Page 36 of Puck Your Nanny

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The drive out to the lake is peaceful, afternoon sun casting golden streaks across the winding roads. I glance over at Daisy, who watches the scenery roll by with an easy smile. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail, a few wisps framing her face. She looks content, her fingers tapping idly against her thigh to the beat of the soft music playing through the car speakers.

The town gradually fades into a more rural landscape, thick trees lining the road as we near the lake. I picked this spot because it’s quieter than most public places, a bit off the beaten path. Less chance of running into fans, though I know it’s still possible. Some of the best kayaking spots are tucked away in these parts, and I want this afternoon to be about us.

As I pull up to the small rental dock, Daisy leans forward, eyes bright as she takes in the view. The lake stretches wide, the water glassy and calm, reflecting the sky. A few other kayakers are out, but for the most part, it’s quiet. Exactly what I wanted.

I park the car and hop out. Daisy steps out, stretching her arms over her head before giving me a curious glance. "So, we're really doing this? No fancy restaurants, no crowded places? Just this?"

I chuckle, nodding toward the dock. "Figured we could use a break from the usual. Unless you’d rather sit through another overpriced five-course meal?"

She shakes her head, grinning. "Nope. This is perfect. I haven't been kayaking in years."

We make our way toward the rental stand, where an older man in a weathered cap greets us. He looks me up and down, recognition flickering in his eyes, but he keeps his expression neutral. Small towns tend to respect privacy more than big cities do, and I appreciate it. After a quick exchange, he sets us up with a tandem kayak, bright red and sturdy.

Daisy watches as I grab the paddles and life jackets, her lips twitching. "You sure about sharing one? What if I’m terrible?"

I hand her a paddle, smirking. "Guess we’ll find out."

With a little teamwork, we get the kayak into the water. Daisy steps in first, settling into the front seat, and I follow, steadying us as I climb in behind her. The moment we push off, the weightless glide of the kayak over the water soothes something in me. I forgot how much I missed this—just being outdoors, away from the pressure of the rink, away from schedules and expectations.

Daisy dips her paddle into the water hesitantly at first, but she quickly finds her rhythm. I match her pace, letting her take the lead. The air is crisp, the scent of pine and lake water mixing with the soft sound of our paddles slicing through the surface.

"Okay," she calls over her shoulder. "This is actually pretty nice. I was half expecting to tip over by now."

I laugh, steering us toward a small cove where the water is even calmer. "I’d never let that happen."

She glances back, raising a brow. "Confident, are we?"

"I have to be. I’m a goalie. Balance is my thing."

She rolls her eyes but doesn’t hide her smile. We paddle in easy silence for a while, letting the quiet wrap around us. A few birds skim across the water, and somewhere in the distance, a fish jumps, sending ripples across the lake’s surface. Daisy leans back, tilting her head toward the sky, breathing it all in.

"I needed this," she murmurs, more to herself than to me.

I rest my paddle across my lap, watching her. The soft glow of the sun catches in her hair, turning it almost golden. I could stay out here forever if it meant keeping this look on her face—a mix of peace and contentment I don’t see often enough.

Eventually, she turns, her eyes meeting mine, amusement dancing in her expression. "This has been amazing date, Cal. Thank you."

I smirk, dipping my paddle back into the water to turn us toward shore. "We’re just getting started. There’s a town nearby with a spot I think you’ll like."

She grins, curiosity lighting up her expression. "Lead the way."

I paddle us back, ready to show her the next part of the night.

***

The town is lively, bustling with a weekend energy that spreads from the locals to the visitors meandering through the quaint streets. I keep Daisy close, holding her hand as we weave between families, couples, and groups of friends enjoying the late afternoon. The smell of fresh bread drifts from a bakery, mixing with the rich scent of roasting coffee from a shop on the corner. Small businesses line both sides of the main street, their storefronts decorated with seasonal flowers and string lights hanging from the awnings.

Daisy glances around, her eyes lighting up as she takes in the charm of the town. She leans into my arm slightly, a small contented sigh escaping her lips. The simple gesture sends a warmth through my chest.

A few people start to notice me as we walk. It doesn’t take long before a group of teenage boys rush up, phones in hand, grinning. One of them, barely able to contain his excitement, holds out his phone. “Hey, man, you’re Calvin James, right? The Vipers’ goalie?”

I nod, offering a relaxed smile. “That’s me.”

Another boy nudges his friend before blurting out, “Can we get a picture? My dad’s a huge fan—he’s gonna freak when he sees this.”

Daisy steps aside as I take a few pictures with them, making sure to smile despite being caught off guard. After they snap their shots, one of the boys turns to Daisy. “Are you his girlfriend?”

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