Logan was an active and reliable member of the team last season. This past summer, his father died unexpectedly, and Logan went home for a few weeks to attend the funeral and be with his family. He returned to Boston in time for training camp and performed well, so it was a shock to the team, its owner, and the coaches that he’d struggle going into the season. Those struggles led to his current and very serious suspension.

Deciding that I’m in desperate need of coffee to help warm up, I put on my jacket and head up to the house. I figure if I’m going to gain Logan’s trust, a little family recon might be necessary.

Graham only said about three words the entire evening, but Jillian and Grandpa Al are both fairly chatty. I learned that the Tate clan is bigger than I realized. After Graham came Austen, Matt, and then Logan. Apparently all three older brothers live on the property. Logan was the only one who moved away—to pursue his dream of playing hockey—but now I wonder if he feels guilty about that. With his dad gone and the rest of his family left here to run things… It’s something I’ll try to get to the bottom of while I’m here.

When I reach the house and let myself inside, I’m immediately struck by the volume of noise coming from the kitchen. It’s so different from the almost eerily silent evening I spent alone in my cabin. The sound of arguing, of loud male laughter, and someone shouting about whoever took the last cup of coffee, echoes through the house.

I pause by the door and almost consider fleeing. But that’s not me. I don’t run from challenging situations. I can do this. So I stand up taller and remove my jacket, hanging it with my scarf on a hook in the foyer.

The first thing I notice is how much smaller the kitchen seems today. It’s filled with bodies. Large male bodies. Jillian shoos someone away from the counter with a kitchen towel.

“Oh, Summer, there you are. I was worried we’d have to send a search party out into the woods.”

“Good morning,” I say, noticing that Logan is seated in the formal dining room with his grandfather.

I’m introduced to Austen—who seems quiet and observant, and Matt—who looks most similar to Logan, though he offers me a warm smile. Graham quietly focuses on his breakfast, a big plate of fried eggs and several strips of bacon.

Graham is even more stoic than he was last night. He’s taller than the others by maybe an inch or so. But all four of the Tate brothers share a lot of the same features. They’re broad and muscular with dark hair and darker stubble. Bright blue eyes framed by thick eyelashes and big, rugged hands.