Chapter 16
Zach
“Let’s go, guys!” I shout, clapping my hands to get everyone moving. It’s a Wednesday afternoon, and we’ve got kids coming in half an hour, but this rink still looks like a hurricane hit it.
Wyatt jogs over, a crate of pucks in his arms, his expression curious. “How’d the family reunion go?”
“Same as usual,” I reply, grabbing a stick and tapping the synthetic ice with it. “The family games, the grilling, the golf tournament—where, of course, my team took home the win. Like always.” I flash him a cocky grin.
Wyatt snorts, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. And Lainey? How’d it go with her?”
I pause for a moment, my chest tightening slightly. “She was amazing. They loved her, well, except for my dad. You know how he is.”
“Yeah.”
“But my sisters practically adopted her on the spot. You know how rare that is.”
Wyatt’s brows lift. “Impressive.”
I nod, my mind wandering briefly to the scavenger hunt.
I still remember the way Lainey’s face lit up when she pulled the golden compass token from her pocket.
She’d made me swear that night not to tell anyone about it, saying she didn’t want to make a big deal of it.
And I didn’t—mostly. Except for Blair. I couldn’t help myself.
Telling her had been worth it just for her over-the-top reaction.
“She did twist her ankle during one of the activities, though,” I add, shaking myself back to the present. “So we left in the morning. I felt terrible about it.”
Wyatt tilts his head, frowning slightly. “She okay now?”
“She’s fine,” I say, but the memory of her wincing as I helped her back to the car sticks with me. She stayed at my place for two days so I could take care of her. Worked from my couch while I got to play nurse.
Wyatt grins. “Bet you didn’t mind leaving early.”
“Not at all,” I admit, a slight smirk tugging at my lips.
Leaving the reunion early? No complaints there—I hadn’t wanted to go in the first place.
But what was even better was Lainey staying at my place.
It had been… nice. Really nice. No plans, no pressure—just hanging out with her, cooking meals, watching her make sarcastic comments during a movie.
She even beat me at cards, which she’ll never let me live down.
It was fun in a way I hadn’t expected—easy and comfortable, like we’d been doing this forever.
Wyatt opens his mouth to say something else, but Coach’s voice cuts through the air. “Alright, everyone, listen up!”
The team turns to face him, a mix of curiosity and confusion in their expressions.
“What is she doing here?” He nods toward the far side of the rink, where Clarissa has just stepped onto the synthetic ice, clipboard in hand and looking far too polished for this setting.
“No idea,” I mutter, my voice low. “But I don’t like it.”
Wyatt snickers. “Think she’s here for you?”
I shoot him a glare. “Let’s hope not.”
Coach stands in the middle of the rink, arms crossed, and Clarissa stands beside him. She’s in the official LA Knights polo, her sleek ponytail and bright smile giving her an air of authority that makes my stomach churn.
“This is Dr. Clarissa Chambers,” Coach says, his voice steady. “As you all know, Dr. Foster had to relocate out of state, so Dr. Chambers is taking over as the head doctor.”
Clarissa steps forward, her smile unwavering. “I’m thrilled to be here. Today’s a great opportunity to get to know the team—and to contribute to this wonderful foundation.”
Wyatt mutters under his breath, “Of all people, it had to be her.”
I don’t respond, my jaw tightening as Blake raises a hand. “No offense, Doc, but we don’t have practice today. What brings you here?”
Clarissa’s tone is smooth, her confidence unshaken. “I’ve come to help—and I’ve made a donation.”
She holds up a sleek envelope, handing it to one of the foundation reps, who beams with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Dr. Chambers. This will make a big difference.”
Coach nods, his gaze sweeping over the team. “Alright, you’ve all met Dr. Chambers. Now, get back to work.”
I nod sharply. “You heard him. Blake, double-check those cones. Wyatt, anchor the shooting nets. Levi, get the donation boxes sorted.”
The team snaps into action, and I move to check on the drills, doing my best to ignore the fact that Clarissa is shadowing me like a second shadow.
By the time the kids arrive, the rink is alive with energy. They pour in, clutching hockey sticks too big for their hands and staring at the synthetic ice like it’s Christmas morning. I dive in, demonstrating passes and helping them line up their shots.
Clarissa leans slightly toward me, her tone overly casual. “You’re great with them, Zach.”
I glance at her but don’t respond, keeping my attention on the kids. Then Blake’s voice cuts through the noise, loud and teasing. “Banks! Your better half is here!”
Chloe is laughing, her energy as infectious as always, while Lainey has a softer smile. Her eyes flick briefly toward me—and to Clarissa standing beside me. Something unreadable flashes across her face before she quickly looks away.
I laugh softly to myself. Was that… jealousy? The thought amuses me.
Clarissa follows my line of sight and suddenly lights up. “Oh my God, Chloe! Is that you?”
She doesn’t wait for an answer before walking toward Chloe, leaving me to focus back on the kids. I keep working with them but can’t help glancing over, tuning into the conversation.
“How are you? It’s been ages.” I hear Clarissa ask Chloe.
“Hey, Clarissa,” Chloe replies, her tone polite but distant. “I’m good.”
I see Clarissa turn her attention to Lainey, her smile less enthusiastic but still polite. “Lainey. I see that your ankle is fine now.”
“Clarissa,” Lainey responds, her tone neutral. “Yes. It’s better. Thanks for asking.”
Wyatt sets his stick down. “I’d better go say hi.”
Wyatt swoops in, wrapping an arm around Chloe and spinning her in a quick circle before setting her down. “You’re amazing for coming,” he says, grinning as he plants a kiss on her lips.
“Wyatt!” Chloe hisses, squirming in his hold. “Put me down. The kids are watching!”
Wyatt laughs but sets her down gently, his hands lingering on her waist. “What? I’m just showing my fiancée some love.”
Chloe shakes her head, exasperated but smiling. “You’re being too much.”
“Yeah, but you love it,” Wyatt says, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
As I watch them, Clarissa’s attention shifts back to Lainey and the donations she brought. “Well, that’s… quaint. Every bit helps, I suppose.”
Lainey straightens, her chin lifting. Her voice is calm, almost pleasant. “It’s all about heart, don’t you think? The kids don’t care about amounts—they care about what we give.”
I grin to myself, proud of her for holding her ground. Still, I can’t let this play out too far. “Levi, can you cover for me?” I ask, nodding toward the group of kids I’ve been working with. Levi nods, and I take a step toward Lainey and Clarissa.
“Oh, Zach,” Clarissa says with a soft laugh, her voice taking on a sweet, almost apologetic tone. “I think Lainey misunderstood. You know I’d never criticize someone’s effort.”
Lainey narrows her eyes slightly, but before she can speak, I keep my expression neutral and say, “Lainey, can I talk to you for a second? Follow me.”
Clarissa smirks triumphantly as I walk past, motioning for Lainey to come along. I don’t miss the satisfied look Clarissa gives Lainey as we leave.
The second we step into the locker room, I turn quickly, and Lainey runs straight into my chest. She stumbles back, wide-eyed. “Zach—”
Before she can say more, I lean down and kiss her, cupping her face gently. She stiffens for half a second before pulling back, her cheeks flushed.
“Oh my gosh, Zach,” she whispers, glancing toward the door. “Not here.”
I grin, my hands still on her waist. “You know you liked it.”
Her eyes narrow, but her lips twitch like she’s fighting a smile. “I thought you were going to yell at me.”
“Sorry about Clarissa. I didn’t know she was going to be here today. You can bear with her today, right?”
“It’s fine. I can deal with her.”
“Also, she’s the new head doctor for the team. Is that going to be… a problem for you?”
She blinks, clearly taken aback. “The head doctor? Wow! She moved fast. Okay. But why would that matter to me?”
“Admit it,” I say, leaning in close. “You’d be jealous if I spent all day with Clarissa.”
Lainey rolls her eyes, her cheeks coloring faintly. “Jealous? Please.”
“You sure about that?” I tease.
Lainey rolls her eyes. “Zach, we’re not even in a real relationship. It doesn’t matter to me.”
“Mm-hmm,” I say, unconvinced but amused.
“Remember,” she says, her tone light and teasing, “you were the one who begged for my help to avoid your dad and Clarissa’s whole arranged marriage plan.”
She gives me a smug little smile, and I can’t help but chuckle. “Begged, huh?” I lean closer, my voice dropping. “Pretty sure I just gave you an opportunity to spend more time with me.”
Her brows lift, her smile widening. “Oh, is that what you’re calling it?”
“Absolutely,” I say, grinning. “Worked out for both of us, didn’t it?”
She shakes her head, clearly done with the conversation, but her lips twitch again as if she’s fighting a smile.
“Are you coming to my place tonight?”
She tilts her head, her smile playful. “Depends. What’s for dinner?”
I kiss her softly, murmuring, “You.”
She laughs, pushing my face away gently. “Not funny.”
“Fine,” I say, grinning. “Whatever you want.”
She stares at me for a beat longer, her smile softening. “I’ll be there.”
I release her reluctantly, stepping back. “You staying to help?”
She nods, her expression warm. “I’d love to. Got a spot for me?”
“Always,” I reply, holding the door open as we head back toward the rink. “Come on, we could use a hand at the equipment table.”
Lainey follows me over to one of the folding tables piled high with donated gear—helmets, gloves, sticks, and jerseys in every size imaginable.