34. Emma

The last ofthe twinkling lights disappear into the storage box with a soft rustle. I stand back and survey Selena and my handiwork, our apartment looking strangely bare now that all the holiday cheer has been packed away.

"Another Christmas in the books," Selena says, carefully winding up a string of silver garland. Her chestnut hair falls in waves around her face as she works. "Although it was weird not having Sydney there this year."

I nod, sighing. A couple of weeks ago, we went up to Minneapolis to celebrate the holidays with Selena's parents. They've been inviting me to be a part of their traditions ever since Nana died. This year, Selena's twin sister was notably missing during the festivities.

"Yeah," I say, "I can't believe she bailed at the last minute like that. Did she give your mom any reason why?"

Selena shakes her head, frowning. "Nope. Just some vague excuse about Paul's family. I swear, ever since she moved out to Boston to be with him, it's like talking to a ghost. We used to be inseparable."

"I know what you mean," I say softly. Since college, Selena and Sydney have been the closest thing I have to sisters. Watching them drift apart these last few years has been tough.

Selena secures the garland in the box and turns to me, her eyes searching mine. "Speaking of being distant, you seemed pretty preoccupied over the holidays, Em. Everything okay? I know it's been a crazy few months for you at work."

My cheeks flush as memories of stolen kisses under the mistletoe flash through my mind—Lukas's playful grin, Alex's smoldering intensity, Ryan's gentle strength, Slade's steady presence. How can I even begin to explain the beautiful chaos my love life has become?

Tucking my legs underneath me, I settle cross-legged on the couch and motion for Selena to join me. She curls up on the other end, hugging a pillow, and waits.

I take a deep breath. "Sel, I'm seeing someone. Well, four someones actually…"

Her eyes widen, but she stays quiet, letting me continue.

"It's Lukas, Alex, Ryan and Slade. I'm dating all of them. Together." The words tumble out in a nervous rush. "I know it sounds bananas, but…I'm falling for them. Hard. Being with the four of them feels so incredibly right, like pieces of a puzzle clicking into place."

I describe how each man brings out a different side of me—Lukas's lighthearted charm, Alex's protective guidance, Ryan's quiet devotion, Slade's unwavering support. How their love has given me the courage to open up and be vulnerable in ways I never thought possible.

"They're quickly becoming like family to me," I admit, my voice cracking with emotion. "And that's amazing but also terrifying, you know? This is all so new and unconventional. I just…I don't want to screw it up."

Selena reaches over and squeezes my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "Oh, honey. You deserve every ounce of happiness those men bring you. Don't doubt that for a second."

Her easy acceptance makes my heart swell with gratitude. Having Selena's support means the world to me.

She grins mischievously. "Besides, juggling four hot athletes in bed? Sounds like a challenge worthy of the Emma Collins I know and love. Remember in college when you dated those two guys from the lacrosse team back-to-back?" Selena smirks. "You've always had a knack for attracting hotties. Looks like you leveled up to a whole starting lineup!"

I burst out laughing. Calling what I did with those lacrosse players "dating" is a stretch, but leave it to Selena to find the playfully scandalous angle.

We spend the next hour gabbing and giggling like teenagers at a sleepover, dissecting the finer points of my budding relationships. For the first time in months, I feel truly unburdened, wrapped in the comfort of my best friend's steadfast presence.

Eventually, Selena turns to me, her expression thoughtful. "You know, Em, I'm so happy for you. Seeing you come alive like this, after everything you've been through…it's incredible."

Her words touch a deep place within me, and I feel the sting of tears behind my eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you, Lena. You've been my rock through it all."

Selena smiles softly. "And I always will be. But I think it's time for you to let others be your strength, too. Life is better when you're not having to go at it alone."

I nod, but a nagging guilt begins to creep in. When was the last time Selena and I had a night like this, just the two of us? Our weekly cooking adventures, once a sacred tradition, have fallen by the wayside in the beautiful mayhem of my new reality.

I reach for Selena's hand, my voice earnest. "I'm sorry I haven't been around as much lately. I've been so caught up in everything, but that's no excuse. You're my family, Lena. I never want to lose sight of that."

Selena squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with understanding. "Hey, no apologies necessary. I'm just happy to see you thriving."

I take a deep breath, resolve settling in my bones. "Let's make a pact. No matter how insane things get, we'll always make time for each other. Weekly cooking nights, just like old times."

Selena grins, holding out her pinky. "Pinky promise?"

I laugh, linking my pinky with hers. "Pinky promise."

As we sit there, our fingers intertwined, I feel a sense of balance restored. The guys may be my future, but Selena is my foundation. And I'll never take that for granted again.

A couple days later, I'm immersed in splicing clips together for the Blizzards' latest social media reels when a shadow falls across my desk. I glance up to see Alex towering over me, his chiseled jaw set in determination.

"Hey Emma, got a sec?" His deep voice sends tingles to my core.

"Sure, what's up?" I lean back in my chair, trying to play it cool even as my heart races being this close to him. I don't think I'll ever get sick of being around this gorgeous hunk of man.

Alex leans a hip against my desk, his thigh brushing my arm. "Last night, when we were going over game tape, you made some really smart observations. Stuff that could help the team as we head into this next stretch."

I smile, flattered that he values my input. "Thanks, I'm just glad I could help."

"I want you to share your insights with the rest of the coaches and team." His gaze is unwavering.

"What? No, that's Isaac's job, I don't want to overstep…" I protest, but Alex cuts me off.

"Isaac's been out sick. We don't know when he'll be back, but the team needs this competitive edge now. You'd be doing us a huge favor." His hand covers mine on the desk, his touch heady.

I swallow hard, glancing around to make sure Alison isn't lurking. I'm sure she'd see me leaving my desk to do this as shirking my responsibilities—even though it's something beneficial to the team. She's been looking for any reason to chew me out recently. But the coast seems clear…

"Okay, I'll do it," I agree, pulse quickening at the thought of presenting in front of everyone. "But you owe me, mister."

"Oh, I'll make it up to you, don't worry." Alex winks, his meaning crystal clear as his eyes darken with desire. "Meet me in the video room in ten."

With that, he saunters off, leaving me breathless and tingling with anticipation. I quickly save my work, hoping I'm not biting off more than I can chew. But with Alex's encouragement propelling me, I'm ready to seize this chance to secretly show the Blizzards what I'm made of.

The meeting room is packed, every player and coach focusing on me as I stand at the front, laser pointer in hand. My palms are sweaty, but Alex's encouraging nod from the back row steadies me.

I click to the first clip, a power play from last night's game. "As you can see here, we're not utilizing the full width of the ice. If we can draw their penalty killers out of position with some cross-ice passes…" I highlight the open passing lanes. "…it opens up a prime scoring chance at the back door."

Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room. Slade leans forward, hanging on my every word. I move on to the next clip, breaking down our defensive zone coverage, and the room falls silent, everyone scribbling notes.

As I wrap up, applause breaks out. Coach Daniels stands, a grin on his weathered face. "Outstanding analysis, Emma. We're lucky to have you on our team."

Pride swells in my chest as the meeting ends and the players file out, several stopping to shake my hand or clap me on the back. Alex approaches, his smile lit up with I-told-you-so smugness.

"You nailed it. They were captivated." He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "I knew you had it in you."

I beam up at him, adrenaline still pumping through my veins. At that moment, I feel like I can take on the world. With Alex's belief in me, anything seems possible.

As the last player exits the room, Alex gently tugs my elbow, pulling me aside. His dark eyes bore intensely into mine.

"Emma, I need to talk to you about something important." His voice is low and serious.

My heart skips a beat. "What is it?"

"I think you should consider transitioning to a role in video coaching. Your insights are invaluable, and you could have an even greater impact on the team's success."

I blink, stunned. "Video coaching? But I'm in social media."

"I know, but this is your true calling. You have a gift, Emma. The way you see the game, the strategies you devise—it's clear that you have an instinctual knack for this stuff. And I can tell when you're talking about the game that you love it almost more than anyone here. You can't tell me that you wouldn't enjoy working with the team in a more hands-on capacity."

We stare at each other for a beat, and then both burst out laughing. "I'm pretty sure I'm already as hands-on with the team as I can get," I say.

As our laughter subsides, though, his words hit me, equal parts thrilling and terrifying. The thought of fully immersing myself in the X's and O's of the sport I love is enticing, but the prospect of leaving the comfort of my current job makes my stomach churn.

"I…I don't know, Alex. That would be a big change." I bite my lip, uncertainty clouding my mind.

Alex grasps my shoulders, his touch electric. "I believe in you, Emma. I'll go to bat for you with Vincent."

I feel like ice water has flooded my veins. Of course Vincent Dale, the general manager, would have to be involved in something like this. Vincent, who has worked here for two decades. Vincent, who was the GM when my dad was head coach.

Right now, Vincent has no idea that Jack Collins's daughter is working for him. I'm a low-level employee, he wasn't involved in my hiring and we have barely crossed paths. But if I followed Alex's plan, I'd inevitably have to talk to him. And then what?

The words scrawled across my cubicle flash into my mind again, unwelcome.

NEPO BABY

Would Vincent hire me for the role just because of my dad? They were close. The fact that it's even a possibility makes my stomach churn.

I don't want anyone to have a reason to doubt me.

"I'll convince him to bring you on as Isaac's assistant," Alex is still saying. "All you have to do is say yes."

Alex is right, I would love to do something like this. But I swallow down that desire. I can't chase a dream like that without drawing negative attention to myself.

"I'm flattered, Alex," I tell him. "Truly. It means the world to me that you think so highly of my analysis. But…" I take a shaky breath. "I'm not ready to consider this step yet. I need time to process."

Disappointment flickers across Alex's face, but he quickly masks it with an understanding nod. "Of course. Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm in your corner, no matter what you decide."

He pulls me into a hug, his strong arms enveloping me. I melt into his embrace, inhaling his intoxicating scent of sandalwood and musk. It smells like home, and I lean into it.

I'm reminded that I actually have people in my corner, for the first time in years.

I have people who are supporting me, people who are becoming my family.

Maybe, just maybe, with the guys at my side protecting me and lifting me up…this is something I should consider.