Page 203 of Risking the Pucking Defense

My nerves and anxiety only get worse when Bea pulls her car to a stop on a street full of cars.

This is it.

It’s now or never.

“You’ve got this. Just think of Hayden and how happy he’s going to be.”

“I’m doing the right thing,” I say confidently.

“Then let’s go.”

Coach’s house is beautiful, his yard is well-kept, and he has an array of blooming flowers— although I have a suspicion that they might not be because of his green thumb. Of course, I may be wrong, but I don’t get gardening vibes from James Watson.

The sound of what’s happening in the backyard makes my stomach knot, but despite the unease, a smile twitches at my lips. The happiness and joy are palpable, and I so desperately want to be a part of that.

You can be.

I trail behind Bea, who lets herself in, marches through the kitchen, and heads to the back of the house, where the entire wall is missing, showcasing the backyard.

I loiter for a second, just taking a moment to compose myself before I walk out there.

“Hailee? You made it,” Freya says, having appeared from behind me.

“Yeah.”

“Are you okay? You look a little pale.”

“I’m okay. And I’m about to get even better.”

Summoning every ounce of strength I possess, I hold my head high and walk out to the backyard.

For long seconds, nothing happens.

Most of the team and the kids are playing volleyball in the pool, too distracted to see that there’s a new addition to the afternoon.

“Hailee,” Coach greets with a wide smile. “Grab yourself a drink, food,” he says, gesturing to the grill he’s manning, “and make yourself at home.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I say, my skin prickling with awareness as more people notice me.

I don’t look at them, though; my eyes are focused on the back of one person in the pool.

Turn around, baby, I silently beg.

I watch as Killer hits the ball, sending it flying over the net. Hayden takes off, ready to knock it straight back, but he must lose his footing because the next thing I know, he’s disappeared under the water.

It’s in that moment that Killer and Rett look up and spot me.

A wide grin spreads across Rett’s face, and just as Hayden breaks the surface, Killer shouts, “Oh, holy fuck. Boss lady is smoking.”

I swear, I stop breathing, and the next few seconds happen in slow motion as Hayden fights against the water to spin around, but the moment he does, and his eyes lock on mine, everything in my world settles into place.

This is exactly where I’m meant to be.

57

HAYDEN

Istare at her, physically unable to do anything as shock rocks through my body.