Page 114 of Silver Fox Puck

Falling for someone happens slowly—then all at once.

One second, you’re fighting it. Telling yourself it’s just fun, casual, no big deal.

Then suddenly, they’re the first thing you think about in the morning, the last thing you think about at night, and every single moment in between.

And that’s exactly what’s happened with Grant.

We’ve spent the last few weeks wrapped up in each other.

If we weren’t tangled in his sheets, we were stealing moments between his coaching schedule and my flights.

Late-night calls. Early-morning coffee runs.

It hasn’t been enough. It never feels like enough. But today? Today is different.

Because today he has Olivia.

I told myself I’d be fine. That I wouldn’t overthink it. That I’d use today to get stuff done, catch up on life, clear my head. I wasn’t expecting to see him. To see them.

I’m walking through the outdoor plaza, half-distracted, sipping my coffee, texting Allie back about brunch plans.

Then—I stop cold.

Across the parking lot, I see him.

Tall. Broad. Dark hair just starting to silver at the temples.

And he’s not alone.

I stare.

Because standing next to Grant, gripping his hand, looking up at him with big brown eyes that match his own—

Is his daughter.

She’s small, dark hair in pigtails, animated as she talks to him.

Grant kneels beside her, listening intently, smiling in a way that makes my breath catch.

Then he says something, ruffling her hair—

And she giggles. And just like that—I'm done for.

Because I’ve seen Grant dominate a locker room full of pro hockey players. I’ve seen him stare down grown men and send them running.

But the way he interacts with her?

This is different. This is soft. This is him being a dad.

And holy shit.

My heart pounds harder than the time I saw them together at the rink.

Because suddenly, I’m not just looking at Grant Maddox, the man who’s completely consumed me. I’m looking at a father. And I have no idea what that means for us.

I need to leave and give them their time alone together.

Now.

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