Page 88 of The Puck Bunny

“We’ve seen him interviewed dozens of times,” Mom says. “He has a killer smile.”

I want to chime in and agree, but I keep my mouth shut as we descend the stairs and Paul helps Grandma Z. We get to the point where we either turn toward the garage or toward the locker room corridor.

“How about it?” Paul asks. “You must know someone.” He looks between me and Billie Mae.

“I know Jonas Bergman,” Billie Mae says, bailing me out—though she couldn’t have picked a guy less likely to do me a favor. “I’m sure he’ll sign your jersey.”

“The rookie?” Paul is less than impressed.

We all take the turn toward the locker room then go past the security guards with our badges to the crowded area seething with press and family members. I feel like an outsider.

Paul keeps his eye on the locker room door and, as soon as it opens, he pushes forward.

He grabs my arm and pulls me front and center as he corners none other than Quinn.

Of course.

“Hi Quinn, you know my sister, right?”

“Congratulations on the two goals,” I say, coming to an abrupt stop.

He looks down at me, his hair dripping and his eyes brilliant, looking happy. I beg him with my eyes to be understanding. He stares, his eyes lingering a second longer than is comfortable and I forget to introduce my brother while Quinn forgets to take his eyes off me.

“I’m Paul Bellagamba. I play hockey for Revere High. I heard you moved to the city.”

I cringe and telecommunicate my apology, hoping he doesn’t hold our non-relationship status against my brother.

To my surprise, he grins at Paul, dimple and all, and shakes his hand. Okay, I shouldn’t be surprised because I know Quinn is a nice guy and good with fans. Why else would I have fallen for him? I wouldn’t feel this way if he were an a-hole, would I?

“You heard right,” Quinn says. “How’s your team doing?”

“Good enough. Still hitting our stride.”

“A lot like the Brawlers,” Quinn says. “Want me to sign that jersey for you?” He nods at the jersey Paul’s holding.

“That’d be great. It’s for our team’s fund-raising auction. Signed by you, it’ll be worth a lot more.”

“Is that right? Well how about if the whole team signs it?” Quinn waves a couple of the other players emerging from the locker room over to sign the jersey, telling them it’s for the Revere High hockey team.

“This is Sara’s brother,” he says to Finn who, to my shock, gives me a big grin.

“Sure, you’re Sara Bellagamba from the front office.” Finn grabs the jersey and felt tip pen from Paul.

O’Rourke comes over and gives me a friendly nod and signs the jersey next. After Paul explains the fundraiser, O’Rourke takes the jersey into the locker room to get more signatures.

“That was really nice of you, Quinn,” I say. You didn’t have to—”

“Of course I did. It’s the least I can do.” His blue eyes are intense and, after a beat, he turns to Paul. “Your sister is excellent at her job and a very kind young lady, always helping others.”

“Sure,” Paul says, sounding anything but sure.

Jonas comes over and I hope to God he doesn’t call me out as a puck bunny in front of my brother.

Quinn gives me a look like he senses my tension and throws an arm around my shoulder.

“This is Sara’s brother, Paul.” He waves a hand in Paul’s direction. “This is our new bad ass rookie—”

“I know. Jonas Bergman,” Paul says and then goes on to recite his stats.