Chapter Eight

Tilly

The atmosphere inside the T-Town Tornadoes' rink is electric, the kind of energy that pulses through the air and makes your heart race. I'm sitting in the stands with Paisley and Tuesday, the three of us wrapped up in scarves and team jerseys, cheering on the team. The crowd roars as the players hit the ice, and I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement wash over me.

"Look at them go!" Tuesday shouts, her eyes sparkling as she points at the ice. "I love hockey games!"

I laugh, glancing at Paisley, who's bouncing in her seat with enthusiasm. "Me too! I like watching my big brother live out his dream."

"It is pretty amazing, isn't it," Paisley says, pride lacing her voice.

It's funny to see these two so wrapped up in the hockey season. Paisley was almost a hermit before she met my brother and knew nothing about hockey. Tuesday, on the other hand, had actively detested the sport and its players. Now they are both die-hard fans.

Paisley and Ryan are expecting their first baby in January. It's one of the reasons I took the job here. I want to be close when my niece or nephew is born. Paisley has already bought a whole array of baby hockey jerseys and Tornadoes merch with Ryan's number. It's adorable and a little crazy.

When I see how happy they are I can't help but think about Duke. Last night was incredible —intimate and sweet. Dinner was amazing and I learned so much about him. The memory of his lips on mine, the warmth of his body next to me, sends a shiver down my spine.

"Are you going to tell us about last night or just keep it a secret forever?" Tuesday nudges me playfully, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

I laugh, shaking my head. "I'm not hiding anything!" But I can feel my cheeks flush. "Okay, fine. We had dinner together and it was really nice. He grilled steaks and made a fabulous salad. We shared an incredible red wine and…" I pause for dramatic effect, "he had this amazing chocolate cake from my favorite bakery."

"No way!" Paisley squeals, leaning forward. "That's so sweet. Who knew the Hammer was so romantic? So, are you guys together?"

I nod, the weight of the truth sinking in. "I guess so. But I'm not sure what to do about Ryan. I mean, I want to tell him, but…I don't know if now is the right time."

"Why not?" Tuesday asks, tilting her head. "You're a couple. Your brother should know, especially since you're dating someone he spends a lot of time with. During the season they will spend more time together than you and Duke will."

"I just…I want to keep it low-key for now. Duke has a lot going on with the season and I don't want to add any pressure. Plus, I'm not ready for Ryan's protective big brother routine." I groan a little at the thought.

"Ryan's going to find out eventually," Paisley says gently. "And it's better if you tell him. You know how he can be."

"Yeah, but what if it changes everything? What if it gets weird?" I fidget with my scarf, trying to find the right words. "Duke and I are still figuring things out. I just don't want to complicate anything."

Tuesday chimes in, "You know Ryan will just want to know that you're happy. He's going to want the best for you."

"I know," I say, sighing. "But it's hard. Keeping it hidden feels safer for now like we're in our little bubble. And honestly? I love that bubble."

Paisley nudges me with her shoulder. "You're being a little dramatic. It's not like you're hiding a crime. You're dating a guy. Yeah, it's a guy who happens to play for the team your brother is on, but he's a good guy that your brother respects and likes."

"Still…" I murmur, glancing to the ice where Duke is warming up with the rest of the players. He's so focused, his brows furrowed. I can't help but stare and admire the way he moves so effortlessly. "What if it gets messy?"

"Messy can be good," Tuesday says with a grin. "You just need to embrace it. Life's too short to worry about what-ifs."

"I can't argue with that logic, but the thought of telling Ryan gives me anxiety. "What if he doesn't approve?"

"Then he'll just have to get over it," Paisley says firmly. "You're an adult, Tilly. You can make your own choices. I know you look up to Ryan and want his blessing, but you have to follow your heart."

The players take their positions, and the crowd begins to settle down. My heart races as the puck drops and I cheer along with everyone else, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Duke. I steal glances at him throughout the game, noting how he plays with such intensity, and the way he interacts with his teammates. It's clear he loves what he does.

"Are you even watching the game?" Tuesday teases. "I think you're more focused on Duke than the puck."

"I'm multitasking!" I protest, but I can't suppress my grin.

The first period flies by in a flurry of cheers and shouts. Ryan scores the first goal and the arena erupts in applause. I stand up, clapping wildly, and I catch Ryan's eye across the ice. He grins, and I feel a sure of pride for my big brother.

"See? Nothing weird about this," Paisley whispers, nudging me again. I'm going to have a bruise from sitting between her and Tuesday and all their nudging. "Just enjoy the moment.

"Yeah, I guess," I say, but part of me still feels that nagging uncertainty.

As halftime starts I take a deep breath. "Okay, I'll think about telling Ryan, but can you two promise to back me up if it gets dicey?"

"Absolutely," Tuesday says, giving me a thumbs-up.

"Count on us," Paisley adds, her voice full of encouragement.

The second period begins and the tension in the arena thickens. I try to focus on the game, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Duke and our situation. The chemistry between us is undeniable, but keeping it a secret feels both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I want to shout over the PA that he's mine, but fear holds me back. I think there's just a part of me that doesn't believe this will last. That his attraction is still a hold-over of the mystery from the party and wanting something he didn't think he could have.

As the game progresses, the Tornadoes take the lead, and I can't help but cheer louder. Duke scores a goal, and the crowd goes wild. I jump up, clapping and screaming, my heart racing with pride. He's incredible on the ice.

"Did you see that?" Tuesday shouts, turning to me with wide eyes. "He's amazing!"

"He really is," I agree, watching as Duke skates back to the bench, a grin plastered across his face. Our eyes meet, and for a brief moment, everything else faces away. I feel a connection that runs deep. It's just us —caught in our own world, even if we're surrounded by thousands of fans. It lasts for seconds, but it takes my breath away.

Tuesday and I decide to go get drinks and extra spicy nachos for Paisley. As we stand in line, I overhear some female fans chatting about the game and the players.

"Did you see Hammer's last goal? He's on fire!" One of them exclaims.

"Yeah, I hear he's dating someone. A mystery girl," another replies, a hint of envy in their voice. "I wonder who she is."

"That has to be a rumor. He never hooks up during the season. It's a well-known fact."

My stomach drops. The idea of our relationship being gossip sends a wave of anxiety through me. I look over at Tuesday who seems oblivious to the conversation.

"What if someone finds out?" I whisper, my heart racing.

"Then it's come out," she replies easily, handing me my drink. "You aren't doing anything wrong and you both deserve to be happy."

"Yeah, I guess," I say. "I just don't think I'm ready for that level of attention."

"People pay attention to you for a little bit when it's new, but look at Paisley and me. We come and go as we please and no one cares. We get snapped when we're out with the guys or if we're doing something related to the team, but on our own no one cares much about what we do."

"That's true."

"Just take it one step at a time, Enjoy the game, enjoy Duke, and then figure the rest out as it comes."

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I just want to enjoy the rest of the game and stop obsessing over this.

We settle back into our seats as the game picks up again. Tenson rises as the Tornadoes maintain their lead, but the opposing team is getting more and more aggressive. I watch Duke closely, heart in my throat as he battles for the puck. He's fierce and focused.

When the final buzzer sounds, the arena erupts in cheers. I jump up, clapping and shouting along with the crowd, feeling a rush of exhilaration.

"Let's go wait in the family area. It will be a while before they're done with all the post-game stuff, but I want to stay and see them tonight," Paisley suggests, practically bouncing in her seat.

"Right behind you!" I say, excitement bubbling within me. As we make our way down to the area where family and friends are allowed to wait for players after the game, my heart races with anticipation. I can't wait to celebrate their win.

After over an hour of waiting, the players begin trickling in. I spot Ryan first, his face flushed with excitement. I nudge Paisley and she jumps up, running to my brother and jumping in his arms. They kiss and I have to look away. I'm so happy for my brother and Paisley, but don't need to see them make out.

I lose Tuesday next when Simon comes in the room. She repeats Paisley's run and jump. Their kisses might be considered publicly indecent in some places.

Paisley and Ryan finally pull away from each other and Ryan comes over to me and wraps me in a tight hug.

"Did you see that, Tilly Bug? We crushed it!" he exclaims, his voice full of adrenaline.

"I did, you were amazing," I reply, pulling back to give him a proud smile.

"Thanks, I saw you cheering like a maniac," he laughs, ruffling my hair affectionately, something I could very much do without.

Just then, Duke walks up, his expression brightening when he sees me. He looks so handsome in his after-game suit, his hair still damp from his shower. I bet he smells amazing. "Hey, Tilly," he calls, and my heart flutters at the sound of his voice.

"Hey." I wave, trying to contain my excitement.

"Great game," I add, stepping a little closer to him.

"Thanks, I couldn't have done it without the support of the fans," he grins, and I feel a warmth spread through me.

Ryan looks between us, a glint of suspicion in his eyes. "You two seem to know each other pretty well," he teases, but his tone hints at protectiveness.

"I cheer for the whole team, not just those I'm related to," I say quickly, my heart racing. The weight of not being honest pressing down on me. "Duke played phenomenally tonight."

"Thanks, Tilly," Duke replies, his gaze steady and sincere. I can feel the unspoken connection between us, and for a brief moment, I wonder if I should just tell Ryan everything.

But then I catch sight of Paisley and Tuesday behind Ryan, their expressions encouraging. I can't shake the uncertainty. "You played create too, big brother," I say instead.

As the celebration continues, I stand beside Duke, feeling the heat radiating off him as we mingle with the other players. I watch him interact with his teammates, laughter filling the air as they joke about the game.

"Hammer, you were of fire out there. That last goal was epic," Simon says, slapping Duke on the back.

"Yeah, man. You really brought you're A-game tonight," Spike adds, his smile joyous.

I get lost in the excitement as the night goes on. The warmth of Duke's presence, the camaraderie of the team, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends momentarily push my worries aside.

I know I have to tell my brother. The longer I hide this from him, the more complicated it will be. Duke leans closer, our shoulders brushing, and I think it may be time to start embracing the beautiful mess that comes with falling in love, no matter how scary it might be.