Page 12 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“We’ve got Hailee sitting with us,” Calvin points out, shooting me an amused look. “You don’t need to worry about our behavior.”

“Huh,” the sassy little girl says, popping a hip. “Didn’t you say the other day that—” In a rush, Calvin leans over and slaps his giant hand over Sutton’s face.

“Nothing. I didn’t say anything. You must have been dreaming.”

Sutton’s brows lift in response, and Calvin waits a few seconds before feeling brave enough to drop his hand.

“Hailee doesn’t see everything,” she squeals before running away, Calvin immediately taking off after her.

“Aren't you going to rescue Sutton?” Bea asks Kodie while everyone roars with laughter. But it’s the sound that comes from beside me that really steals my attention, and when I look over at Hayden, I find he’s also laughing.

My smile widens, seeing him pushing his pain aside and enjoying himself, even if it is for only a few seconds.

“Sutton doesn’t need me. She’s more than able to fight her own battles,” Kodie says, reaching for his drink and taking a sip as Sutton’s laughter rips through the air.

We all watch as Calvin wrestles with her.

“He’s aware she’s wearing a bridesmaid dress, right?” I point out.

“This is Killer we’re talking about,” Cole states, making everyone laugh again.

“Fair. Well, he'll be facing Parker’s wrath if he ruins it before the day is over,” Freya says.

“I don’t think I’m ready for Parker’s wrath,” Cole mutters, thinking of the upcoming season.

“Darcy isn’t much better,” Kodie points out, mentioning our newest athletic trainer. “He did something to my shoulder at the end of last year. Feels fucking amazing now, but at the time, fuck, I thought I was going to die.”

Hayden chuckles again beside me. “He almost made me cry,” he confesses.

“He’s brutal, but in the best kind of way,” Kodie says.

“I’m kinda looking forward to it. Never feel more alive than up on that table,” Hayden adds, and I can’t stop myself from smiling as he finally fully immerses himself in conversation.

“Oh, I don’t know, hitting the ice for a Stanley Cup Final game was one hell of a buzz,” Cole points out.

“Just wait until you’re all lifting the cup,” I state, fully confident in the season they’re about to embark on.

Agreement rings out around me before our dessert arrives, and unsurprisingly, the second a plate is lowered in front of Calvin’s chair, the man himself appears, ready to devour his cheesecake.

“Oh my God, this is so good,” Freya says.

“Yours is better,” Cole points out, making her smile around her spoon.

“He’s just saying that to make sure he gets some tonight,” Calvin mutters.

“What’s wrong, Kill. Jealous?”

Calvin makes a show of looking around. “Nah, there have got to be some single girls who want to spend the night with a legend around here somewhere.”

“There are girls, sure. But the only legends are taken,” Cole deadpans.

“Oh burn, bro,” Hayden teases.

“You gonna be my wingman tonight, Marilyn? I’m sure we can find you someone.”

The second the words leave Calvin’s lips, Hayden turns to look at me. I have no idea why. Is he asking permission? Or does he need me to get him out of it? Either way, I might feel for him with everything he’s going through right now, but I can’t fight his battles for him.

“Uh…we’ll see. Not sure hooking up with any members of Parker or Linc’s family is a good idea.”