“Love?” His voice tips up an octave.
“Yes, love.”
Steepling his fingers together, he peers over his hands at me. “Well, I’m in no position to give you any advice on love. I’ve picked poorly. Twice.”
Facts.
“I’m not asking for advice. Or permission. I’ve already made my decision.” I stand and smooth down my skirt. “And I will be at the game tonight. But not as Bennett’s handler — as his girlfriend.”
My father’s mouth hangs open for one second, then he snaps his jaw shut. He turns his attention back to the computer and I grab my bag and head for the door.
“I’m not saying I agree with your decision. And you’ll always have your seat in the owner’s suite. But I’ll hold a spot in the family section, too.” I glance back at him, absorbing the small concession as the huge victory it is.
“Your mother would have liked him.”
My chest squeezes and hot tears well in my eyes. I blink hard, swiping away a tear as I stare at the great and lonely Max Prince.
“Thanks, Daddy. And don’t tell Bennett I cried.”
Then I walk away, leaving my dad to handle his hockey team on his own.
CHAPTER 40
BENNETT
Practice is fantastic. Better than fantastic.
Sharp. Alive.
Best skating I’ve done since Chicago.
Coach Keller notices.
“Steele!” He barks my name, waving me over with his clipboard. I glide to the bench and hop the boards, confidence roaring through my veins.
“What’s up, Coach?”
“I don’t know what the hell you did to get your head right, but whatever it was — do it again before the game.”
I grin, thinking back to the activities of last night.
I’m betting it wasn’t the takeout orCall of Dutywith my brother.
“You got it, Coach.”
“You’re getting the first shift tonight. Hit the showers and rest up.”
He slaps me on the back and I peel off toward the tunnel, fully amped. I’m halfway to the locker room when Callum catches up to me, syncing his strides with mine.
“Hey. Saw Coach talking to you. Everything okay? You look…different.” He squints over his shoulder at me, brow furrowed.
“Yep. All good. I’m back in the lineup.”
“Nice. You looked great out there today.”
“Thanks.”
We shove into the locker room and dump the gear into our stalls. Callum shrugs out of his practice jersey.
