Page 87 of Shift Change

Blanca’s mom dug something out of her purse for me to sign, and after I handed it back and they walked off, Chuck had returned.

“Sorry about that,” I said.

“Don’t apologize. You just made her entire week.”

“Find something?”

“Yeah.” Chuck shifted on his feet while he rubbed the back of his neck. “If you don’t like them, or if this weirds you out, say so. The lady said I can return them.”

I hesitated. Chuck wasn’t the type to second-guess himself, and I wondered what was up.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” I said. “What do you have?”

He lifted his hand, revealing two matching woven bracelets draped across his palm. Tiny silver hockey-stick charms hung from them, catching the California sun.

“I-I thought…” He blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. “M-maybe we could wear them, if you’re cool with it.”

Something in my chest twisted, like a screw tightening a little too much. “You mean…” My voice cracked a little. “As a symbol, right?”

“Yeah.” He dipped his head again, then forced himself to meet my eyes. “We’re committed, and I thought it would be nice to have something, just for us. Will you wear it?”

Fuck. I am officially the luckiest guy alive.

“Hell yes, I will.” I grabbed one and turned it over in my fingers, admiring the careful craftsmanship. “This is legit, not one of the cheap ones.”

“I wanted something that would last.” His voice was quiet. “Nate?”

I looked up, and my heart juddered when I noticed his smile. “I love it,” I said. “You couldn’t have found anything better.”

“Hold out your hand, then.”

As we slipped the bracelets onto each other’s wrists, the moment crackled with so many feelings our fingers fumbled. I couldn’t stop staring at them as the gravity of the moment sunk in.

My heart hammered like it wanted to break free of my chest, and I raised my head and smiled. “You’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to be with, and I started at the top. Hopefully, I can live up to it.”

Chuck’s eyes glimmered in the sunlight. “You’re living up to it every time you take a breath.” His fingers ghosted over the inside of my wrist, sending shivers up my arm. “I love you, Nate.”

“Love you too.” I wanted to kiss him, but between the heavy emotions and the weight of being out in public, it was hard to lean in. We rocked on our feet, both of us glancing around, until Chuck tapped my bracelet. “To be continued in private.”

“Oh, babe.” My voice was rough, strained with everything I wasn’t saying. “You’d better believe it.”

We wandered onto the sand, took off our shoes, and walked by the water. The waves rolled in, steady and endless, lapping at our ankles as we waded in knee-deep.

Chuck yelped. “Holy shit, that’s cold.”

I barked out a laugh. “What happened to your love for California?”

“It doesnotextend to hypothermia.” He shuddered dramatically. “Jesus.”

We abandoned the water and found a spot on the beach, sprawling out under the afternoon sun. The warmth seeped into my back, and when Chuck stretched out and rested his arms behind his head, I rolled onto my side to watch him. I shifted closer, not quite touching him but near enough to feel the heat radiating off his skin.

We talked, but not about anything serious—mostly team stuff and tomorrow’s game against the LA Riptide. Chuck teased me about my obsession with winning faceoffs, and I ribbed him about how long he took to tape his stick.

Out of nowhere, he said, “This is a perfect day. Time with you, and no pressure. Everything’s exactly the way it should be.”

The words resonated deep inside me. Was it because I agreed, or because I knew things never stayed this perfect forever?

Silence settled between us, and Chuck reached over and laced his fingers through mine. The world tilted. It was such a simple thing, but it was a landmark—our first time holding hands in public in broad daylight.

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