Dove’s full lips part in surprise, and years of PR training kick in. My neck prickles, but I smile, doing my best to keep my tone platonic and friendly.
“Hi, there.” I gently move my arm away, with a polite, friendly smile. “That’s really nice. I’m honored…”
“June,” the woman says.
“June,” I repeat.
“It was so great to see you play tonight. You’re magical on the ice.”
I sit straighter, keeping it formal. “It’s all practice, teamwork…”
“I’m your number one fan.” Her eyes narrow catlike, and I’m pretty sure she’s teasing.
I hope she’s teasing…
I see Dove’s eyebrows rise in my peripheral vision, and I shift in my seat. “Thanks for your support.”
“Walk with me.” Her voice is a low purr, her hand on my arm again. “Let’s get to know each other better.”
Not so long ago, I’d have considered her offer. Not so long ago, it was only me. I was alone. I didn’t have any prospects. I only wanted to play hockey, and if a “number one fan” like June had approached me, I might’ve gone for a walk with her—even if I knewwalkingwasn’t all she had in mind.
Now everything has changed. Dove is here, sitting right beside me, living in my house.
My entire adolescence, I only cared about two things: hockey and her. Hockey consumed my time, all the way to keeping it a secret from my mom.
The space that was left, when I had a few quiet moments, when I wasn’t planning my next record-setting play or thinking about how I was going to sneak my way into the NHL, I thought about Dove.
I wondered what she was doing. I remembered sharing secrets and running up that hill. I imagined her standing in the golden sunlight, looking out over acres and acres of peach trees.
I wondered if she’d found someone who loved that place as much as she did. I wondered if loving her as much as she loved that place would be enough.
Dove Rhodes was everything no woman I’d ever met could ever be.
The last thing I want is for her to think anyone could take that place.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m here with my family.” I gesture to Gina. “And my teammate Owen Stone…”
Another kick under the table, and I don’t have to wonder who did it. Gina’s kicking me for throwing her guy into the conversation like a steak to distract a hungry panther.
Dove puts her hand on my other arm, giving June a pointed smile. “It’s really nice that you’re Mav’s biggest fan, but he’s not going anywhere with you.”
Gina’s lips press tight, and she leans back in her chair, eyes flashing. I glance over at Dove and see she’s smiling, but she’s not joking.
Her pretty blue eyes are steely, and even though her smile is friendly and calm, I can tell she means business.
June slides her hand off me, lifting her chin. “Sorry if I interrupted yourfamilytime. I didn’t mean to offend your sister.”
“She’s not—” I start, but Dove interrupts me.
“I’m not his sister. I’m his friend.”
I never knew the wordfriendcould sound like a threat.
June’s eyes narrow, and she takes a beat before turning on her heel and stalking away.
Air explodes through Gina’s lips, and she leans forward in Dove’s direction with her mouth open in a laugh. “Sweet little Dove is a badass. You’re my hero.”
My head tilts to the side, and I look over at her. “Not sure how I feel about that.”
