Page 77 of Puck Lust

Suddenly, we’re sucked into a cloud of perfume, citrus, and sugar. Hugs are exchanged, exited chatter fills the air, and Jack…

My lips lift.

He’s smiling. Like, actual, eye-crinkling smiling that I haven’t seen in a hot minute.

His shoulders relax as my mom and sisters, Ally and Georgia, introduce themselves and make a huge fuss out of having him in our house.

My sisters giggle like schoolgirls, cheeks flushed pink when he smiles.

He’s openly gay, but hot as hell. It’s hard not to stare and fawn like a fangirl.

They pepper him with questions while taking his jacket, and he laughs easily with them.

Dad gives me a bear hug and claps me on the back. “I’m so glad you were able to make it.”

“Anything for Grandma,” I say.

Mom wraps her arms around me and I breathe in the delicious scents of whatever she was baking. Sugar cookies, a tangerine cake with lemon frosting. My stomach rumbles in anticipation and she laughs.

“Hungry, pumpkin? We’ve got plenty of sweets for you. All your favorites.”

“I can’t wait.” I hug her tight and lift her into the air until she squeals. “I missed you, Ma.”

“I missed you, too. And I’m thrilled to pieces to have you home, even if it’s only for a little while.” She pulls back and straightens her bright yellow apron.

I put a hand on Jack’s arm to get his attention. “Jack, this is my dad, Mike Van Kleef.”

Jack flashes another winning smile. “It’s so great to meet such a legend. I’ve seen film on you from back in your hockey days. You were incredible.”

“Thanks. And likewise, I’ve followed your career from junior hockey days. Very impressive how you were able to launch right into the AHL from that level. It’s nice to finally meet you,” he says.

“Thank you, and I appreciate you letting me crash the party this weekend.” He holds out a hand to my dad who shakes it with the tiniest bit of stiffness. My brows furrow. His smile is wide but it doesn’t reach his eyes like it usually does.

Weird. He’s always been Team Jack. I figured he’d be a little more excited to have him here in the flesh. My gaze flickers back to Jack. He looks completely relaxed and at ease as he talks to my dad, clearly oblivious to my father’s slight discomfort. Maybe it’s all in my mind. Maybe I’m just being over-the-top sensitive because of the situation.

It has to be that.

Everything is fine.

I clench and unclench my fingers.

I just need to keep saying that and maybe I’ll start to actually believe it.

“Where’s my hockey star grandson?”

Grandma appears next to Mom and I bend over, pretty far because she’s barely five-feet tall, to give her a long hug. “Happy birthday, Gram.”

“It definitely is, now that you’re here.”

“Hey,” Ally says. “Having me and Gigi here isn’t enough?”

“No,” Grandma says matter-of-factly. “I adore you girls, but you know Carter is my favorite. It wouldn’t be the same without him.”

“Mom,” my father says in an exasperated voice, pressing a hand to his forehead.

“Gram, you really shouldn’t say that,” I murmur with a chuckle.

“I’m ninety years old and I’ll say whatever I want,” she says, linking her arm with mine. “They all know it’s true.”

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