1. Chapter 1
Jake
The final game of the season for the Seals is here, and we’re determined to finish on a high. We didn’t do enough to make it to the playoffs this year, but with every season, we’re getting better and closer to making it. Next year, the cup will be ours.
Looking out at the crowd, I spot Lottie and her parents, along with my mom, sister, and our goalie Louis’ wife, Kayla.
They could have a box if they wanted, but they all prefer to be closer to the action.
Lottie has my jersey on just like she always does, and like every time, my heart skips a beat.
God, she’s so beautiful, and she doesn’t even know it.
It always amazes me that she makes the effort to be at these games, especially when large crowds overwhelm her. It makes me love her even more.
We take to the ice to warm up. Ever since hockey romance books became a thing, there have been a lot more women here, some even take their phones out to record us warming up. I’ve never understood the fascination myself, but sometimes I even catch Lottie filming us and laughing together with Kayla.
As we skate around the perimeter on our way back to the locker room, I wave to everyone as we go past. I still can’t believe this is my life. It will always feel surreal to me.
Theo, one of our wingers and one of my best friends, slings his arms over my shoulder. “So, what’re your plans tonight? Gonna finally tell Charlie you’re in love with her?”
Not this again. My guys are obsessed about me being in love with Lottie and refusing to do something about it.
I’m firmly in the friendzone, though. She’s never confirmed it, but it’s the vibe she gives off—she’s always flat-out told me she’s not interested in dating whenever I’ve reluctantly tried to set her up.
Louis joins in chirping at me about finally asking her out when Codey, our captain and enforcer, shuts everyone up. “If you ladies have finished gossiping, we have a game to win to finish this season off.”
The boys love to fuck with him, and start to salute and chant, “Sir, yes sir,” at him. He shakes his head and mutters under his breath something close to “fucking imbeciles.”
These three guys are my ride or dies. We’ve all been playing for the Seals together since I joined as a rookie. As much as they can be a pain in my ass, they’re also the best friends someone could ask for.
Hearing the thump of the bass from the music as we wait to be introduced back onto the ice is one of my favorite moments. There's something about it: listening to the fans going wild, chanting our names.
As is my tradition when I skate out, I point over to my dad’s jersey that’s hanging up—his number now retired—and I close my eyes, silently thanking him for making me who I am and for being the best dad I could have asked for.
The game against Boston is tight; both teams are desperate for a win in the last game of the season. We’re tied 2–2, with neither team wanting to go into overtime—we’re all exhausted after playing 82 games.
With 30 seconds left on the clock, we have our chance.
One of Boston’s men is sent to the penalty box for tripping, leaving them a man down.
Seizing the opportunity, I manage to perform the perfect deke with the defense all heading toward me.
I pass to Theo, who is wide open, and he sends the puck flying into the back of the net with a slap shot so hard I’m surprised the net doesn’t break.
The red light flashes, and the horn is blown.
That’s it. Game over. The guys all barrel on top of Theo, and we bask in the glory of our final win of the season.
Once showers and press conferences are out of the way, I’m back in my game day suit, ready to see my family and Lottie. They’re waiting in the friends and family suite, and as I open the door, I’m charged at by a 5ft 2” blonde beauty.
“Oh my God, J, my heart was in my throat for the last minute of the game. I was sure I was going to pass out.” Lottie grins up at me, her chin resting on my chest. She’s dwarfed by my 6ft 4” frame.
Huffing a laugh, I look down at her. “Just like to keep you on your toes.” My arms wrap around her more tightly, and I press my nose to her hair, filling my lungs with her vanilla and peach scent.
We break away and I move to hug my mom and sister, who both congratulate me on the game. As always, my sister likes to bust my balls and wishes me better luck next time making the playoffs.
When I reach Lottie’s parents, her dad shakes my hand. “Congratulations on a great game, son.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennett.”
“Oh, hush now with all the formalities, Jake, please call us David and Louisa. You’ve known us long enough,” Lottie’s mom says as she smiles softly at me. She’s exactly what Lottie would look like if she were twenty-five years older: blonde wavy hair and grey stormy eyes—she’s also pint-sized.
“Thank you, Louisa. I’m so glad you could make it.”
“It was perfect timing: our girl’s birthday and our wedding anniversary, plus your final game, all in the same week. We just had to come see you play.”
I look around and notice Lottie has left the room, so I take the opportunity to speak without her here. “Speaking of her birthday, are we all still good with the plan?”
Everyone nods their agreement, and we go over it one more time. “So, we have the barbecue at Mom’s house and then we’ll head over to Onyx for the masquerade ball.”
Lottie has never had a party or been to a club before; it's not her scene so I’ve never forced it. Kayla’s organized an “end of season” ball for the Seals, that Lottie won’t be able to say no to. It’s also doubling up as a surprise birthday party for my girl. Let’s hope she likes it.
“Don’t worry, Kayla and I have Charlie’s outfit ready to go. And there is no way she’ll know what’s coming,” Alyssa tells me.
Lottie walks back into the room and we all stop talking, instantly making us look guilty of something.
Looking around the room, eyes darting between us, Lottie’s definitely trying to figure out what the hell she’s just walked into.
“Is everything ok?” she asks no one in particular.
“Everything is great,” I tell her and pull her into my side.
God, I hope this is the right thing to do.