Page 55 of One Pucking Life

“Yeah, and you’re totally cool with that?”

I don’t answer.

“That’s what I thought,” Jaden states, but the sentiment is lacking his usual cockiness. He appears almost concerned.

I shrug. “The truth is, I don’t know what I want. Bottom line is, that’s what we agreed to. It’s what she wants. She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want more, so I have to accept it.”

He tsks under his breath, shaking his head. “I really think there’s something more on her end, too. I see the way she looks at you.”

“Maybe. Sometimes I think so too, but then she brings me back to reality.”

“She could be scared—like something happened in her life that causes her to put up boundaries around relationships,” Jaden suggests.

I blink, my mouth turning up with a grin. “Who the fuck are you, man?”

He grins. “Dude. I’ve learned a lot with Anna. I’m telling you. Life is complicated.”

“Thank you for your sage advice,” I tease. “Perhaps I’ll talk to her about it.”

“You should. But let’s get down to the important details. How is it?”

“Really?” I raise a brow.

“Yes, really.” He scoffs.

I sit for a minute and look straight ahead, weighing my answer, but opt for honesty. “The best I’ve ever had.”

Jaden claps his hands together and bounces in his seat. “I fucking knew it, dude.”

“Yeah, well… change of subject,” I say, not wanting to give away any more details. It feels wrong—like I’m betraying Laney’strust in some way. Or maybe I just want to keep what Laney and I share between us because it’s too incredible to share.

With that thought comes the overwhelming truth that, for me at least, whatever is going on between me and Laney isn’t just… for fun. I don’t yet have the words to give our relationship a proper title, but it’s so much more than that.

It’s quickly becoming everything.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

DELANEY

The plane touches down in Chicago with a soft thud, and my heart is already racing. I knew I wanted to surprise Max with a visit. He’s said more than once how difficult road games are for him and how much he misses home. But I didn’t feel right taking his daughter on a plane without his permission—so Iris obtained said permission.

While Max agreed to a date in the future, little did he know Iris already had it all planned for today. I figured Chicago would be a great trial run for future travel. It’s a short one-hour flight from home—just long enough for a baby’s first flight.

Caroline was absolutely perfect the entire way. She babbles beside me now, kicking her little feet in the navy-blue leggings I paired with a fuzzy white sweater and matching hat. Her Crane Hockey onesie with her dad’s jersey number four is hidden underneath for a surprise reveal later. I swear, I nearly cried when I found it online—custom-made with “PARK” stitched on the back in tiny silver lettering. It’s absolutely ridiculous how obsessed I’ve become, but here we are.

Several months ago, I had never watched a hockey game in my life. My only exposure to the sport came from TikTok—and those were mostly thirst traps. Now, I watch every game on TV and cheer along, wanting so badly for the Cranes to win. I’m invested. And not just in the team.

I don’t know why watching Max skate across the ice in all that gear is so sexy, but it absolutely is. Home game nights are... very fun.

I’ve yet to bring Caroline to a home game because they usually start past her bedtime. But we’re making an exception today. One night off routine won’t mess her up too much. Worst case, it takes a couple of days to reset her schedule. It’ll be worth it to surprise Max.

A driver meets us at the airport, collects our bags, and takes us to the hotel to check in. I can’t stop smiling. Iris went above and beyond—booking us a two-bedroom penthouse suite so Caroline can have her own space. The second bedroom is stocked with everything an almost-seven-month-old baby could need. I realize this is not normal travel accommodation, and I’m beyond grateful for the frills. Caring for the child of a rich sports star definitely has its perks.

We have a short time in the suite to freshen up. I order a quick bite from room service while I feed Caroline, and minutes later, our driver returns to take us to the arena.

After a short drive through the streets of Chicago, we’re being led to our box, which—once again—is complete with everything a baby might need, including a little travel crib. I could definitely get used to this.

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