“Lucky shot,” my brother said grudgingly, then he got into his stance as Axel went back to work.

My heart warmed a little more for the handsome, conceited rookie center, who was giving my brother a run for his money. This was why Axel had been looking for Jock.

Jock would never admit it, but Axel was doing him a huge favor, helping him shake off the rust, plus the rookie had a wicked shot that hadn’t yet been visible in actual games.

Watching Axel out on the ice mesmerized me. My eyes were glued to his fine ass and strong thighs. The play of his muscles wasn’t visible through the heavy padding, but my imagination made those muscles visible, as I visualized him naked and sweaty as he attempted to outfox and outmaneuver my dear brother. Jock was a machine, but Axel was the picture of male beauty and grace. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t drooling over this man. I sure as fuck was.

I glanced up as someone approached and did my best to gather my senses together even though I wasn’t successful erasing all my dirty thoughts.

Steele Bailey, an enigma if there ever was one, sat down next to me. Steele didn’t say much, went about his business, and did his job on the ice. I liked him, as much as a person could like someone they really didn’t know.

“What’s going on?”

“I think they’re engaged in a competition.”

“No shit.” Steele chuckled, and I searched my memory banks but didn’t recall ever hearing him laugh before. “Good for both of them. Burns off mutual animosity with productive ass kicking. Looks like your brother is schooling Axel on the tricks of veteran NHL goalies.”

“Axel has gotten a few good shots in.”

“Jock is a good goalie. On any other team, he’d have been a starter.”

“He would’ve? Why did he stay with this team then?”

“You don’t know?”

“No, I really don’t.”

“Besides this being a great team to play for, I heard he moved here because of his wife.”

“What do you mean because of his wife?”

“I’m talking too much. I thought you knew?”

“Knew what?”

“Never mind, I spoke out of turn. It’s nothing. Just gossip.”

I studied Steele, but his expression gave away nothing. “Let me guess, she had a boyfriend in Florida?”

“You didn’t hear that from me. Look, I’ve known Axel for a long time. We came up through the minors together. He’s a good guy, maybe a little naïve at times, but all in all a good guy. He’s telling the truth about your sister-in-law.”

“I’m beginning to believe that.”

“He’s not one to mess with married women. He didn’t know.”

“I sure as hell hope that’s the truth.” I hoped more than he’d ever know because I was more than attracted to Axel. I might even be falling for him just a teensy bit.

Steele’s expression was pained. “He’s a good guy, Geneva. Maybe you don’t recognize a good guy when you see one.”