Page 81 of Of Pucking Course

Porter smiles at her. “No need to apologize. I’ve been mistaken for worse things. I’ll be riding the high of you thinking I was a hockey player for the next month.”

Abby laughs.

“I’m Gavin, by the way.” He sticks out his hand, and she shakes it.

“I’m Abby. I work with Dakota, Del’s sister. We’re both kindergarten teachers. Those were our students that you probably saw leaving a little bit ago.”

He aims another smile at Abby. “Anytime you’d like to bring your classes down, feel free,” Coach Porter says. “We could give them a tour of the practice facility. Let them see some of the equipment we use. Anything you want.”

She beams wide. “That’s so kind of you, Gavin. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

She turns to look at the entrance. “I should get going. Thanks again for today, guys. The kids had a blast.” She looks at Coach Porter and flashes a sweet smile. “It was nice meeting you, Gavin.”

“Likewise.”

She walks off. Once she’s out of sight, we all turn to Coach Porter and look at him, all of us quiet. The easy smile on his face fades. The frown we’re used to seeing is back in full force as he looks at us.

“What?” His tone is annoyed.

I hold back a laugh. I can tell the other guys are fighting it too.

“Nothing,” Xander says. His lips twitch as he fights a grin. “I just don’t think I’ve seen you smile that much. Or laugh. Ever.”

Coach Porter’s frown deepens. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I think you liked meeting Abby.”

Coach Porter clears his throat and frowns down at the ground. “She was nice.”

“Really nice,” Xander says with a teasing edge to his voice.

Coach Porter aims a hard stare at him. “Watch that tone, Williams, or I’ll run your ass off at the next practice.”

Xander holds up a hand, chuckling. “Sorry.”

Coach Porter walks off. Once he’s out of sight, we all look at each other and laugh.

“I think Coach Porter has a crush,” Blomdahl says.

I shake my head and laugh. “Definitely.”

Chapter 29

Sam

When I walk into the townhouse, I’m hit with the smell of something freshly baked.

It takes a second before I recognize what it is: banana bread.

I grin wide when I walk into the kitchen and see two banana bread loaves sitting on the counter on a cooling rack.

Dakota pops up from behind the counter, arms in the air, grinning wide. “Surprise!”

I chuckle and walk over to her. “What’s this for?”

“For putting together the most epic field trip for my and Abby’s classes. I thought surprising you with your favorite dessert would be a nice way to tell you thanks.”

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