Page 14 of The Winning Hat Trick (The Steel City Knights #1)

Maclan

I t's been two weeks since I've been able to spend time with Celeste and the kids, and it's starting to drive me insane. I've talked to her every day and did FaceTime with the kids, but I haven't actually seen them or hung out with them since our ice skating day.

Celeste got Tallon signed up for the team's peewee league, so I was able to pop in one day and help out with his practice, but Ezra picked him up, so I didn't get to see Cel or the girls.

We were trying to figure out a day to get them to one of my games when the entire crew were taken out with a stomach bug.

Calla brought it home from school, and it quickly spread from her to the other kids.

Even Celeste wasn't spared. I tried coming over to help, but she refused, saying she wouldn't be the reason I missed a game.

It killed me not being able to help her take care of the kids, or take care of her when she was ill, but I needed to bide my time where she was concerned.

So, I sent a shit-ton of supplies to Ezra's house and made sure they got to her.

By the time everyone was feeling better, I was on the road for a week-long away game stretch and just touched down after three grueling games, two of which had gone into overtime.

We won one of those games and lost the other.

The third game, our lines clicked and everyone played well, which hopefully means Coach will take it easy on us tomorrow.

"Thank fuck we're finally home. I don't remember away games taking this much out of me," Thor grumbles beside me as we grab our bags and head towards our cars.

"That's because we were younger, had less injuries under our belts, and could bounce back a hell of a lot faster when we first started in the league than we can now.

Like those two." I nod towards the two new rookies, who are so young they aren't even legal to drink yet, and who are now laughing and wrestling over who gets to drive back to their apartment.

At first, I was a little weary of the young guys, fearing that Thor and I would spend a lot of our season babysitting, but as much as they goof off and have fun, they know how lucky they are to be in their positions and are serious when they need to be.

They also seem to understand that sneaking in a celebratory drink with the guys isn't worth it, and everyone on the team who can legally drink is smart enough not to peer pressure them or encourage the young guys to make dumb decisions.

We're like a family, which is one of my favorite parts of playing for the Knights.

"You got any plans for your day off tomorrow?" Thor glances in my direction.

"I'd like to see Celeste and the kids, but who the hell knows if that is even possible. It's the middle of the week for them, so that means they've got their school routine and the kids' activities. I don't want to rock the boat."

"Eh, sometimes rocking the boat is fun. Besides, maybe you can help steer the boat and take some of the pressure off her shoulders. Isn't she trying to jump start her career? Is there something you could do to help her in that department or make her life a little easier in that regard?"

I think over what Thor says as we stop beside our vehicles.

I'm lucky as hell to have him as a best friend.

He's been my sounding board these past few weeks, when I've wanted to push for more with Celeste but knew I needed to take things slow.

He knows where she's at, and where I'm at, and is great at reminding me that my goal is the cup and not just to win the next game.

"Hmm, I don't really know anyone in the modeling industry, but maybe I could talk to Ezra and see if there's anything I can do to make her life easier. Oh, what about taking Talon to practice? I'm sure that would be helpful."

"That's a start. Shoot Ezra a message and see what he thinks. Maybe he can help you set it up or put in a good word for you."

"Maybe, but I don't want her to feel like her brother and I are ganging up on her."

"Nah, he can just vouch for you."

"Yeah, we'll see. I'm fucking dead, though. I'll talk to you later?" I put my hand up for Thor.

He clasps it in his own, pulls me into him, and wraps his arm around my back, giving me a pat before stepping back.

"For sure. Let me know if you need anything or if you decide to go to Talon's practice. Maybe I'll tag along."

"Sounds good." I jump in my car and make the drive home on autopilot.

Once home, I kick off my shoes, drop my bag in the laundry room, then slowly make my way to my room.

I can't wait to strip out of my suit and take a long, hot shower.

Tossing my phone on my bed, I head towards the shower and end up spending way longer in it than planned, but my body feels a hell of a lot better after the hot water washes away some of the aches from the past few games.

Turning on the bedside lamp, I shut off the overhead light, then crawl into my bed. I snag my current read that Wren picked out— Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray—and dive in. Hockey romances aren't usually my first pick, but this one has been fantastic so far.

I'm so enthralled with my book that my phone vibrating on my bedside table startles me. Snatching it up, I'm surprised to see Celeste calling. It's after midnight. Instantly, my thoughts start spiraling to worst-case scenarios.

"Hey, Celeste. Is everything okay?"

"Hey, Mac. Yeah, everything's fine. Why wouldn't it be?"

"Umm, because it's after midnight and the kids have school tomorrow."

"Shit. Is it?" Celeste chuckles. "I guess I lost track of time. I was doing some stuff for work but figured your plane should have landed, and I wanted to congratulate you on your goal tonight."

Finally able to relax, knowing she and the kids are alright, I lie back in bed and tuck my arm behind my head as I make myself comfortable.

"Thanks, but it was a team effort. Thor set me up perfectly."

"Maybe, but it was still your shot that scored the goal, and from my brother's hockey lessons, your position isn't necessarily a high-scoring one, so it's even more impressive."

"Thanks, Cel. I love that you watched the game. Did Talon get to see any of it?"

"I let him stay up for the first period. He's gonna be pissed at me that I made him go to bed and you scored after that, but I recorded the rest of the game, so hopefully he won't be too mad."

"You tell him that if he gives you too much shit, I won't take him skating again."

"Sure you won't," Celeste teases, knowing that I'm talking out of my ass.

"Actually, we're home for the next round of games. Any chance you need help getting him to and from practice? I've really enjoyed popping in to watch him, and if I'm already there, I could save you a trip."

"Hmm, can I think about it and check my schedule? I don't want to take advantage or for us to be a burden for you."

"Celeste, you and your kids will never be a burden. Besides, I asked. I wouldn't offer if I didn't want to do it."

"Okay. I might take you up on it then. I have a potential client meeting this week, and I was already spiraling about who would watch which kid and pick them up and—"

"Well, I'm your man then. Let me know how I can help. My schedule is a lot more flexible on the weeks when we play at home."

"Thanks, Mac." Celeste gets quiet, but the silence isn't uncomfortable.

"What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Umm, more prep for this meeting and running the kids. What about you?"

"I have to watch film and follow up with PT, but then my day is free. Would you and Layla wanna get lunch with me, and you can catch me up on work? We could go to The Tavern ."

"You know what? I'd love that. I have to get some stuff done tomorrow after I drop off the kids, but I think that would be the perfect way to break up the day. What time do you want to go?"

"How about you text me when you know what will work for you?"

"Okay, I can do that."

"Sounds good. Can't wait to see you ladies tomorrow. Night, gorgeous."

"Night, Mac."

I can't fight the dopey smile that fills my face as I hang up the phone.

These past few weeks of not seeing Celeste and the kids might have been frustrating, but taking the time to get to know her and show up for her is starting to pay off. She was the one to reach out tonight, she's going to let me help getting Talon to practice, and she agreed to lunch tomorrow.

I'm too excited about seeing Celeste and Layla to be able to crash, even though my body is exhausted. Snatching my book off my bed, I dive back in and get lost in the pages. Reading does the trick, and before I know it, my eyes are growing heavy and I'm able to doze off.

The next morning drags on. I'm anxious as I watch film with the team.

More than once, Thor has to grab my leg to stop it from bouncing.

I am so distracted that I give up trying to take notes fifteen minutes in.

Luckily, the coaches will upload the videos for us, so I can study at home and not look like a complete clown for practice tomorrow.

As soon as the lights come on in the room, I'm up with my bag slung over my shoulder and making my way to the PT room. I only slow down when someone tugs on my bag, pulling me backwards.

"Dude, what the hell is up with you today?" Thor frowns at me, his arms crossed over his chest.

"I'm going to meet Celeste for lunch." I tug my bag free from his hands.

"Ah, this makes more sense." Thor waves a large hand in my direction as he laughs.

"Shut the fuck up." I scowl, which only makes him laugh harder.

"Anxious is a good look on you if it means you're going to see your girls," Thor teases.

"They're not my girls," I grumble, really taking on the grump persona today.

"Not yet, but you're working on changing that."

I nod to confirm he's right.

"Did she give you a hard time about going to lunch today?"