The shift in the bakery is instant as Steele, River, Oliver, and Laiken stroll in. It’s like someone changed the radio station and the air picked up a new beat. Conversations dip, then start again. The guys draw that kind of attention even when they aren’t trying to.
Steele spots us first, gaze zeroing in on Lilah, and crosses the room, his grin easy and infectious. River presses a kiss against Callie’s temple, stealing a cookie on his way. Oliver slides behind me, his hand finding my waist, his lips grazing my temple.
The world narrows to that single, familiar touch. For a long time, I used to tense when people looked at us. Now, I don’t care who’s watching.
Across the table, Kia goes still as her gaze settles on the Railers’ goalie.
“Laiken,” Callie says, breaking the quiet with the teasing warmth in her tone. “Nice to see you. It’s been a while.”
He lifts his hand to rub the back of his neck, a small, self-conscious gesture. “Yeah. I thought I’d pick something up for my daughter.”
Sloane exhales dramatically. “Oh my God, that’s so sweet.”
Kia’s brows lift slightly. “You have a daughter?”
“Elody,” I tell her with a smile. “She’s four years old and already has the whole hockey team wrapped around her finger.”
Laiken’s mouth curves faintly, the tension in his shoulders easing. “She definitely keeps me on my toes.”
Kia’s gaze lingers a beat too long, curiosity filling it, before she glances down at her mug. For a moment, the bakery feels suspended between laughter and a pause that stretches just long enough for something quiet and new to take shape.
The guys shift the conversation to hockey, charity events, and poker night until Laiken mentions that his sitter canceled and they might have to push it to the following week.
Oliver glances at his sister. “Kia, didn’t you used to babysit for some of the neighbors back in high school?”
She blinks in surprise. “Yeah, the Schmidt kids.”
Laiken opens his mouth to protest, but she beats him to it. “If you ever need a hand, I don’t mind helping out.” A faint flush stains her cheeks.
Laiken pauses before nodding. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
River claps Laiken on the shoulder. “Guess poker night’s back on.”
Steele grins. “You want to write me a check now or after I win?”
“Keep dreaming,” River mutters.
Laughter ripples around the group as Callie grabs a cookie from the case and slips it into a small white paper bag before handing it over. “Elody’s favorite.”
Laiken’s smile deepens. It’s the rare kind that reaches his eyes and changes his whole face. A few minutes later, the guys head out, a rush of cold following them as the door swings shut.
The sounds of the city filter in. The soothing scents of sugar and roasted coffee linger, though there’s something different in the atmosphere now.
Something that feels hopeful.
“Evelyn stopped by earlier,” Callie says with a sly grin. “She’s planning the next charity gala for Christmas.”
“Think there’ll be another bachelor auction?” Sloane asks. “And if so, will Oliver be one of the lucky guys up for grabs?”
Lilah chuckles. “Not if Rina has anything to say about it.”
Callie grins as she leans back. “Forget about Oliver. I want to know if there’ve been any new developments between Evelyn and Hugh. The last time I saw them, he mentioned she’d spent the night at his place.”
Sloane’s eyes widen. “Oh, that’s right. I’ve been dying for an update. Give us all the dirty details, Rina.”
I shake my head with a laugh. “PR mode activated—no comment.”
“Stop being a spoilsport,” Sloane says, smirking over her mug. “I’m hoping they’re having a secret torrid affair.”
