I shake my head. “I appreciate it, but I’ve got that speech at Bear River High today.”

“Right, right. The motivational thing.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Well, hang in there. I’ve known Dunaway for years, and let me tell you, after all the shit I’ve pulled since I joined the team, I’ve learned he can’t stay mad for very long.”

“I guess that’s comforting?”

He laughs and heads across the locker room to strip off his gear and hit the showers. Everyone else follows until it’s just me and Noah left, like he’s been lingering on purpose to get some alone time with me.

“I’m glad you’re okay and back out on the ice,” he says, testing the waters.

“Yeah, thanks. Me too.”

“How are you doing? Really?”

I chuckle and shrug. “I don’t know, man. It’s not awful, but things could definitely be better. I don’t have any idea how long Dunaway is gonna ride me for this.”

“Have a seat,” Noah says, gesturing at one of the benches, so I drop down onto it, and he joins me with his forearms resting on his knees. “Dunaway has told me more than once that he wouldn’t let his daughter date hockey players. And I totally understand why. It can be demanding with the schedule, there can be a lot of ego involved, and a girl can always end up coming second place to hockey. Not to mention that some players have reputations as, well, players.”

He falls silent for a few seconds, almost like he’s a little embarrassed or making a reference to how much he’s changed. I chuckle at him.

“You’re so head over heels for Margo now that I find it hard to believe you were ever a player.”

Noah looks up at me with a serious expression, ignoring my comment. “Are you serious about Hannah? Because if you’re not, then you really shouldn’t be⁠—”

“I am,” I interrupt him, my voice firm and unwavering. “More serious than I’ve ever been about anyone.”

Noah studies me carefully. “This isn’t just a chase? Just because she’s the coach’s daughter and off-limits?”

“God, no.” I lean forward, meeting his gaze directly. “The first time I met her, I had no idea who she was. I just knew there was something about her I couldn’t shake.”

There isn’t another person on this planet that I’d rather be with, and if I wasn’t serious about her, then none of this ever would’ve happened. I think we were supposed to meet that night at the club. Something or someone brought us together—not just once, but twice—and that has to mean something.

“She challenges me,” I continue, surprised at how easily the words flow. “Makes me want to be better. Not just a better player, but a better man.”