Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

MOLLY

What just happened?

Molly’s initial shout of excitement echoed in the quiet office after Gerry left, but it was short-lived. She collapsed into her desk chair, her heart pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat. Her mind was completely obliterated, scrambled like a radio stuck between stations.

He asked me out.

The man who had spent months picking on her, snapping at her for every little thing, and grumbling under his breath every time their paths crossed— had smiled. Actually smiled. He had shaken her hand like a gentleman, spoken to her like a normal human being, and—most mind-blowingly of all—asked her on a date.

Tonight.

The thought was so surreal she felt dizzy. She fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed her mom. When the call went to voicemail, she sagged a little, her breath hitching in relief.

“Hey, Mom, listen… funny thing,” she began, her voice shaky with a blend of disbelief and nervous excitement. “I’ve got a date tonight with that guy I was telling you about. And, um… maybe I was wrong about him. I’ll keep you posted, but I wanted to let you know so you didn’t worry when I missed our talk tonight. Love you.”

She hung up, staring at the phone in her hand like it might suddenly provide answers to the million questions spinning in her head. What am I doing? Before she could spiral further, a shadow fell over her desk, and she glanced up to see Coach Mike standing there. His gaze had landed squarely on the box sitting on her desk, his brow furrowed in suspicion.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, this?” she stammered, instinctively clutching the box as though it might betray her. “I was, uh… just rearranging a few things.”

Coach Mike’s frown deepened, and his voice took on a fatherly edge. “Did he run you off? Are you quitting because of Thierry? If he said something?—”

“NO!” Molly blurted, cutting him off with a nervous laugh that sounded far too loud in the stillness. “No, nothing like that. He was here, speaking with me, and I think I think we’re going to be okay. We cleared the air.”

Coach Mike’s expression softened, and he nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Good. Can I say something that borders on ‘Not-My-Place’?”

Molly blinked at him, thrown by the unexpected shift in tone. “Sure,” she said cautiously.

“You know,” he began, his voice quiet and contemplative, “Brandi and I just kinda met and hit it off. I wasn’t looking, but sometimes things happen when you least expect them. I’d stopped trying because I was tired of the fight… only to learn it didn’t need to be one.”

He looked directly at her then, his eyes steady and kind. “Look, it’s none of my business, but we’ve got a good team, a group of good people, and I just want ever yone to get along. If you’re friends, that’s all I could ask for. If you’re colleagues who can make peace, that works too. And if… something more happened—‘ None-of-My-Business’ kind of more —I’m fine with that. Just don’t bring it to work, all right?”

Molly’s jaw dropped. Her mouth moved, but no words came out for a moment. “Did he… blab?” she finally managed, pointing in the direction Gerry had gone, her voice incredulous.

Coach Mike chuckled, shaking his head. “No. But a ‘dad’ knows when one of his ‘boys’ has a crush on a girl. Don’t break his heart, okay?”

And just like that, he was gone, leaving her office and Molly reeling once again. Her thoughts were a storm of disbelief and exhilaration.

Gerry has a crush on me?

The idea was absurd—and yet, apparently, it was obvious to everyone but her. She stood there, frozen, her pulse racing as fragments of the last few minutes replayed in her mind. The way Gerry had smiled, the warmth in his voice, the way he’d taken the time to talk to her.

Was it possible things really were taking a turn for the better? The big, blond enigma of a man was letting his guard down, inviting her into his world, and tonight, they had a date.

Sure, it was just coffee. Coffee was simple. Casual. No big deal. Except her imagination had other ideas.

What if he kissed me?

The thought hit her like a lightning bolt, and her knees went weak. “Whoa,” she whispered to herself, her cheeks heating as her mind spiraled down a path filled with what-ifs, possibilities, and hope she didn’t dare hold onto too tightly.

For the first time in a long time, Molly felt like something magical might be just around the corner.

A few hours later, Molly glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, her nerves fraying with each tick of the second hand. She tried to focus, her voice slightly unsteady as she directed Lafreniere, who was stretched out on the gym floor.

“Let’s focus on the hip flexors and psoas,” she said, her tone distracted.

“Such language,” Lafreniere teased, pushing himself off the foam roller she’d handed him earlier.

They had been working methodically, rolling the foam under each leg and flipping over to target the thighs. She couldn’t help the chuckle that slipped out, rolling her eyes at his joke. It wasn’t the first time she’d heard it, but his delivery was always on point.

“The word starts with a ‘P,’ and it will make it feel ‘sore’ – trust me,” she replied, her smirk betraying just how much she knew this wasn’t going to be fun.

“Oh, I know, but ya gotta find humor in it where you can,” he quipped, flashing a grin.

“True,” she said with a sly smile. “Keep that in mind while you are sitting on this.”

“What?” His expression turned wary. “Ohhh, no. You didn’t mean stretching my psoas muscle – you meant…”

“Yup.”

“You’ve got a mean streak.”

“You’ll thank me…”

“Oh, I know, but this is why I avoid it.”

“And that is why I’m here,” she countered sweetly, handing him the hard ball she’d been saving for this exact moment.

He stared at it like it was a grenade. “Lift up, put it directly under the soft meaty portion of y our butt cheek and…”

“And get ready to whimper?” he muttered, already following her instructions. His face contorted almost immediately, his jaw tightening as the pressure found its mark. His breath came out in a series of hisses, his teeth gritted against the discomfort.

“Okay – let it relax and do the other side,” she said softly, knowing the drill would only get worse.

“Gee, can I?” he muttered flatly but was already shifting the ball under his other cheek, glaring at her. “Sooo? You gonna spill the details of what happened with you and Thierry?”

“Y’all are nosy,” she shot back, her cheeks heating as she avoided his gaze.

“He’s my friend, which means you need to be nice.”

“Do you need me to think of another torture for you?”

“No. I’m good,” he chuckled, though his grin quickly twisted into another grimace. “But seriously – he’s… not like dealing with some of us guys.”

Her curiosity was piqued despite herself. She studied Lafreniere, waiting for him to elaborate, even as he flinched.

“Found the psoas…?”

“Accurately named,” he grimaced and winced, his voice tight. “Thierry is a good guy, a nice guy with a big heart. He lets what people say get to him, gets his feelings hurt, and is a big ol’ soft teddy bear.”

“The man is six foot four. I don’t think he’s a teddy bear,” she countered, arching a brow.

“The bigger they are…?”

She didn’t need him to finish the phrase; the unspoken words hung in the air. His knowing smirk softened slightly as he glanced at his watch.

“Don’t you get off work soon?”

“Oh my g osh, do all of you know?”

“Know what?” He grinned, his expression far too smug. “It was just a guess because Thierry is pretty impatient when it comes to certain things – like his donuts.”

“Ugh, don’t I know it…”

“And you, my dear – you are his donut.”

Molly blinked, the words landing harder than she’d expected. There was a strange earnestness in Lafreniere’s eyes, his typically gruff expression softened by the tiniest of smiles.

It should’ve sounded stupid. You are his donut. But something about the way he said it, the way he seemed to understand, made her throat tighten.

“He takes little joy in things because he’s scared,” Lafreniere continued, his voice quieter now. “But he adores his donuts because they make him happy and offer a small comfort no one can take from him. It’s the one highlight of his day, and one small taste brings about a change that keeps him upbeat and outgoing for hours. Seeing him after Coach Mike dropped the bombshell about his wedding and Thierry took off to apologize… you are definitely his donut.”

“I’m nobody,” she whispered, her heart twisting at the thought. Part of her wanted to be flattered, part of her was unnerved, and part of her felt like she’d just been handed something precious she wasn’t sure she deserved.

“Then I guess we’ll see how things go,” Lafreniere said simply, checking his watch again. “It’s five p.m. Can we be done?”

“Yeah,” she murmured, her mind elsewhere, already anticipating Gerry’s knock on her office door.

“Just be gentle on him if it’s not for you, okay?” Lafreniere asked softly, giving her a firm look that was full of concern.

Molly didn’t reply.

T en minutes later, she was applying tinted lip gloss to her lips, the soft glide of the wand sending a warm, familiar tingle through her as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. There was a knock at the door, and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly tried to put away the gloss, but before she could even call out, the door creaked open. She turned, her gaze meeting Gerry’s—only to find his eyes immediately drop to her lips.

“Hi,” he choked out, his voice hoarse as if the sight of her had stolen his breath away. “I’m gonna be just, ah, out there, um, for whenever…”

“I’ll be out in a moment.”

“Take your time.”

Her chest tightened, and she took a deep breath, watching him hesitate. “I don’t think we have to hide this.”

“Did you say something?”

“I could ask you the same thing – because Coach and Lafreniere both know something is going on.”

His eyes widened slightly, and he seemed at a loss for words. “Boucher stopped me,” he admitted, his voice tinged with confusion. “So did Batiste, Coeur, and Giroux. I thought maybe you might have mentioned it or…”

“Or?” she prompted, setting the lip gloss down on her desk and rising to her feet. The air between them seemed to hum with tension as she moved to stand beside him, a mix of nervous anticipation and something deeper pooling in her chest. “Or you could trust me to keep our secret – and realize that the guys know you so well that your expression gave it away.”

She could feel his gaze on her as it moved over her face, lingering on her lips. Her breath caught in her throat at the intensity of it. “You don’t have a poker face, do you?”

“No.” He let out a small, rueful laugh, a shift in his posture as if he was suddenly more vulnerable than she’d ever seen him.

“Are you ready to go?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. A smile tugged at her lips as she marveled at the transformation in him—the man who had once stood before her, all sharp edges and snarls, was now here, standing so carefully in front of her, vulnerable and sweet in a way she could never have predicted. The realization made her heart flutter. “Coffee is calling my name, and we don’t tease with caffeine.”

“You like caffeine?” He raised an eyebrow, the sly smile on his face making her stomach flip.

“Hopelessly addicted,” she confirmed with a grin, her pulse quickening as she realized just how easy this was with him now.

“Good,” he said simply, his eyes twinkling as if something had just clicked. “How do you feel about surprises?”

“Love them – just like anyone else.”

“Are you in a rush this evening?”

“I have no other plans.”

“So you’re mine?” His voice was so soft, so full of tenderness, that she felt her breath catch. He looked at her with such intensity that, for a moment, she nearly lost herself in his gaze, her heart thudding wildly against her ribs. His blond hair was slightly messy, falling into his eyes, while the rest was pulled back into a knot, reminiscent of Coeur’s style. She didn’t know what to make of it, but there was something undeniably charming about it.

“I suppose I am,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as she glanced down at his outstretched arm. She felt a spark of surprise, a little twinge of something inside her chest as he lifted it, offering her a gesture that was so old-fashioned, so gentle, that it left her breathless.

“Milady? ” he murmured, his voice low and sincere, and for a moment, she could hardly believe what was happening. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she fought the urge to preen at the sweetness of his words. This wasn’t just any casual date. This felt like something more, like the beginning of something that mattered. He wasn’t just walking her to his vehicle—he was treating her like she was something worth cherishing; like she was the most important thing in the world.

This was not what she expected at all.

She couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises he had up his sleeve as he walked her out of the building, treating her like a princess as they walked over to his vehicle. He had a massive black Tahoe that suited his frame well; she realized as she climbed into the passenger side feeling almost petite in the vehicle. He took his seat, started the SUV, and chanced a glance at her.

“Have you ever been to Vinny’s?”

She turned to look at him in shock. Vinny’s was an exclusive, upscale Italian restaurant that some people had to book dining reservations a few weeks out and saw his warm smile.

“Perks of the job,” he said simply, putting the SUV into reverse. “I guess you don’t mind?”

“I’ve never been there.”

“Vinny’s has the best cappuccinos, espressos, and they have this thing called an affogato al caffe – which is basically espresso and ice cream that is… probably high in calories,” he finished and hesitated. “They have a nice insalata too.”

“Gerry?” she began, hesitating and knowing this was probably the worst thing in the world to do, almost a form of sabotage to all his hard work, but it felt right. “This is our first date, and I’ve never been there. No offense, but I would rather not think about calories, sugar content, work, or anything else. If it’s a date, let’s be ourselves.”

“Really? ” he hesitated. “And if you don’t like me… the real me?”

“You know, before you start putting people on pedestals, maybe you should realize they are normal just like you. What if that shoe was on the other foot, and I’m annoying? I could laugh like a hyena or chew with my mouth open like some heifer, or possibly…”

“I love cows,” he chuckled softly, tossing her a smile as they got on the expressway. “Graceful creatures that chew their cud, munching on grass all day long happily.”

“Did you just call me a cow?”

“Nope,” he grinned. “Just mentioning that I like them. My grandparents used to have a small farm in Canada, raising chickens, pigs, and a few cows for milk and cheese.”

“Nice save,” she sassed, smiling at him.

“I’m trying not to put my foot in my mouth,” he admitted simply, “Besides, I don’t think that there is a lot that could happen that could ruin this evening for me. I’m going to relax, have a nice meal with a lovely lady, and enjoy our first date.”

When they pulled into the parking lot about fifteen minutes later, Molly felt significantly underdressed as she saw the other people who were waiting for a table wearing suits, ties, and cocktail dresses.

“Gerry, we’re not dressed for this…”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes, but…”

“C’mon,” he smiled and got out of the car, moving to open her door as he held out his hand toward her. Molly hesitated, but at his smile and the way he made her feel perfectly dainty. That smile was not something she could turn away from. It was encouraging, so full of hope, that she was out of the car within moments, drawn toward it.

And then she heard the whispers …

Is that the guy from the Coyotes?

What’s his name?

Hey, it’s the Thor-dude…

Where’s my phone?

My friends are never gonna believe this…Is that Gerard Thierry, number three for the Coyotes?

“Come with me before it gets insane,” Gerry muttered under his breath, grabbing her hand off his arm and practically pulling her forward toward the side of the building. She spotted the fire exit and hesitated as he made a beeline for it – only to see it opened from the inside.

“Heyyy Gerry! How’s it goin’, my dude!”

“’Sup Vinny… you got a spot for me?”

“Always, my friend. Y’all get in here before all the crazies see ya – and I mean that in the best way possible because we like the stuff that folds, eh?” And the man named Vinny waved them forward. Both darted inside the door, and Molly jumped slightly as it closed heavily behind them, following as the two men talked simply.

“I appreciate you taking care of me…”

“You always take care of me.”

“My table is yours when you call…”

“They’re not that good of tickets…”

“My son would disagree – and the fact that you got everyone to sign a jersey for his birthday meant the world to Joseph.”

“He’s a good kid – with a good dad.”

“He’s got a great role model.”

“Oh, stop,” Gerry said nervously, flushing in obvious discomfort. “We both know how this world works. I won the lottery years ago and am smart enough to hang onto what I’ve got.”

“Ain’t that how it always works?”

The two me n laughed, and Molly almost felt like a third wheel until Vinny looked at her, smiling affectionately, and nodded. “I’ll leave you two alone for a moment. Wine?”

“Ah, no, thank you,” Molly began and hesitated.

“Two of your best coffees,” Gerry suggested, giving her a knowing look.

“Ahhh…” Vinny smiled. “Anything in particular – or just surprise you?”

“Surprise us,” she looked at Gerry the moment the words left his mouth, speaking for her as he drew back a curtain, revealing a door.

“C’mon…”

“Where are we going?”

“Private dining,” Gerry whispered, letting the curtain fall behind them, and for a moment, she hesitated, realizing it was nearly pitch dark in the room, and didn’t move. She heard a click a moment later as warm ambient lighting filled the room – and she gasped. She turned to look at Gerry’s satisfied smile, stunned.

“I asked him to make it look nice,” he murmured – and that was the understatement of the year.

The white linen tablecloth was sprinkled with rose petals, and a taper candelabra was standing in the center of the table, waiting to be lit. In each corner of the room was a staggering bouquet of deep red roses – with a matching single rose on one plate.

“This isn’t just having coffee,” she breathed, unsure what else to say.

“It’s just a little something to impress you…”

“I don’t know what to say…”

“It’s coffee – and dinner.”

“Gerry…”

“We’re starting over, and I want to do so on the right foot,” he began, putting a hand on her lower back as he guided her to the table in the small room. “Vinny lets me hide out back here and carb load before a game – and in exchange, I give him some of my family tickets for the season.”

“What about your own family?”

“They’re in Canada.”

“Why don’t they come visit?”

“They used to,” he hesitated and gave her a strange look. “I stopped asking them after the last time.”

“What happened?”

“I tend to get a little frustrated when someone makes me feel bad about myself,” he admitted, looking at her nervously. “I try hard, you know. Some things just don’t come easy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be happy – and I realized that after the last visit, things were better between me and my family if they stayed on their side of the fence.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he replied quietly, taking a seat opposite of her. “It took me a long time to realize that and to be content with myself. What’s the saying – don’t poke the bear or rattle his cage?”

“And they rattle your cage.”

“With a jackhammer,” he grimaced at the admission. “Sometimes it’s not the words but the looks. If you tell someone you are brilliant and then roll your eyes, do you think they actually believe it?”

“Is that what happened?” she gasped, outraged for him on his behalf because he seemed so kind and gentle now. She was still waiting for him to start frowning, get upset, or for the proverbial shoe to drop.

“No, and I’d rather not discuss it anymore. Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure.”

“Why can’t you ice skate if you deal with hockey teams?”

“Well, h ow about we just discuss how you lost your temper and laughed at me when you found out?”

“I couldn’t believe it,” he admitted. “It was honestly pretty ridiculous that you couldn’t and…”

“You yelled at me.”

“You were in danger.”

“From you?”

“NO?!” he reared back, looking shocked. “Why do you have to be so argumentative?”

“You were the one drawing boundaries. I decided that I was going to regurgitate something else if you were going to act all superior to me because that isn’t how relationships work,” she snapped hotly. “Besides, if you are going to lose your cool or become Dr. Jekyll when I have dinner plans with Mr. Hyde – then I’d rather know before the appetizers arrive.”

And she saw him hesitate, looking stunned for a moment before he glowered at her.

“There were so many argumentative words in that statement that maybe I should get upset,” he began.

“Go ahead,” she said flatly, bracing herself.

“But… you’re right.”

Her breath rushed out of her in a whoosh as he picked up the lighter on the table, lighting the tapers, before pouring her a glass of sparkling water that was in a nearby container with ice, waiting.

“I don’t want to argue,” he said softly almost in an apology. “I didn’t mean to attack. I’m just more surprised that it was the case. I was pretty embarrassed at how I acted,” and took a deep breath before looking at her. “And if you want to know, it hurts when my Mom used to tell people I looked puffy, pudgy, or a little hefty. She did it when I was a kid – and when she did it in front of my teammates, it was too much. I love my mom so much and want to make her proud but…”

“You don ’t feel like she is proud of you when that happens,” Molly answered putting it together. “And when I mentioned losing a little bit to help your back – it felt like the same thing. Didn’t it?”

“Except I couldn’t get away from you.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I never meant for it to feel demeaning or hurt your feelings.”

“I know that now.”

“And I’m sure your mother feels the same way.”

“We’ve talked about it – and I’m very close to her… now . I call all the time and try to take care of them. She always brags about me, takes selfies in my jersey, and I got her a Cadillac for Christmas last year, the same green as the Coyotes,” he smiled softly, looking almost shy.

“Can I see the pictures?”

“Of my mom? Sure,” he replied, digging his cell phone out and handing it to her. The guy was so stinking trusting that it was adorable, Molly hesitated, tempted to look around at the photos – but instead, clicked on the phone and called her cell.

“What are you doing?” he blurted out nervously, reaching for the phone as she held it away, getting out of her seat. “Molly?”

“Shhh,” she muttered, smiling. “Relax, okay? I called my phone so you can text me, and now we’re going to take a picture so you can text it to your mom,” she said simply, plopping down on his leg where he was sitting in the chair. She held up the phone, saw his stunned expression, and laughed.

“Oh my gosh, Gerry… relax.”

“You’re sitting on my lap.”

“Yes, I am, so we can both be in the photo.”

“But… your butt is…”

“On your leg,” she chuckled softly, fighting back a laugh. “I promise you the two layers of denim will save all propriety.”

“But… ”

“We established that,” she laughed, unable to help herself. “Now, can you quit looking terrified and smile for the picture.”

“Molly…”

“Is this about my butt again?” she smiled, suddenly feeling a little shy at how close she was to him and the differences between them. She turned slightly, her breath catching as she stared into his green eyes.

“You’re so incredibly… nice ,” he whispered softly, his eyes searching hers. At his hesitation, she knew he wanted to say something else.

“You’re making me feel nervous,” she hesitated.

“Why?”

“It’s the way you look at me.”

“Like I’m shocked you are here with me?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I’m not that great of a catch.”

“Who said I caught you?”

“Good point,” he said, his voice hoarse as he looked away – and she turned slightly, touching his cheek to have him turn back to her.

“I don’t think it’s about being ‘caught’ but rather discovering something that you didn’t realize was there,” she whispered softly.

“I like that.”

“Discovering… me?”

And to her surprise, Gerry closed the space between them, brushing the softest and most gentle kiss she’d ever experienced in her entire life on her lips. It was like the whisper of a butterfly’s wing and it was almost as ethereal, making her wonder if it even happened. If she couldn’t feel the warmth of his breath at that moment, she would swear that she was having some fantastical dream.

“We shou ld probably take that picture before our dinner arrives,” he said in a hoarse voice thick with emotion. “I’m sorry I jumped the gun but… no, actually, I’m not sorry.”

And this made her chuckle softly as she met his eyes.

“I’m not sorry at all,” he admitted. “I’ve wanted to kiss you ever since I walked out of your office this afternoon.”

“Really?”

“Yeah…”

“Maybe you c-could kiss me again later?”

“On our second date?”

“Or third,” she teased softly, marveling at this strange man.

“Or now,” he breathed, leaning back toward her – only to have one of the waiters walk in with Vinny interrupting the moment. Regretfully, Molly smoothly moved herself away from Gerry and hesitated. She leaned in quickly and snapped a quick photo of the two of them before handing him the phone and moving to take her seat.

“Ahhh, so sweet, eh?” Vinny said theatrically. “Such a beautiful evening for l’amour…”

“I thought you were Italian,” Molly chuckled – and Vinny winked at her, before leaning down to Gerry.

“I like this girl. She’s a smart one, eh?” Vinny grinned. “I grew up in the Bronx, and I’m whatever suits the mood. You want Italian, you get Italian here. My wife is Mexican, and we speak Spanish at home. You two are all cozy together, so you get a bit of French – and on that note, do me a favor, Gerry. You tell Batiste that my accent is better than his.”

“I’m not saying that,” Gerry laughed.

“I will,” Molly grinned, realizing that they were playing around and easy with each other behind the scenes of the restaurant. “You’re okay, Vinny,” she began and winked. “For a New Yorker.”

“Shhh! ” he hissed, chuckling and glancing at Gerry. “She’s a feisty little thing, isn’t she.”

“She’s truly a wonder.”

F or Molly, the evening felt like stepping into another world, one where indulgence wasn’t just allowed but celebrated. She had never eaten so much food in her life—each bite was a revelation. The flavors were decadent, every dish more exquisite than the last. The coffee? Heavenly, warming her from the inside out. And the desserts?

Sublime.

She and Gerry shared a generous square of tiramisu, its creamy layers melting on her tongue, followed by a cannoli, its crisp shell filled with sweet ricotta and crowned with pistachios. The conversation flowed as freely as the laughter between them. No talk of calories or workouts. No mention of hockey or the grind of the season. Instead, they wandered into the world of television shows, movies, and books. She was astonished to learn he was a devoted fan of Isaac Asimov’s futuristic visions and Louis L’Amour’s rugged tales of the frontier.

By the time the evening drew to a close, Molly wasn’t sure where the hours had gone. They were deep into a spirited debate about the merits of pop music when they pulled into the employee parking garage where her car was parked.

As Gerry navigated to the third floor, she caught the sound of his nervous laugh before he slowed to a stop. Her Nissan Sentra wasn’t just parked—it was decorated.

Balloons bobbed on the door handle, their strings tugging gently in the cool breeze. Across the windshield and side windows, shoe polish scrawled hearts, X’s, and O’s in bold loops. On the rear glass, a cheeky message read:

KISS HE R!

Molly blinked, staring in disbelief at the handiwork. It was so over-the-top, so unmistakably the team’s style.

“I’m gonna maim them,” Gerry muttered, though the chuckle in his voice betrayed the absence of any real menace.

Still smiling, he parked beside her car and turned toward her, the warm light of the dashboard casting soft shadows on his face. His eyes lingered on hers, something tender and unspoken flickering in his gaze.

“And I think I’m going to take their advice,” he whispered.

His hand reached out, brushing a strand of her hair back from her face with a gentleness that sent her heart skittering. He was sweet, open, and so refreshingly sincere. But somewhere deep in her chest, a quiet warning surfaced—a memory of the temper she’d seen in him before. A small part of her hesitated.

“You are?” she whispered, already leaning closer despite herself.

Gerry didn’t answer with words. Instead, he closed the distance, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that felt like it belonged to another universe—one where everything slowed down, and all that mattered was this moment. His lips were warm, firm, and utterly consuming. He kissed her with a mix of intensity and care; like he was savoring every second, every sensation.

This wasn’t just a kiss.

It was a declaration, a promise wrapped in the softness of his touch. Molly’s pulse thundered in her ears as she felt herself melting under his spell. Yet the kiss deepened, his lips coaxing hers to follow, and a spark of panic ignited somewhere in her chest.

She pulled back, her breath mingling with his as she glanced at him. His lips glistened faintly with her lip gloss, a telltale sign of their shared moment.

“I should go,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “See you tomorrow at work?”

“I’ll be there,” he promised, his voice steady and sure.

With a small nod, she slipped out of the SUV, her hands trembling as she unlocked her car. The note tucked under the windshield wiper caught her attention, and she yanked it free before sinking into the driver’s seat. Her breath hitched as she unfolded the paper.

It wasn’t a love note.

It was a release form.

Her brows furrowed as she read the official-looking document. The North Texas Coyotes apparently had no policy against dating, but any relationship drama couldn’t affect the team, its reputation, or the players. The owners had even included a clause warning of potential litigation for any negative fallout.

Pinned to the paper was a sticky note in Coach Mike’s unmistakable handwriting:

In for a penny, in for a pound…

I’m so glad you guys are making up.

Welcome to the fam!

P.S. – sign it and put it on my desk tomorrow.

Molly couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up as she reread the note. She leaned her head back against the seat, staring at the balloons through the windshield. If this was what life with Gerry—and his meddling team—looked like, she wasn’t entirely sure what she’d signed up for. But one thing was clear: it was going to be anything but boring.