Page 52 of One Pucking Surprise
Her laugh is soft but genuine, and I can’t help but watch the way her eyes crinkle at the corners.
Clarissa approaches the table, clipboard still in hand, her smile fixed as she directs her attention to me, completely ignoring Lainey. “Zach, do you need any help over here?”
Before I can respond, Lainey picks up a helmet, already helping a young girl adjust the chin strap. Clarissa doesn’t even glance in her direction.
I shake my head, keeping my tone polite but firm. “No, Clarissa. Lainey and I have it covered.”
Clarissa’s smile falters for a split second, but she recovers quickly. “Are you sure? I can—”
“I think you should help Levi,” I interrupt, my voice steady but leaving no room for argument. “He needs an extra set of hands with the shooting drills.”
For a moment, she just stands there, clearly unhappy, but finally, she nods. “Okay. If you need anything, let me know.”
I nod curtly, and she turns on her heel, heading back to Levi. As she walks away, I can feel Lainey’s glance, but I don’t acknowledge it. Instead, I grab a pair of gloves and hand them to a boy standing by the table, pretending I don’t notice the flicker of amusement on Lainey’s face.
The steady stream of kids keeps us busy, but Lainey’s natural warmth and patience make her the instant favorite. She engages each child with a bright smile and a kind word, effortlessly drawing them in. I lean back in my chair, watching her take the lead, and let myself steal a quiet glance at her. There’s something about the way she moves—calm, confident, and so completely in her element—that makes it impossible to look away.
She’s kneeling beside a boy struggling to fit his foot into a skate that’s clearly a size toosmall. “Let’s find you something better, okay?” she says, her voice gentle as she reaches for another pair. The boy nods, watching her with wide eyes. She grins when she finds the right size and helps him slide his foot in, tightening the laces with ease.
“Perfect,” she says, tapping the toe of the skate lightly. “Now you’re ready to tear up the ice.”
The boy beams up at her before darting off to join his friends, his skates clacking on the ground. Lainey stands and brushes off her knees, her eyes following him for a moment before she sits back down beside me.
“They’re so adorable,” she says, resting her chin on her hand as she watches a group of kids pass a puck back and forth near the shooting station. “I just love kids.”
Her voice is soft, almost wistful, and it catches me off guard. I glance at her, taking in the way her expression softens as she watches the kids. Without thinking, I speak. “You’ll be a great mom someday.”
Lainey blinks, turning to look at me, her cheeks flushing slightly. “You think so?”
I nod, my voice steady. “Yeah. You’ve got a way with them. They trust you, and you’re patient. That’s half the battle right there.”
“Thanks,” she says, her voice quieter now. She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her lips curving into a small smile. “That means a lot.”
A young boy approaches the table, clutching a stick that’s almost as tall as he is. His helmet is slightly crooked, and his cheeks are flushed from excitement. He plunks the stick on the table and looks up at Lainey with wide eyes. “Hi.”
Lainey smiles warmly. “Hi there. What can I help you with?”
The boy fidgets, kicking the toe of his skate against the floor. “Um, are you single?”
I raise an eyebrow, fighting the urge to laugh, while Lainey crouches down to his level, helping him adjust the straps on his gloves. Her tone is gentle and curious. “Why do you ask?”
He glances around, clearly working up his courage, before blurting, “Because you’re really pretty. When I grow up, I’m gonna marry you.”
Lainey laughs, her voice soft and sweet. “That’s very kind of you. But I’m afraid you’ll have to find someone your own age to marry.”
The boy frowns for a moment, clearly disappointed, before his face brightens. “That’s okay. I’ll wait.”
I clear my throat, unable to hold back a grin. “Sorry, buddy. She’s taken. I’m her boyfriend.”
The boy’s eyes narrow slightly as he looks at me, sizing me up in a way that’s both hilarious and surprisingly serious for someone his age. “Oh,” he says finally, his tone thoughtful. “No offense, Mr. Darling, but you’re kinda old, though.”
Lainey bursts out laughing, nearly doubling over as she adjusts the boy’s helmet. “He’s right, you know,” she says teasingly, glancing up at me.
“Traitor,” I mutter, shaking my head, though I’m laughing too.
The boy nods solemnly, clearly satisfied with his assessment. “Well, if you ever change your mind,” he says, looking at Lainey, “I’ll be around.”
Lainey smiles, her voice gentle. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
