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“I’ll see you later, then. And don’t worry about dressing up. In fact, don’t bother dressing at all.”

And with that, he saunters off to continue with his mingling.

I try not to watch his ass as he walks away, but it’s really fucking hard to drag my eyes away when I know that in only a few hours, it’s gonna be mine.

A groan rumbles in my chest as I vividly remember how close I got to sliding inside him last time we were together.

I find another spot to sit and eat my food before revisiting the buffet another three times before I’m satisfied. I then spend the next few hours wishing time would move faster as I’m forced to watch everyone having fun on the ice.

Eventually, once most people have disappeared, I get dragged into an impromptu game with some teammates, a few kids, and of course, Garrett.

Thankfully, we manage to keep our distance. The last thing I need is us colliding before we’re alone. Unfortunately, I’m up against Sutton again, and the little rocket manages to intercept me more times than I’m willing to admit. The girl is incredible.

“Rivers,” I call once we’ve brought the game to an end.

He pauses at the sound of my voice, but he doesn’t turn around. Instead, he waits for me to catch up to him.

It’s an asshole move, but honestly, I get it. I’ve been nothing but a dick to him for years. I deserve a hell of a lot worse.

“I just wanted to say that Sutton is amazing. You’ve done a fantastic job with her.” He scoffs as if he doesn’t want to hear it, but I’m talking about his kid, so he listens. I might not have much experience with decent fathers, but I have a suspicion that he cares more than he’d ever let me know. “And she’s a way better player than both of us at that age.”

“Speak for yourself.”

Kodie’s being scouted already. He could be drafted right out of high school if he wanted to.

I shoot that memory down. The comparison between us is bullshit. I’ve always known that. But when you’ve got a little voice in your ear poisoning every single thought in your head, it’s hard to keep ignoring it. Especially when your life is in ruins and your heart is crushed.

“Yeah, well. I just wanted you to know.”

I pick up speed, ready to get the hell out of here, but before I make it into the dressing room to change out of my skates, he calls my name.

“You’re right. She is better than both of us. A better person, too. I’m lucky to have her.”

“No luck involved. You’re obviously a fantastic father. Just like you are a player.”

Our eye contact holds for a few seconds. It’s the most honest moment that’s passed between us in years.

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” he says before finally walking away.

I feel lighter as I step into the dressing room where a few of the guys and their dogs are hanging out. And for the first time since I was traded here, the weight that’s been pressing down on my shoulders begins to lift.

Maybe LA won’t be the disaster I was expecting after all.

23

GARRETT

Ican’t deny the nerves rattling through my body as I step out of the ride-share I ordered to Nash’s house.

Unlike the last time I made this journey, I paid attention to where I was going—to just how far out of town he lives.

I can’t really say I’m surprised. I might not know all that much about him yet, but he does give off the vibes of a man who wants his own space, who doesn’t want to be living on top of everyone else in the city.

The street he lives on is a quiet suburban area. I can only imagine that all the other houses are filled with young families. I can’t help but wonder what they must think of their new neighbor. Assuming they’ve met him, that is. The last thing I can picture Nash doing when he moved in is walking around with plates of homemade cookies, introducing himself.

The thought makes me snort as I walk up his driveway toward his front door.

I was distracted by the man himself last time. All I wanted to do was get him inside alone. Of course, I still want that—but this time, it feels completely different.