Page 71 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
As we exit the cabin, a buzz of excitement follows us, the press and photographers eager to capture every moment. But all I can focus on is the woman beside me, the woman who has become my everything.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the eager lenses of the cameras, the reporters jostling for a better view. I chuckle, a sound born from the absurdity and the beauty of this moment. "Looks like we've got an audience," I say to Isabella, my heart light with joy.
She smiles, a radiant, stunning expression that captures all the love and chaos of this journey. "Then let's give them a show," she replies, her eyes shining with love and mischief.
With a laugh, I pull her close, and our lips meet in a passionate kiss. It's a kiss that speaks of love, of forgiveness, of new beginnings. Around us, the cameras click and flash, but they fade into the background, insignificant against the power of what we share.
As we part, breathless and exhilarated, I know that this is just the beginning. There will be challenges ahead, questions to answer, and paths to navigate. But with Isabella by my side, I’m ready for anything. The press might be clamoring for more, but for us, this moment is enough. It’s a promise of a future filled with love, partnership, and the joy of the unexpected.
We step back, hand in hand, ready to face whatever comes next. But for now, this moment is ours—this one, and all the moments to follow.
Epilogue
Isabella
TWO YEARS LATER
"Watch Daddy, Alex!" I encourage our little boy, who's perched on my hip, his wide eyes following every move on the ice. Despite being just over a year old, Alex already shows signs of being as enthralled by the game as his father. He claps his chubby hands together, a babbling cheer that melts my heart.
The StarPucks and Silver Blades are deeply immersed in their final practice game, a fierce yet friendly rivalry that has become the highlight of our now-annual training camp. It's surreal to think it's been two years since Dom and I publicly declared our love. Our journey from a fake engagement to building a family feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Dom, now a respected coach for the Blades, commands the ice with the same intensity he used to play. It's inspiring to see how he's redirected his passion for the sport into molding future hockey stars. His love for the game is a legacy he's already passing down to Alex.
Our life is a delicate balance between New York and Seattle. While I continue my role with the StarPucks, Dom is putting the final touches on the Apex Arena. His dream project is nearing completion, promising to be a landmark in the world of hockey.
As the final practice game reaches its peak, the energy on the ice is palpable. Amid the flurry of activity, my gaze often finds Sam, my brother, slicing through the defense with an ease that speaks of his rising status. It's no secret in the NHL circles; Sam's quickly becoming one of the hottest players in the league, his talent and dedication shining through in every game.
Jason Sinclair, the man who once threatened to unravel our lives, has disappeared from the public eye. His attempt to discredit us only served to disgrace himself. I sometimes wonder where he ended up, but those thoughts are fleeting. He's a chapter of my life I've turned the page on.
"Goal!" Alex's excited shout draws me back to the present, just as one of the Blades scores an impressive goal. The team erupts into cheers, and even the StarPucks can't help but appreciate the skill on display.
As the game concludes, the players gather at center ice, their camaraderie a testament to the spirit of the sport. Watching them, I feel a profound sense of pride and achievement.
Dom skates over, his smile infectious as he reaches out to take Alex. "Did you see that, little man? Mom's team is pretty awesome, huh?"
Alex reaches for his dad, babbling in his baby language, which Dom seems to understand perfectly. I watch them, my heart swelling with love for my two boys.
"We're a great team, aren't we?" Dom says, looking up at me with eyes full of love and a future of endless possibilities.
Jenna weaves through the crowd, two steaming cups of coffee in hand, her trademark sassy grin lighting up her face. "Here," she says, handing me a cup. "Figured you'd need this. Watching all this testosterone on ice must be exhausting." Her quip brings a laugh, the kind only a best friend can draw out.
Before either of us can say another word, I glance up to see Sam skating over. "Hey, Isabella, I was wondering if..." Sam starts, his confident stride slowing as he approaches. But then he catches sight of Jenna. His voice falters, trailing off into silence. There's a brief moment where they just look at each other, an unspoken conversation passing between them.
Jenna, never one to shy away from a moment, breaks the ice. "Hi, I'm Jenna, Isabella's partner in crime and occasional voice of reason," she introduces herself, extending her hand.
Sam, recovering from his initial surprise, takes her hand, his own grin matching hers. "Sam, Isabella's overprotective big brother and, apparently, admirer of her friends," he replies, a playful tone in his voice.
They share a quick, slightly awkward handshake, both trying to mask their mutual interest.
"Nice to meet you, Sam," Jenna says, pulling her hand back but her eyes linger on him, a spark of interest clear in her gaze.
"Likewise," Sam responds, his eyes still locked with Jenna's.
"Only good things, I hope," Jenna quips, her smile widening.
"Nothing but the best," Sam assures her.
It’s so damn cute that I have to restrain myself from breaking out into a big, stupid grin.
