“Then why are you skating tonight?”
He gives me a look like the answer should be obvious. “Because camp starts in two weeks.”
I snort. “That explains absolutely nothing.”
His lips twitch slightly. “It’s an informal skate. Just Ford, Connor, Cole, Jake, and me. Gives us a chance to shake off the rust before camp starts. We do it every year.”
“Ahh. I get it. You’re perfectionists.”
“Also,” he says quieter, eyes staying on the road, “the ice clears my head.”
Something about the way he says it settles heavily in my chest.
I stare at his profile. Gram’s words about the trauma he hides float through my head.
And I realize, some people meditate or go to counseling. Daltyn skates.
Hockey isn't simply his job. It's the one place where everything inside him quiets.
I stare out the window after that, watching Vermont blur past in shades of green, orange, and gold while my thoughts spiral dangerously.
Because I understand the need for something that makes the world quieter. And somehow, that realization makes me feel even closer to him.
Which feels like a problem.
A huge one.
The secondwe pull into the parking lot beside Summit Arena, my stomach flips nervously. “Oh my God.”
Daltyn glances over. “What?”
“I’m about to see your teammates again. This time, on the ice.”
“So?”
“So?” I stare at him like he’s insane. “Daltyn, you’re a professional hockey player.”
“And?”
“… I’m homeless and wearing your sweatshirt. And I just know you’re going to make me put on that coat, gloves, and hat. I’ll look like a marshmallow.”
His mouth twitches. “You’re gonna look cute.”
I narrow my eyes. “Don’t mock me.”
“I’m not mocking you.” He sounds sincere, which somehow makes it worse.
I stare at the imposing facility from the parking lot, wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.
He climbs out, then comes around to help me down. The second my feet hit the pavement, cold air whips around me.
Okay. Maybe the coat isn’t entirely unnecessary.
Daltyn notices me shivering. “Told you.”
“Don’t start.”
He heads to the trunk and rips off the tags, then bundles me into the coat. He hands me the gloves and hat, and I put them on.
