game. No one I have ever truly cared about has watched my games. Knowing she was watching, thinking about me, sends a thrill through me I can’t shake. I type back quickly.

Me: Thanks, C harlie girl. Shoulder’s fine, just a little sore. You turning into a hockey fan now? ??

Charlie: When the star player is someone special, it’s hard not to pay attention ??

I laugh softly, flopping down on the bed, feeling lighter already. I can almost hear her playful tone in that message, but the fact that she watched, was cheering me on and thinking about me, makes me feel like I’m playing for more than just the win.

Me: Someone special, huh? I’m flattered. Maybe next time you’ll have to come in person

Charlie: Hmm, I dunno. Sounds like a lot of ego stroking is involved.

I resist the urge to tell her there’s plenty of other stroking I’d prefer for her to do right now.

Me: Trust me, I can think of a few other things I’d rather have you stroke than my ego.

I did not resist the urge. I grin at my own audacity, waiting to see if she’ll let me get away with that.

Charlie: Wow. You have a very vivid imagination, Brooks. Must be lonely in that hotel room.

Me: You don’t know the half of it. I miss you.

Charlie: We miss you, too. The kids asked about you tonight, especially Noah. You’ve got a number one fan here.

The idea that they’re thinking of me, missing me, makes everything else fade. It’s not just Charlie—it’s all of them. And damn, I want to be there.

Me: Tell Noah I’ll be back soon. And that I’m bringing him a surprise. I’ve got something for Meadow, too.

Charlie: Now you’re just spoiling them! But they’ll be stoked. Thanks, Jake x

The way she says my name, even in text, feels like I can hear her voice, soft and warm. And that little kiss she added? I want to be with her right now, pressing my lips to hers for real. Not in some hotel room hundreds of miles away receiving typed ones.

I hover over the screen, fingers itching to type something flirty again, something to make her smile. But beneath the easy banter, there’s a seriousness I can’t shake. This isn’t just some fling. Not even close. When I finally type my response, it’s with the hope she feels it too.

Me: It’s gonna be hard to sleep tonight

Charlie: Who says you’ll be sleeping? ??

Her reply sends a jolt of desire straight through m e, already conjuring all the ways I wouldn’t ‘not sleep’ with her in my bed. This woman—she has me completely.

Me: You sure you don’t want to fly out here? I could make it worth your while.

Charlie: Tempting. But I don’t think your team would appreciate me distracting you

Jake: I’d risk it.

Charlie: Of course you would.

Me: Can’t help myself when it comes to you.

There’s a beat—just long enough for the words to settle.

Charlie : Night, Jake. See you soon xx

Me: Sweet dreams, Lady Lightning x

I stare at her last message for a moment, heart pounding in a way that has nothing to do with the game. Setting the phone down, I lean back and close my eyes.

But all I see is her.