Page 50 of One Pucking Surprise
Clarissa’s tone is smooth, her confidence unshaken. “I’ve come to help—and I’ve made a donation.”
She holds up a sleek envelope, handing it to one of the foundation reps, who beams with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Dr. Chambers. This will make a big difference.”
Coach nods, his gaze sweeping over the team. “Alright, you’ve all met Dr. Chambers. Now, get back to work.”
I nod sharply. “You heard him. Blake, double-check those cones. Wyatt, anchor the shooting nets. Levi, get the donation boxes sorted.”
The team snaps into action, and I move to check on the drills, doing my best to ignore the fact that Clarissa is shadowing me like a second shadow.
By the time the kids arrive, the rink is alive with energy. They pour in, clutching hockey sticks too big for their hands and staring at the synthetic ice like it’s Christmas morning. I dive in, demonstrating passes and helping them line up their shots.
Clarissa leans slightly toward me, her tone overly casual. “You’re great with them, Zach.”
I glance at her but don’t respond, keeping my attention on the kids. Then Blake’s voice cuts through the noise, loud and teasing. “Banks! Your better half is here!”
Chloe is laughing, her energy as infectious as always, while Lainey has a softer smile. Her eyes flick briefly toward me—and to Clarissa standing beside me. Something unreadable flashes across her face before she quickly looks away.
I laugh softly to myself. Was that… jealousy? The thought amuses me.
Clarissa follows my line of sight and suddenly lights up. “Oh my God, Chloe! Is that you?”
She doesn’t wait for an answer before walking toward Chloe, leaving me to focus back on thekids. I keep working with them but can’t help glancing over, tuning into the conversation.
“How are you? It’s been ages.” I hear Clarissa ask Chloe.
“Hey, Clarissa,” Chloe replies, her tone polite but distant. “I’m good.”
I see Clarissa turn her attention to Lainey, her smile less enthusiastic but still polite. “Lainey. I see that your ankle is fine now.”
“Clarissa,” Lainey responds, her tone neutral. “Yes. It’s better. Thanks for asking.”
Wyatt sets his stick down. “I’d better go say hi.”
Wyatt swoops in, wrapping an arm around Chloe and spinning her in a quick circle before setting her down. “You’re amazing for coming,” he says, grinning as he plants a kiss on her lips.
“Wyatt!” Chloe hisses, squirming in his hold. “Put me down. The kids are watching!”
Wyatt laughs but sets her down gently, his hands lingering on her waist. “What? I’m just showing my fiancée some love.”
Chloe shakes her head, exasperated but smiling. “You’re being too much.”
“Yeah, but you love it,” Wyatt says, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
As I watch them, Clarissa’s attention shifts back to Lainey and the donations she brought. “Well, that’s… quaint. Every bit helps, I suppose.”
Lainey straightens, her chin lifting. Her voice is calm, almost pleasant. “It’s all about heart, don’t you think? The kids don’t care about amounts—they care about what we give.”
I grin to myself, proud of her for holding her ground. Still, I can’t let this play out too far. “Levi, can you cover for me?” I ask, nodding toward the group of kids I’ve been working with. Levi nods, and I take a step toward Lainey and Clarissa.
“Oh, Zach,” Clarissa says with a soft laugh, her voice taking on a sweet, almost apologetic tone. “I think Lainey misunderstood. You know I’d never criticize someone’s effort.”
Lainey narrows her eyes slightly, but before she can speak, I keep my expression neutral and say, “Lainey, can I talk to you for a second? Follow me.”
Clarissa smirks triumphantly as I walk past, motioning for Lainey to come along. I don’t miss the satisfied look Clarissa gives Lainey as we leave.
The second we step into the locker room, I turn quickly, and Lainey runs straight into my chest. She stumbles back, wide-eyed. “Zach—”
Before she can say more, I lean down and kiss her, cupping her face gently. She stiffens for half a second before pulling back, her cheeks flushed.
