Page 212 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“Games are exhausting,” Bea states, rubbing a hand over her belly. “And I’m not even wearing skates.”

“I need another drink,” Casey announces. “That was intense.”

“Same,” Freya agrees, also climbing to her feet.

“And I need to pee again,” Bea adds, pushing herself to stand.

“Hails, you want another?” Casey offers before disappearing. “Screw it, I’ll just bring the bottle. I think we’re going to need it.”

They all disappear, and the room falls quiet, apart from the presenters on TV chatting about the first period.

Sutton climbs to her feet and walks over before plopping down beside me.

“You look happier,” she observes, her dark eyes—just like her daddy’s—holding mine.

“I am,” I tell her simply.

“Is it because Hayden is your boyfriend now?”

“Yeah, Hayden has a lot to do with it. All of you guys, too.”

A smile curls at her lips.

“You and Hayden look cute together. He looks happier, too. I was so sad that his sister died.”

“Me too, sweetie. It was really sad.”

“I was also a bit worried he might not play because of it. But he is, and he’s better than ever. I think that’s because of you.”

My heart swells.

“That’s all Hayden,” I say, pride filling my voice. “He’s almost as determined as you are.”

“If I can be as good as him one day, then I’ll be happy.”

“Aren’t you a winger?” I ask. Her eyes widen in surprise and delight that I know her position.

“Yep. Just like my daddy,” she states proudly. “Only, don’t tell him, but I think I might be a little bit better.”

The girls’ voices get louder as they return, and Sutton hops back off the couch to give them space to sit back down.

“Wait, wait,” Casey calls before Bea can lower her butt. “We need photos. Sutton, come join us.”

59

HAYDEN

“Baby, I’m home,” I call into Hailee’s apartment the second I let myself in after returning home from our road game last night. “Hails?” I try again when nothing but silence greets me.

My brows pull together as I march deeper into the apartment.

I messaged when we landed, and she said that she’d be here.

“Hailee?” I ask louder as I make my way through to her bedroom, and then the bathroom. But there’s no sign of her. “Shit,” I hiss, pulling my cell from my pocket.

I hit dial on her number and wait while it rings, but she doesn’t answer.

I try again, although I’m not sure what good that’s going to do.