Chapter 53 Harper
“So, did you know the hot coach was making a special guest appearance today?” Nina leaned over, nudging me with her elbow.
A burst of cheers erupted from the crowd as the kids fought hard on the ice. Nina and I sat together in the bleachers, our coats zipped up tight against the chill that seemed to settle in every corner of the arena.
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. “He might’ve mentioned something about it,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual.
She smirked, her sharp eyes scanning the ice. “Mmhmm. Well, if he’s going to be out there looking like that, you’re going to have a hard time keeping your eyes on the game.”
I laughed softly, my cheeks warming despite the cold. “Nina…”
“What? Just stating the obvious,” she said, holding her hands up defensively.
I shook my head, forcing my attention back to Connor and Liam as they hustled down the ice. My resolve lasted all of ten seconds before my gaze wandered back to Ryan.
He stood behind the bench, his broad shoulders squared, arms crossed over his chest as he tracked the game with sharp, focused eyes.
When a play didn’t go as planned, he clenched his fists, stretched his neck back, and looked up at the ceiling in frustration before quickly schooling his expression.
He crouched as the kids skated off, leaning in close to talk to them.
Whatever he said must have been calm and encouraging, judging by the way they looked up at him, hanging on his every word.
It was impossible not to watch him. The way he moved, the quiet command he had–it all drew me in.
Then, as if he could feel my eyes on him, he looked up and caught me staring.
My breath hitched. For a second, his lips twitched into that familiar, knowing smile.
My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned back to the ice, pretending to be completely engrossed in the game.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. Curious, I unlocked it, trying to keep my face neutral. It was a text from Ryan.
Ryan: Caught you staring, babe. I don’t blame you, though. I look pretty good in this jacket, don’t I?
I bit back a laugh, my fingers flying across the keyboard.
Harper: I was watching the kids. Don’t flatter yourself.
The response came almost instantly.
Ryan: Sure you were. It’s okay, Harper. I think you’re cute when you try to play it cool.
I glanced up, risking another look his way, and caught him smirking. He gave me the smallest wink before turning back to the game, leaving me biting my lip to keep from grinning like an idiot.
Nina leaned over again, narrowing her eyes as she took in my expression. “What’s with the goofy smile? Did I miss something?”
“Nothing,” I said, shoving my phone back into my pocket
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
I ignored her, my gaze drifting back to the game. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Ryan. And judging by the way he kept catching me he didn’t seem to mind one bit.
The final buzzer had barely sounded before the rink erupted into cheers. The kids swarmed each other in celebration, sticks clashing together in a flurry of excitement. Parents clapped, coaches exchanged grins, and the energy in the arena buzzed with post-game adrenaline.
By the time the crowd began to thin, the excitement hadn’t faded. Parents herded their kids toward the doors, skates clanking in their bags, voices overlapping with chatter about the game’s highlights. I leaned against the wall near the dressing room, waiting for Connor to get changed.
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled my attention, and I glanced up just in time to see Ryan sauntering over, his jacket unzipped and a teasing grin plastered across his face.
“You know,” he started, crossing his arms as he stopped in front of me, “if you were going to stare at me that much during the game, you could've just come down to the bench and saved yourself the trouble.”
I rolled my eyes, but Nina–who had been scrolling through her phone nearby–burst out laughing. “Oh, she totally was. It was like her eyes were glued to you, dude. I’m honestly impressed she didn’t fall off the bleachers.”
“Thank you, Nina,” I said dryly, shooting her a glare.
Ryan shrugged, his grin widening. “Can’t say I blame you. I mean, I do look good out there.”
“Keep talking, and I’ll make sure you don’t get your chocolate croissant,” I retorted, trying to fight the smile tugging at my lips.
Before Ryan could respond, Shane strolled over, his clipboard still in his hands.
“Hey if it isn’t the peanut gallery,” he said, his tone laced with mock annoyance.
His eyes landed on Nina, and his expression instantly shifted to one of exaggerated disdain.
“Oh great, it’s you. Thought the game smelled funny. ”
Nina gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “You’re one to talk, Coach Sweatpants. Pretty sure that cologne you’re wearing is just leftover Axe body spray from high school.”
Shane smirked. “Still good enough to keep you in check, isn’t it?”
“Not even in your dreams, McConnell.”
I groaned. “You two need a sitcom, I swear.”
Before they could bicker further, Connor emerged from the locker room then, his hockey bag slung over one shoulder and his stick in hand. His face lit up when he spotted us. “Did you guys see my pass in the third?”
“I sure did, buddy. That was some slick work out there,” Ryan said, ruffling Connor’s hair.
“Mom, can we go to Benny’s now?” Connor asked, his voice eager.
“Of course,” I said, grabbing his stick and bag from him. “Let’s go before Benny closes.”
As I adjusted Connor’s bag on my shoulder, Nina leaned in to give me a quick hug. “Text us when you’re back from the bakery. We’ll go so Liam can get showered up and I’ll grab the salad I made. We’ve got a post-game tradition to uphold.”
“You got it,” I laughed. “I’ve got the burger stuff for Ryan and Shane to grill, and I’ll grab dessert from Benny’s.”
“Perfect.”
With a round of waves and goodbyes, the group dispersed. Ryan, Connor and I headed toward the truck, I looped my arm through Ryan’s. He gave me a smile before pressing a kiss to the top of my head, sending warmth straight through me.
The familiar warmth and smell of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries wrapped around us as we stepped into Benny’s. The bell above the door jingled, and before I could even take a full breath, Benny’s voice rang out.
“Well, well, well! If it isn’t my favourite employee and her very handsome companions!” Benny practically shouted, dropping the roller he was holding onto the counter. His flamboyant flair was as vibrant as ever, his apron dusted with flour and his smile impossible wide.
Ryan chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Long time, Benny.”
Benny bustled out from behind the counter, his arms open like he was about to hug Ryan. “It has been ages! And look at you two, back together again. Be still, my heart!” He clasped his hands over his chest dramatically, his expression pure delight. “I’m living for this reunion.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re too much, Benny.”
“Too much is my middle name darling.” He turned to Connor, who was already helping himself behind the counter. “And you, young man, better not be sneaking a cookie before your hot chocolate!”
Connor grinned sheepishly, holding up a chocolate chip cookie. “It’s just one, Benny.”
“Fine, fine,” Benny said with a wave, his tone affectionate. “You’re lucky you’re my favourite.”
“You tell all the kids that,” Connor quipped, taking a big bite of the cookie.
Benny clapped his hands together and turned back to Ryan and me. “So, tell me everything. How did this happen? Did she come to her senses? Did you sweep her off her feet? I need details!”
Ryan leaned against the counter, his smile easy. “Let’s just say, persistence pays off.”
“And patience,” I added, giving him a teasing look.
Benny sighed, a dreamy expression on his face. “It’s like a romance novel come to life. I’ll expect a dedication in the acknowledgements.”
“You’ll be the first name, Benny,” Ryan said with a chuckle.
As they bantered, I took a moment to take it all in.
The smell of the bakery, the warmth of Benny’s antics, Connor’s laughter–it was more than just a workplace.
Benny had become like family to us, always there to cheer us on, to make us laugh, to remind us that life was sweet, even when it wasn’t easy.
Gratitude swelled in my chest, and I silently promised myself I’d never take this for granted.
We pulled into the driveway, and before the truck had even fully stopped, Connor was already unbuckling his seatbelt. The second Ryan cut the engine, he was out the door, energy still running high.
“Connor!” Ryan called after him.
Connor skidded to a stop and spun around.
“If you’re gonna be playing hockey, you need to be responsible for your own gear. Your mom’s not carrying it for you anymore.”
Connor blinked, then nodded solemnly. “Right. Got it.”
Ryan leaned into the truck bed, grabbed the bag, and handed it off. Connor slung it over his shoulder like a pro, then darted toward the house.
I laughed softly, watching him go.
Ryan turned back to me, his face breaking into a warm smile as he stepped closer, his hands resting on my waist. Then he kissed me–slow and sweet–like we had all the time in the world.
When he pulled back, I blinked up at him, dazed. “What was that for?”
His smile deepened, softening his entire face. “Nothing. I’m just happy to be here with you both.”
My heart swelled as I leaned into him, pressing my forehead to his chest. His arms tightened around me, holding me close, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Then reality nudged its way back in.
“I should text Nina,” I murmured, reluctant to pull away.
“I’ll let Shane know we’re home too,” Ryan replied, brushing his thumb along my jaw before letting me go.
A short while later, Nina and Shane arrived, and they didn’t disappoint.