Page 91 of The Puck Bunny

That’s a good thing. Every time I watch him score, I get a little thrill, followed directly by a blast of disappointment.

Sitting at my desk, I stare at my computer screen, trying to emulate his focus on work, but all I see are the still-available VIP tickets for the Thanksgiving matinee.

Mom had wanted the family to go because Bobby is home for two days, but I’d lied and said there were no tickets left.

Billie Mae had gone along with it because she’s just as happy to spend the time with Bobby alone—which I prefer not to think about.

My cell rings, startling me from the grip of my overactive conscience—which must be working out because I swear it’s stronger than I ever remember it. I grab it. “Hello?”

“Lola? It’s me, Sheila, calling instead of texting. Surprise!” Her voice is peppy and very unlike her.

I smile. “A really nice surprise.” .

“I’m calling with great news.” She stops and I hear a commotion in the background and another voice. “Mindy wants to talk to you.” She giggles.

I never thought I’d hear Sheila giggle. She’s def not the giggling type.

“Lola? This is Mindy,” Mindy says. “Is it okay if I’m calling you? Sheila says you have some kind of important corporate job—”

“No problem at all. It’s a slow day.”

“We’re really getting married—me and Jonas. Do you believe it?”

“That’s great, Mindy. I never doubted it for a minute.”

“Sheila will be my maid of honor and a few other puck bunnies will be there. They’re all wearing Brawlers’ jerseys. My mom will be there, too. Jonas refuses to tell his parents because he doesn’t want to make them fly all the way in from Minnesota for a ten-minute ceremony.”

“That makes sense,” I say. My heart isn’t sure if it should jump for joy or break in two with wistful envy, but my natural romantic tendency rises up to dominate whatever else I’m feeling because, no matter what, I really am happy for her. “I’m really truly thrilled for you and glad that you’re getting this chance to make a happy family.”

“I owe you everything. I don’t know how you did it, but you really brought out the best in Jonas. I would be honored if you would be my bridesmaid.”

“I would be honored to. Thank you so much for asking. Did you set the date?”

“Yes, we’re getting married right away. The day after Thanksgiving.”

Boom.

My belly bounces around at the mention of that infamous day and I crash onto the arm of the couch. But heck, Mindy’s wedding is a better distraction than sitting in the office pretending to work. There’s no question that I have to go to her wedding and see this thing through. Only thing is, this time, my partner in the mission of holding Jonas accountable won’t be there. No Quinn.

“Will you be coming with Quinn?”

“No. He’s having dinner with his family up north,” I say, my voice steady and calm—and grateful for a good excuse. I can avoid the humiliation of telling her that Quinn won’t be going anywhere with me. That, in spite of her impression otherwise, there has never been anything between us.

“That’s too bad. Jonas wanted him to be his best man.” She huffs a breath and I hold mine. A jolt of fear shakes me. He’s not going to bail on his family’s dinner. He couldn’t. Not even for a wedding. Not even if he’s supposed to be the best man.

But there’s no doubt that Jonas’s request for him to be best man will put a strain on him, forcing him to make a difficult decision and disappoint his teammate.

The priorities of hockey and family were bound to clash at some point and this decision puts him squarely between that rock and a hard place I’ve heard tell of. Crap. My chest tightens like I’m the one being squeezed by the proverbial rock.

CHAPTER 28

QUINN

The day before Thanksgiving, Coach barges into the dressing room, blowing his whistle and I stop pulling off my shirt halfway.

“Listen up. Before you dress, PR is having us re-shoot our team photo.” He gestures to the carts being wheeled in by our equipment manager, Zeb Standish, packed with plastic-covered uniforms hanging from the rod. “Some bullshit about including our newest player up from the junior league, Chase Kondorski.” Coach casts an accusing glance at the kid.

I nudge Chase’s shoulder. “Welcome aboard.”