Page 44 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

“Your father and I decided to come to see tomorrow’s game. It just isn’t the same watching it on television.”

“That’s right kiddo,” Dad jumps in. He’s standing beside Jax with an arm thrown over his shoulders. The two of them look so much alike it’s almost uncanny. Everyone always says so.

“Your mom was upset she missed the first one, so we made the decision to at least be at this one.”

“That’s great,” Jax says, glancing over at me. I know we’re thinking the same thing. This is not going to go well.

I love our parents, but they have a tendency to put their feet in their mouths under the guise of just wanting to be helpful. “Where are you staying?”

“We got a hotel near the stadium. There’s a golf course near there that your father just has to try,” Mom says with a roll of her eyes.

I feel a small measure of relief that at least they aren’t expecting to stay with us—then I immediately feel guilty for even thinking that. Mom strokes her hand over my hair.

“It’s so good to see you all getting along,” she says, looking between Jax and me. Jax throws an arm around my shoulder, and I can’t help but scowl. I bump back with my hip.

Oh yeah, these curves are good for something.

But my attempt to push him off only pushes me closer to Aiden.

I fight hard against my blush as his scent envelops me. I need to figure out a better defense against him before Jax starts to suspect something.

I’m not ready to face what this could all mean. Thankfully, the interruption means I don’t have to think too much at all.

****

“What a game!” Mom’s enthusiasm is contagious as we watch the team celebrate another win. The energy in the box we’re in is enough to have me hyped up with no desire for sleep anytime soon, despite the time.

High fives are exchanged with other family members of the team. It’s been a fun experience watching with them, but I much prefer being down in the crowd sitting closer to the ice. It has nothing to do with being able to see Aiden better. I just have trouble following the puck when I’m sitting too far away.

“I was so worried that they wouldn’t—“

“Don’t even say it,” Dad cuts off her words. It’s better him than me. “We don’t want to jinx things.”

Mom ducks her head sheepishly and swats Dad on the arm. I can’t help but smile as I watch the two of them, still giddy with each other after all these years together. I lead the way out of the box, heading toward the exit where I know the team will eventually emerge.

Normally, I wouldn’t wait for Jax. They usually go out with the guys unless the coach puts a stop to it for whatever reason. But tonight, he’s promised our parents a late dinner to celebrate.

I’d asked him earlier about claiming a win prematurely, but he just laughed at me and ruffled my hair in that annoying way he likes to do when he doesn’t want to think about something I said.

As we file out of the box, my victory buzz fizzles faster than a flat soda.

I can’t believe my mother just dropped in like this!

Yeah…well, that’s about as welcome as a pop quiz on a Monday morning.

My Mom’s well-meaning questions feel like that moment when you realize you’ve forgotten something important but can’t remember what. My stomach churns. I’ve dodged this conversation for months, but now? It’s breathing down my neck.

Whatever’s coming, I’ll deal with it head-on. But damn, a girl could use a warning before being ambushed by her own family.

I stay close to my parents so we don’t get separated as we make our way out. It’s kind of cool being able to bypass most of the crowd as it ebbs and flows from the main part of the arena. Being on the floor is fun when the game is going, but it’s hell when it’s time to leave. Still, I don’t plan on making box seats part of the norm when I’m here alone.

“Is it always this crowded?” Mom asks as she sidesteps another group.

I chuckle and shake my head. “No. But tonight is college night, and a giveaway was held offering VIP tickets.”

I smile and duck my head. “It was actually something I thought of to get the community excited about attending games—my boss thought it was a great idea.”

“Well, it worked kiddo,” Dad says with a wide smile. “I’m so glad you’re doing well. When we heard you were moving here too, I admit I was a little concerned. You and Jax aren’t known for always getting along.”

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