Page 29 of The Puck Daddy

“How long have you been at this?” He checks his watch.

I wince. “A couple of hours.”

He chuckles softly. “Looks like nothing’s changed much. I’m guessing by the way you were carving the ice, you had a lot to work out?”

“Yeah. I needed to get my head on straight and thought the ice would help.”

“Well, it’s about damn time.”

I arch a brow. “Coach?”

“Don’t think I didn’t know you were avoiding me, son. I knew you’d eventually make your way back to the ice. I’ve run into your mom several times at the grocery store, and she told me you’ve been to several of our games throughout the years.”

I close my eyes, shame running through my blood. “I’m sorry, Coach.”

He waves my words away. “No need to be sorry. We still keep in touch. You needed your time to heal. Now, go change and meet me in my office. The boys will be here soon to start warmups. I’ll tell Coach Hoots to get the ball rolling while we catch up over some coffee.”

By the time Coach Wilson and I return from the on-campus café, I’m eager to lay eyes on Adrian. I ended up confessing to Coach all about my crush. From there, he gushed about Adrian and his talent and how he’s practically like a second son to him.

Afterwards, he talked to me about Guy and how proud of him he’s been—minus the drunken escapade at the bar and the kiss that started a media frenzy. I felt a little bad since I know I can help Adrian, which was actually one of the things I wanted to sort out while on the ice.

I have to admit, I’m falling for the boy, but truthfully, I’m also scared. Felix’s words from that night at the bar ping around in my head.‘Maybe a fake relationship is exactly what you need. See how the two of you would be if this thing were real.’

When I make it back to the arena, I follow Coach toward the edge of the rink. Adrian is on the ice with his teammates. The team is divided into different pairs, all working on various drills. Adrian and Rizzo are working on passes when Coach Wilson barks out, “DeLuca. Visitor!”

Adrian’s head snaps up, and a wide grin breaks out across his face when he sees me. Skating up to the edge of the ice where I’m standing, Coach walks off to give us some privacy.

“Well, this is a lovely surprise. What are you doing here?”

I smirk at him. God, I missed him. “Mind if I watch?”

He laughs. “Looks like Coach already gave you permission. Who am I to stop you from watching the team?”

“I never said I was watching the team.” My voice is low and rough with need.

Adrian blushes and bites his lip. Damn, I’ve even missed the way he bites his fucking lip. How gone am I?

“I’d like that. I like the idea of your eyes on me.” As if realizing what he just said, his cheeks turn even redder. Fucking adorable.

“Don’t worry, sweet boy. I see you.”

He lets out a shaky breath and playfully narrows his eyes. “Careful, Da—Theo. Keep saying things like that, and you’llmake me hard. Getting an erection while wearing a cup is no fun.”

Finally, that sassy personality I’ve spent all week dreaming about is back. I laugh.

“What’s that?” Adrian points to the cup I’ve been holding.

“It’s an insulated iced coffee sleeve. It keeps drinks like iced mochas cold for hours without melting the ice. Or so I was told when I bought it for you about ten minutes ago.”

The look on his face is a mixture of shock and pure joy. “You bought me something?” His voice is soft with awe.

I mean, sure, the coffee sleeve was a little pricy, but damn. When was the last time someone bought something for him? Then it slams into me. His parents are gone, and Felix is all he has. I make a silent vow right here and now: if Adrian agrees to my proposition, then I’ll spoil him for as long as he lets me.

“Consider it an after-practice reward.” I reach out, unable to stop myself from caressing a finger across his cheek. His skin is cool from the ice, but soft under my touch. He leans into it willingly, almost eagerly, reminding me of a flower seeking sunshine.

“You’ll wait for me, then?”

I grin, encouraged by his hopeful tone. “I will. Remember, my eyes are on you, sweet boy. Now show me all that talent out on the ice.”

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