Page 6 of Goalie's Obsession

I barely take a breath before Ethan exhales sharply, raking a hand through his dark hair and shifting his weight like he’s trying to keep himself steady.

"Well," he says, looking me over. His eyes flick to the oversized sweater, the abandoned heels, the book in my lap. "At least some things never change."

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Because I know him. I know that tone.

That’s not a brother making small talk.

That’s a brother piecing shit together.

Connecting dots he shouldn’t be connecting.

And realizing… he just walked in on something he never should have seen.

Chapter Two

Connor

IthoughtwinningtheStanley Cup would change my fucking life.

But here I am, standing in a bookstore like a goddamn idiot, staring at my best friend's sister, and wishing I could tell her the truth.

How empty the victory felt when I lifted that cup one month ago. How the cameras flashed and the crowd roared, but all I could think about was getting back toher.

Back tomyLucy.

“Well, isn’t this cozy?”

Ethan’s voice slices through the warm, coffee-scented air like a slap shot to the ribs.

Lucy stiffens in her chair. Emma stops pretending to sort books and openly watches, eyes gleaming like she’s just found front-row seats to the drama of the season.

“You’re missing one hell of a party, Luce,” Ethan continues, shrugging off his coat. “You know Mom asked about you. Twice.”

Lucy exhales through her nose. “By ‘asked,’ you mean she cornered people withyourtravel snapshots from Instagram and used them as hostage material.”

Ethan winces. “The usual damage control. Preston was so upset.”

Lucy rolls her eyes, but I don’t miss the way her fingers twist in her lap. Nervous habit. I’ve cataloged all her tells over the years. Goalie instinct kicking in.

I arch a brow. “Your mom’s still pushing that match like it’s 1822?”

Ethan huffs out a laugh. “Hence my sister's strategic retreat to—” he gestures around the bookstore “—her natural habitat.”

Lucy tips her head toward Emma and slides a strand of hair behind her ear, exposing the smooth curve of her neck.Distracting as hell.

“Unlike some people, I have taste.”

Emma beams and raises her hands up in the air. “Finally, some respect for my book shop.”

Without looking, Emma slides a to-go cup across the table toward me, like she already knew I’d need it.

I pick it up absently, taking a sip.

Ethan chuckles and turns his attention back to me.

And that’s when I really look at him.

Fuck.

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