Page 12 of The Winning Hat Trick (The Steel City Knights #1)

Maclan

" D ude, you're so fucked." Carson wraps his arm around my shoulder, startling me.

I'm standing in the driveway, watching Celeste drive away.

"Leave him alone, Carson." Brooks shoves him, making us both stumble.

"What? You saw it too. His ass is out here mooning after her car like a lovesick fool."

"Until you meet a woman"—Carson coughs and looks pointedly at Cam, who's standing on the other side of Brooks—"or man who knocks you on your ass with one look, you don't get to give him shit for that feeling."

"Pfft, like that will ever happen."

"You saying you don't want to settle down some day?" Cam arches a brow at his twin, knowing better than anyone that Carson might talk a big game but wants the same thing we all do—someone to share a life with.

"Nah, you know I do. I just don't believe I'll meet someone and all it will take is one look to fall in love. You telling me you fell in love with Wren the first time you met her?"

"I don't know about love, but she sure as hell got under my skin. I knew she was different from day one."

"Well, yeah. One look at her, and anyone could tell you she's different from anyone you've ever dated." Carson rolls his eyes.

"No shit. But that's not what I meant. She got under my skin from our first interaction.

I'm a nice guy, always have been. But for some reason, every time I ran into Wren, I made an ass of myself and looked like a giant dick where she was concerned.

She got to me like nobody ever had, and it took us a while to get our footing, but it was amazing once we did. "

"Hmm." Carson thinks over what Brooks said without a smartass comment.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, pulling my attention. Seeing a message from Celeste, I smile as I shoot off a quick response. Not wanting to leave my brother any opportunity for more teasing, I decide it's time to head out.

"As much as I've loved this"—I wave my hand between us—"I've got an early practice tomorrow. Thanks for the invite, big brother." Brooks might be my older brother, but he hasn't been bigger than me since we were teens.

We all hug each other and say goodbye.

It's a short drive home. All of my thoughts are consumed by Celeste and the kids.

Today was really unexpected, but in the best way possible.

I've known for some time that I'm ready for a deeper relationship, and I think that's something I could have with Celeste, but I have no fucking clue if that's something she wants.

She's had a lot of changes this year, and many more to come if she does decide to start a new career.

Jumping into a relationship, with a professional athlete no less, may be the last thing she wants to do.

As I make my way through my empty house, I'm more resolved than ever to at least take a chance with Celeste.

Just from the little bit of time I spent with her today, I can tell that she's not used to having any help or someone putting her first. If we're going to be together, that will never be an issue again.

Maybe that's how I can plant the idea.

I can show up for her and the kids—be her friend, her support, someone she can lean on, and someone who will build her up. If she's not ready for a relationship yet, I can show her over time how she deserves to be treated and how good we could be together.

I already know that with the kids she's a packaged deal, which is honestly a win for me. I've always wanted a big family, and hers is a great group of kids.

Feeling more content than I have in a while, with a plan in my mind, I fall fast asleep.

"Great practice, guys. The Hurricanes aren't gonna know what hit them this weekend if you keep skating like you did today," Coach pumps us up after a grueling practice.

"Make sure you cool down properly. If you need to see the trainers or physicians, do that before you head out even if it's for something as minor as a cramp.

I want you all in top shape this season.

Alright, get out of here," Coach dismisses us.

Instead of heading towards the locker, I make my way towards him. "Coach?"

"Ashford. Is everything okay?" He looks up from his tablet, eyes pulling in with concern as I stand in front of him instead of heading off to the showers with the rest of the guys.

"Everything's great. I was wondering if I would be able to use the rink sometime this week, for personal use?" I rub my neck, nervous to hear his answer.

"What exactly would 'personal use' entail?" Coach eyes me suspiciously.

"I wanted to teach my friend's son how to skate. He's five and super excited to learn. I could take him to a local place, but I'm afraid we'd get swarmed, and that would take away from me teaching him. I want the day to be all about him, not me."

"Hmm. A friend's kid?" Coach smirks at me, putting me at ease.

"For now." I smirk back.

"That should be fine, son. She'll need to sign a waiver for anybody skating, just in case of injury."

"I'm sure that will be fine. Besides, I won't let them get hurt."

"I'm sure you won't, Mac." Coach pats me on the shoulder. "I'll email you the rink schedule. Just put in the time you're going to be here and make sure the Zamboni will be run after so we have fresh ice for our practice."

"Will do. Thanks, Coach."

Thoren is waiting in the chute for me as I make my way to the locker room. "Everything good?"

"Everything's great, actually." I couldn't fight the smile spreading across my face even if I wanted to.

"What was that about then?" He shrugs towards where Coach is talking to the defensive line coach.

"I was asking if I could use the rink for personal use. Coach was giving me a bit of a hard time, but he approved it."

"What do you need the rink for? Don't you get enough of this place?"

"You telling me you'd pass up free ice?"

"Right now? No. Later in the season, my answer would probably be different." Thor chuckles.

I join in, knowing how exhausting our seasons can be.

"I get that."

We make it to the locker and get out of our gear before heading over to an exercise bike to cool down.

"So…" Thor looks at me expectantly.

"I met someone." I can't fight my smile when I think of Celeste and the kids.

"That's awesome, man." Thor slaps me on the shoulder, his smile matching my own. "You gonna bring her to skate?"

"If she wants, she can join us, but I'm actually going to teach her son. He's five and a pretty cool little dude."

"Wow. So, a single mom with a son. I can see it."

"Umm, a son and two little girls, actually."

Thoren's eyes go wide as I shrug like it's no big thing.

"Damn, dude. How old are her girls?"

"Calla is two and a half, I think, and Layla is eleven months and the sweetest baby I've ever met. She's her mom's mini-me with big blue eyes, fair skin, and stunning chestnut hair."

"Wow, you're sunk already, aren't you?" Thoren teases me.

"Pretty much, man."

"Where'd you meet them?"

"Brooks invited me to his friend's house yesterday, for a pool party and cookout.

Ezra, the guy whose house we were at, was really cool.

He was watching his nieces and nephew so that his sister could go on a hike with Brooks and his girlfriend.

Layla came right to me when I got there, and we spent the rest of the day together.

She is the most chill baby I've ever been around.

"When the girls got back, I got one look at her mom and about swallowed my damn tongue.

Celeste is stunning, but she's also smart.

Talking to her was natural, and I felt this pull towards her the entire time we were there.

When Talon, her son, asked if I could teach him how to skate, I jumped on the chance to get to know them all better and spend more time with them. "

"I don't blame you. It sounds like you were where you were meant to be yesterday." Thoren squeezes my shoulder as we get off the bikes and head towards the locker room to shower, done for the day.

"I think I was. When Talon gave me a reason to see them again, I couldn't pass it up. Speaking of, once I pin down a time for them to come, do you think you could join us? I don't know if Celeste can skate, and I don't want her to leave the girls out. I want them all to be able to enjoy the ice."

"Hell yeah, man. I wouldn't miss it. You know I love little kids."

"Thanks, Thor."

"No problem. Just let me know what day and time, and I'll be here."

When I get home later and check my email, I have one from Coach with the schedule. Taking a screenshot, I highlight the available times that I think might work and text them to Celeste.

I'm relieved when she instantly replies that Wednesday would work best for them. I've only got two days until I can see them again, and I can't fucking wait.

I'm afraid the time is going to drag on, but between work and keeping up a steady stream of texting with Celeste, talking about everything under the sun, Wednesday evening rolls around before I know it.

I've got skates for Celeste and the kids, including Layla, and am impatiently waiting with Thoren in the parking lot for them to pull up.

"Dude, you need to calm down."

"I can't help it." I try to stop fidgeting, but I'm really excited to see Celeste and the kids.

"She'll be here any minute, but unless you want to scare her off, maybe try reining it in." Thor slaps my shoulder.

I know he's right. Taking a deep breath, I hold it for a count of four and blow it out for a count of four, like I do to center myself before every game. I repeat the motion until I feel the anxiety leak from my body. My limbs stop fidgeting, and just in time.

"There she is." I can't fight my smile as Celeste pulls up, right to where Thor and I are waiting.

The side door flies open as Talon spills out and races toward us.

"Maclan!" He launches at me.

I catch him just before he slams into my chest with a burst of laughter. "Hey, little man. How are you?"

"I'm great! I can't wait to learn how to skate."

"I can't wait to teach you. This is my friend, Thoren."