Page 99 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

Rett’s dad, Linc, and I are hanging out in the living room, talking about hockey.

Clark Donnelly is an NHL legend, and every time I’ve met him, I’ve been in awe of him.

He had a fantastic playing career, followed by a very successful coaching career. But eventually, he decided all the traveling and time away from his wife was too much, and he retired, allowing them to travel around the world. It’s a pretty sweet life, by the sound of it, and it gives me hope that there is a life after playing professional hockey.

Everything he says, I soak it up like a freaking sponge. And I’m not the only one, because while Rett might tease him like any good son is meant to, it’s clear that both he and Linc hang onto his every word. I’m pretty sure Parker would be, too, if she were over here.

From the moment I stepped into Linc and Parker’s place, I’ve felt like I belong. They accepted my presence with open arms, and I don’t think they’ll ever understand just how much that means to me.

I’m not sure what Sienna said to them, but none of them have asked about why I was going to be alone today, or reflected on all the Thanksgivings of the past. Rett might be new to the team, but Linc and I have been playing together for years.

It feels like it takes forever, but eventually, the reply I’ve been waiting for finally appears on my cell.

The second I pull it from my pocket and see her name staring back at me, the rest of the room ceases to exist, their voices and laughter fading away.

Sienna: Are you mad?

Calvin: Honestly, I was for about thirty seconds.

Sienna: I couldn’t stand the thought of you being alone today, especially when there are people who love you so close by.

Calvin: I wish you were closer.

I hit send before second-guessing the message.

Sienna: Aw, missing me already?

Calvin: I missed you from the second you left.

She’s going to assume I mean to catch her flight yesterday morning. But I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking of the day her parents drove away from our ranch and toward the airport, taking the most incredible person I’d ever met away from me.

I’ve missed her since that very moment.

Sienna: I’ll be back before you know it, moaning about how noisy you are.

Calvin: Can’t wait. And then we can go on date number 2?

“Look at his face. He’s definitely messaging a girl.” I’m vaguely aware of Linc’s rumbling.

“His hookup for tonight, maybe?” Rett suggests, despite being aware of the situation with Sienna. He’s dropped enough hints for me to assume that Sienna has told Bea everything and that it’s gotten straight back to him. It’s cool. I trust them. But I also don’t feel the need to give them all the details right now. Hell, I don’t even know all the details.

I guess we’re dating. We’ve been on one and are planning the second. We’ve had a couple of incredible kisses, but we haven’t gotten any further.

It’s…It’s nothing like I’ve experienced before, and I have no fucking idea what I’m doing.

“Nah, he doesn’t put that much effort into a hookup,” Linc counters. “I think our one-night-only man might just have a little crush.”

“Leave him alone,” Parker demands, popping up out of nowhere and teasingly slapping Linc upside the head.

“Hey,” he complains before reaching over and dragging her over the back of the couch, plopping her into his lap.

“Ignore him, Killer. If you want to plan your hookup for later, you go for it.”

“I’m not—” My lips slam closed the second Linc’s smirk appears.

“I knew it. Who is she?” he demands.

Parker rolls her eyes. “We’re happy for you, K. And can’t wait to meet her. Now, leave him al—” Linc cuts her off by slamming his lips against hers.