Mahoney Shellbey Orozco Facebook ad: “Plot twist alert! You won't believe what happens next…”

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They all say Levi, the Ice King of the New York Glaciers, has severe mysophobia and never lets anyone touch him. The day my ex dumped me, I became his team’s new therapist. To escape fanatical paparazzi,I pinned the arrogant hockey legend against a wall and kissed him. He could have pushed me away—his strength always could—but he didn't. I whispered against his burning lips, "Thought you were touch-averse?" His eyes darkened as he grabbed my waist, slamming me flush against his body🖤 "Shut up and keep going." ======================= 1: HOPE Hope’s POV “Congratulations! We are calling back to inform you that you have been hired as the new Physical Therapist of the New York Glaciers.” I nearly dropped my phone. My fingers went numb, my breath catching somewhere between disbelief and hope. I threw my apron into the dirty linens while my best friend, Freya, stared at me, mouthing, ‘what’s happening?’ I held out a hand, my voice trembling. “Oh—this is unexpected. Thank you so much! Do I need to do anything for now?” “The details have been sent to your email. Please head to the office by Monday for the contract signing.” “We are pleased to welcome you to our team.” “Thank you again. Really, really thank you.” The call ended, and the silence lasted only a second before I squealed, jumping in place. Freya squealed with me, laughing even though she had no idea why. “What’s happening?” “I’m hired for the New York Glaciers!” I exclaimed, my chest feeling too small to contain the words. Her eyes widened before she screamed louder than I did. “Oh my gosh! This is great news! You’ve been wanting to become the PT of a sports team since forever!” I smiled, my cheeks aching from it. “Well, it’s hard getting hired in this economy, especially when you didn’t graduate within the strict timeline.” She sighed, opening her arms. I fell into her embrace, letting myself feel it—relief, pride, something close to vindication. “This is your big break, Hope. You can finally leave this fast food hell.” I laughed softly, pulling away. “You have to leave it soon, too.” “Don’t worry,” she grinned. “I’ll be a bigshot photographer soon.” I nodded, feeding off her energy, before glancing at the clock. My heart skipped. “I have to go tell Connor. He must be back from practice,” I said, the excitement bubbling all over again. Her expression faltered. Just slightly—but I caught it. “What now?” “Nothing, nothing,” she said quickly. “I don’t want to ruin the moment, but Connor is the reason you started working in this hellhole in the first place.” “You had to work just to pay for his hockey equipment and workshops, which then caused the delays in your graduation.” I sighed, the words familiar, worn into me. “You already know the reason, Frey. His parents didn’t support him playing hockey. But they’ve finally accepted him after all these years.” A small smile tugged at my lips. Connor, my boyfriend of three years, had wanted this his entire life. He only started playing in college, after years of being told to become a doctor. I was the one who told him to chase it anyway. And now, he was with the New York Glaciers. Meanwhile, I took four years to finish a two-and-a-half-year degree. But I never regretted it. Not when it meant standing beside him. “He’s a benchwarmer, though,” Freya muttered. I ignored her, slinging my bag over my shoulder as I headed for the door. “See you tomorrow! I’ll hand in my resignation letter.” She smiled despite everything, waving. “Stay safe!” I made my way to the apartment Connor and I shared, my steps lighter than they had been in years. The business district buzzed around me, but all I could hear was the echo of that call. Rent was expensive in central Manhattan, but Connor insisted we stay near the rink. Thankfully, my three jobs kept us afloat. Barely, but still. I entered the old building, the familiar creak of the door greeting me. The elevator was broken again, as always. My legs ached, but it didn’t matter. I took the stairs two at a time, my heart racing for an entirely different reason. I pushed the apartment door open, my smile unstoppable, my chest full. “Con—” The word died in my throat. A sound slipped through the air. Soft. Breathless. A moan. “Ahh, Connor! Right there,” a familiar voice gasped. My body froze. “Fuck, you like that?” Connor’s voice—low, rough, unmistakable—wrapped around me like chains. “Yes,” the woman moaned. “You’re the best I ever had.” Connor chuckled. I heard it—the wet, intimate sound of mouths colliding and skin slapping against skin. “And you’re the best for me, too. No one else can compare.” Something inside me cracked. It felt like ice water flooding my veins, freezing everything in place. Still, I moved. One step at a time, even as dread coiled tighter in my stomach. It couldn’t be. It shouldn’t be. After everything, he couldn’t do this to me. The bedroom door was open. Connor lay on his back, a blonde bombshell riding him, her body moving like she belonged there. Like he belonged to her. My throat went dry. Just like that, the happiness I carried home shattered into nothing. “Your dick is so big! It’s hitting all the right places,” she moaned, breathless. Connor gripped her hair, pulling her closer. “You moan so cutely.” “Cuter than your girlfriend?” “Of course.” The words landed harder than anything else. She shifted on top of him, her sounds filling the small apartment—the same apartment I paid for. Cleaned. Built a life in. I immediately recognized her. Delaney Rhodes. A famous courtside reporter for the national league, and also, the daughter of Dennis Rhodes, the very coach of the New York Glaciers. My bag slipped from my shoulder, hitting the floor with a dull thud that shattered the moment. Delaney gasped, scrambling off him, clutching the sheets—the ones I washed this morning. Connor looked at me. Surprise flickered in his eyes, but only for a second. Then it was gone. It was quickly replaced by calmness. “Hope,” he said, like this was nothing. “You’re not on night duty today?” “No…” My voice felt foreign. “That’s Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It’s been like that for years, Connor.” I watched something shift in his face before it eventually broke. “Look, Hope, I’m sorry you had to find out like this, but it’s inevitable.” “Inevitable?” My voice rose, sharp and disbelieving. “How is cheating on me inevitable?” He scratched the back of his neck, like he was inconvenienced. “Thank you for taking care of me all these years, but now that my career is finally kicking off, I need someone… worthy by my side.” Worthy. The word echoed in my mind. I wasn’t worthy enough to stand next to me. I glanced at Delaney. She looked almost sheepish, but not guilty. Not even close. “After everything I’ve done for you,” I whispered. Connor sighed, already done with me. “Anyway, you don’t have to worry about me staying here any longer. I already bought a bigger place closer to the rink. I just didn’t have the heart to tell you.” “I’ll head out for now so you can clear your mind. Delaney and I are going to have a vacation in Bora Bora before the season starts. I’ll come back after to get my things. Come on, Delaney.” Delaney slipped out of bed and reached for a dress. It was mine. The one Connor gave me on our first anniversary. He watched her with something soft in his eyes—something I used to think was mine—before taking her hand and walking past me like I was nothing. Like I had always been nothing. And just like that, I was alone. Surrounded by memories. By sacrifices. By a life I built for someone who had already decided I wasn’t worth staying for. Tears blurred my vision, but they didn’t fall fast enough to keep up with the way everything inside me was breaking. 2: HOPE Hope’s POV “That fucking bastard cheated on you? Him?” Freya exclaimed so loudly I was afraid the customers outside would hear. “Frey, keep your voice down,” I muttered, panic creeping in. Freya shook her head. “Nah—you’re telling me that he was the one who cheated on you? After everything you’ve done for him? I mean, I’ve never liked him for you in the first place, but this is an all-time low.” I had just finished telling her everything. She’d noticed something was off since the start of our shift, but it took everything in me to finally say it out loud. I stared at the hairnet in my hands and sighed. That was what kept me up at night, too—the weight of everything I had sacrificed for him. The extra shifts. The delayed classes. The way I bent my entire life just to keep his dreams alive. “Where is that bastard so I can punch his veneers in?” she snapped. “He’s in Bora Bora… with Delaney Rhodes.” “He’s on vacation?!” Freya nearly shrieked again, making me wince. “With that bitch Delaney Rhodes, too? She’s dated half the national league, but everyone thinks she’s a sweetheart! Isn’t she the one who got caught being rude to restaurant workers? And her coach daddy just buried it?” I swallowed, my chest tightening. “What do I do now, Frey? I thought this job would be my saving grace. Harley’s going to college, and he wants to play hockey too. I feel guilty not helping him… but I don’t even know how I’ll manage tuition and everything else.” “Take the job, Hope,” Freya said firmly, stepping closer and cupping my face so I had no choice but to look at her. “You’ve wanted this—long before you fell in love with Connor.” “How can I work there when he’s there, Frey?” “You just do,” she said, her voice softening. “Because you’re not there for him. You’re there for you.” She suddenly straightened, her energy snapping back. “This is actually a good thing.” Before I could react, she climbed onto the bench and raised her fist like she was on stage. “You’re free from that bastard! You did all the chores in your shared apartment. You paid more than your share. And last but not least—you did everything in bed! He was a total pillow princess!” “Frey,” I hissed, my cheeks burning as one of our coworkers passed by. She hopped down and grabbed my hands, grounding me. “You’ve been shrinking yourself for him all these years. Don’t let him keep you in a cage, even now.” For the first time since yesterday, something inside me loosened. The ache was still there, but it didn’t feel suffocating anymore. “You’re right,” I said, exhaling. “I’m going to take the job.” “That’s my girl!” Our boss, Mr. Hampton—a balding man with a protruding beer belly—poked his head in, already scowling. “Tone it down. The customers can hear you from outside. I’ll write you both up if you don’t.” Freya didn’t even hesitate. She grabbed the resignation letter I had reluctantly prepared that morning and slapped it into his hand. “Write whatever you want, Mr. Ham,” she said smugly. “My best friend’s not working here anymore.” *** “Miss Hope Henderson?” “Yes, that’s me,” I said, smoothing my skirt, trying to steady my nerves. The woman in front of me—elegant, composed, with large pearl earrings—looked me up and down. I instinctively gulped, intimidated by her presence. Then she smiled. “I was the one who contacted you through the call. The name’s Beth,” she said, extending her hand. “Manager of the New York Glaciers and head of HR. Nice to meet you.” Relief flooded through me as I shook her hand. “Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. It really means a lot.” “It’s my pleasure,” she replied. “You’re also prettier than your picture. The boys will be delighted.” I tilted my head to the side in confusion, but before I could question it, she already spoke again. “It wasn’t easy finding someone as competent as Nate, our former PT. He passed his resignation letter after his wife got pregnant, though he still insists on working while waiting for a replacement.” She sighed lightly. “Good thing, I saw your resume and was completely intrigued by the variety of your work experiences. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” “It’s no problem at all.” Beth glanced at her watch. “Time flies. I need to meet some sponsors. Could you wait in the rehab room? I’ll join you shortly.” Before I could ask for directions, she was already on a call, heels clicking as she disappeared down the hallway. I blinked, then looked around. Right. Rehab room. I started walking, taking in everything around me. The facilities were incredible. Clean, modern, and intimidatingly perfect. Nothing like the worn-down rinks Connor used to train in. This place was meant for the best. I passed several rooms, but none were labeled. Until I reached the end of the hallway. It was a door, dark brown in color, and had no sign. Something about it pulled me in. Maybe this was it. I reached for the knob and turned it slowly. It was unlocked. I paused just right at the door, taking it all in. It didn’t smell like antiseptic or sweat. Instead, it was clean, almost soothing. Fresh laundry, with hints of citrus and cedar. The room was spotless, too. I stepped closer to the bed, my fingers hovering over the sheets, when suddenly— A force slammed into me from behind. A gasp tore from my lips as my body was pressed firmly against the wall, something hard and unyielding pinning me in place. My wrists were yanked back, held tight. “Who the fuck are you?” The voice was deep. Rough. Close enough that I felt the warmth of his breath against my war, cool with a trace of mint. My heart pounded wildly, my body reacting before my mind could catch up. “I–I’m sorry,” I stammered, struggling against his grip, though it only tightened. “I think I got the wrong room—” “Doesn’t look like you’re lost,” he muttered, his voice dropping lower. The pressure of him against my back didn’t ease. If anything, it deepened. My breath hitched. “I said,” he continued, slower this time, his lips brushing just a fraction too close to my ear, “who are you… and why are you in my room?” 3: HOPE Hope’s POV I tried to push him away, but when my hand brushed against his body, I felt hard, sculpted ridges—defined abdominal muscles, tense beneath my touch. He was naked! Well, almost. I also felt a towel slung low on his lips, barely there, as I continued to push him away. “Don’t fucking touch me,” he spat. His grip tightened, forcing me harder against the wall, my breath catching from the pressure. “It’s been a while since I’ve met someone this shameless,” he continued. “How did you even get through security? Do you have connections, huh? Did you come to my room expecting something?” “Sir, I think you’re mistaken,” I shot back, struggling against him. “I thought this was the rehab room. That’s the only reason why I entered!” “I’ve heard that excuse plenty of times,” he said flatly. “You’re not fooling anyone. Besides, who even are you to be anywhere near the rehab room?” “I’m your new Physical Therapist,” I said, breathless but firm. “Now let me go, and we can speak like civilized humans.” “No. I’m calling security.” I felt him shift behind me. He held both my wrists with one hand, effortlessly, like I weighed nothing. “Wait, sir,” I insisted, refusing to let my voice shake. “Let’s talk properly.” “Shut up.” Fantastic. First day, and I was already pinned to a wall by a lunatic. The door suddenly opened. My heart dropped, expecting security. “Levi, I just talked with Apollo Magazine. They want you for their new cover—” Beth’s voice cut off sharply. “Oh my gosh. What are you doing?!” The pressure vanished. I stumbled forward, sucking in air like I’d been underwater. Beth quickly pulled me to her side, and that was when it hit me. The person who held me against the wall was none other than Levi Reeve. Center Forward of the New York Glaciers. One of the most recognizable faces in the country. Even people who didn’t follow hockey knew him. Billboards, interviews, headlines—he was everywhere, despite barely having a social media presence. Connor used to talk about him all the time. Study his plays. Copy his moves. If there was anyone to look up to, it was Levi Reeve. And yet— “Who the fuck let her into my room?” he demanded. So the rumors about his nasty personality were true. “I thought this was the rehab room,” I quickly explained, glancing at Beth, who sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Levi, what did I tell you about being more civil?” He clicked his tongue, already turning away. He grabbed an alcohol spray from the bedside table and began spritzing himself, wiping his skin down with a paper towel like he was scrubbing something off. My eyes betrayed me, flickering over him. God. The magazines weren’t exaggerating. Broad shoulders. Defined chest. That sharp V-line disappearing beneath the towel. He was a literal walking headline. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath. “I got dirty.” My stomach dropped. Dirty? I clenched my jaw, heat rising—not from embarrassment this time, but irritation. “Sorry about him,” Beth murmured, though it did little to help. “Anyway, cut her some slack. She’s your new Physical Therapist.” Levi paused mid-motion, tossing the paper towel into the bin before turning slowly. His gaze landed on me again, unimpressed. Still, his face looked like it had been carved by the gods themselves. If he weren’t so insufferable, he’d be dangerous in an entirely different way. I pushed the thought aside, straightened my posture, and stepped forward. “Nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand despite everything. “I’m Hope. I’ll be your Physical Therapist from now on.” He looked at my hand like it was something he’d scraped off his shoe, ignoring it completely. “Where’s Nate?” he asked instead. “I need my shoulder checked.” Beth pressed her lips together. “Levi, Nate has resigned. You already know that.” “He was here yesterday.” “He stayed for you,” she replied. “Because you refuse to work with anyone else. He has a life, Levi. His wife is about to give birth, too. Let him focus on it.” “Call him.” “If you want, I can check your shoulder,” I said, stepping forward again, reaching carefully this time. He slapped my hand away before I could even make contact. I froze, then slowly lowered my hand, my expression hardening. Every second with him confirmed it—every rumor, every warning. “What were you saying earlier?” he asked Beth, dismissing me like I didn’t exist. “Apollo Sports wants you for their May cover,” she said, already sounding exhausted. “No.” Beth frowned. “Levi, they’re one of our biggest sponsors. We can’t afford to lose them before the season starts.” “Then find someone else.” “They’re featuring the entire team,” she clarified. “They just want you on the cover.” He had already grabbed his phone, scrolling, uninterested. Beth exhaled. “You really don’t make anything easy, do you?” Levi didn’t even look up. “Rehire Nate. I don’t want that woman touching me.” My hand instinctively moved to my chest. That woman? Beth didn’t budge. “Nate’s wife is eight months pregnant. Besides, he already has a new job lined up, one that has fixed hours. Hope is staying whether you like it or not.” That got his attention. He stilled, then slowly lifted his gaze to meet mine. It was intense. Heavy. Like a challenge thrown straight at me. For a second, my body reacted before my mind—heat crawling up my spine, my pulse stuttering under the weight of it. But I held his stare. I refused to be the first to look away. He raised a brow, almost amused, leaning back slightly against the bed like he suddenly had all the time in the world. The movement only made him look hotter than he already was. . “Let’s see then,” Levi said, his voice quieter now. His eyes didn’t leave mine. “Let’s see if she can stay.” 4: HOPE Hope’s POV “I’m sorry about that,” Beth said as we settled inside her office. “Levi is kind of…” “…an obnoxious asshole?” I finished for her. The words slipped out before I could stop them. My eyes widened, and I immediately covered my mouth. Oh my gosh. First day. First impression. I didn’t need it to be ruined this early! A soft chuckle escaped Beth’s lips. Wait, what? “Sorry about that,” I muttered quickly. “I should really control myself.” It was barely my first day on the job and I was already insulting their star player. She shook her head, still amused. “No, it’s okay. I understand you completely. A lot of people think that way about Levi. I just haven’t met one who said it so honestly.” My cheeks warmed. “Is he really like that? Or… was that just a bad moment?” Beth let out a small laugh, the kind that didn’t bode well. “Oh, honey. It’s actually a good day.” I stiffened. That was him on a good day? “What have you heard about him?” she suddenly asked, setting aside a stack of paperwork and folding her hands neatly on the table, her gaze sharp with curiosity. “Well… the basics,” I said. “He’s the New York Glaciers’ star player. The youngest ever to be part of the opening roster in the national hockey league. He also has three MVP titles, and he’s only been on the main roster for four years.” Beth smirked. “That’s not what I’m talking about, Hope. Everyone knows that. Levi Reeve—the youngest legend.” She leaned forward slightly. “I’m asking what you’ve actually heard about him.” I hesitated for a second before finally answering. “That he’s your biggest headache?” Beth burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the spacious office. She actually had to wipe the corners of her eyes. “Oh, I like you already,” she said between laughs. “You’re right about that again. That kid will be the death of me.” She exhaled, shaking her head fondly. “But just as you said, we can’t afford to lose him. He’s the pillar of this team.” As though summoned by the tension in the room, the door suddenly opened. A middle-aged man stepped in, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He had a dad bod, slightly slouched posture, and eyes that looked tired but kind. “Beth?” Beth immediately stood. “Nate, what are you doing here?” My breath caught as I shot up from my seat. No way. This was Nate Esmeray. If Levi was the living legend everyone talked about, this man was my personal legend! We went to the same school, and all I’d ever heard were great stories. He’d been with the New York Glaciers for over a decade, and knowing he’d helped shape so many of the team’s stars made something flutter in my chest. “Had to grab a few things,” Nate said casually, lifting the duffel bag. “It’s my last official day, isn’t it?” Beth sighed, already massaging the bridge of her nose. “If Levi sees you here, he’ll convince you to stay.” “Don’t worry,” Nate said, raising both hands in surrender. “He didn’t see me.” His gaze shifted to me. I froze under it, my breath hitching. “Is she my replacement?” I snapped out of it and quickly held out my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I’ve heard a lot of great things, and I really admire your work.” He scratched the back of his neck, almost sheepish. “Didn’t think I’d have someone admire my work.” He gave a small smile. “I appreciate it, though. I hope you last longer than the others. I can’t back out now—my wife’s going into labor soon.” I turned to Beth, confusion flashing across my face. She was already gesturing for him to stop, but then she sighed, giving up. Nate looked back at me. “I’ll do the honors of breaking it to her since you clearly haven’t. You’re not the first one to replace me, unfortunately.” He tilted his head slightly, studying me. “Although… I’ve got a good feeling about you. Hang in there, alright?” My heart started racing. Not the first? “The others only lasted a few hours,” he continued. “They ran the moment they faced Levi.” A small grin tugged at his lips. “But I’ll say this—I think you can last a few days.” “Nate,” Beth warned. “I’m kidding,” he said quickly, reaching out to pat my shoulder. “Mostly.” “I just think the others didn’t give him much of a chance,” he added. “It took me a while to get that kid to open up. But once you understand him, you’ll know why he is the way he is.” There was something in his tone that made me pause. “Anyway, I won’t stay long,” he said, flashing an easy smile. “Good luck…” “Hope,” I supplied. “Hope,” he repeated. “That’s nice.” He gave me a small nod. “Good luck, Hope. I’m rooting for you.” With that, he waved at Beth. “I’ll see you when I see you.” The door shut behind him with a quiet click. I turned back to Beth—and found her looking significantly more frazzled than before. “Well,” she said, exhaling slowly, “you’ve heard right. This isn’t the first time we’ve hired a new PT for the team.” She straightened slightly, slipping back into professionalism. “As you know, PTs are crucial—especially pre- and post-season. With the season coming up, we can’t afford to lose another one. Do you understand?” “I completely understand.” If anything, it made the role feel even more important. “With that,” she continued, sliding a piece of paper toward me, “we’re willing to compensate you handsomely.” I glanced down and did a double take. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Was I reading that right? Eight grand. A month. For a rookie physical therapist? “Is it not enough?” Beth asked, watching me carefully. “Nate was paid more, but he has significantly more experience. We can negotiate if needed.” “It’s a really good amount,” I said quickly. This was more than what I earned juggling three exhausting, soul-crushing jobs. “Are you sure this is right?” Beth laughed softly. “The Glaciers don’t slack on their workers—especially one as essential as you.” She gestured lightly. “You’ll also have your own room in the rink. You can stay there whenever you need.” I swear I heard angels. Actual, choir-level angels in the air. My disastrous encounter with Levi was wiped clean, erased from memory. It was replaced by big, beautiful numbers and incentives. “Are you up for the challenge, Hope?” Beth asked finally, holding out her hand. I looked at it for a second—then took it, gripping firmly, newfound determination settling deep in my chest. “I’m glad to be working with the Glaciers.” She smiled and I smiled back. Of course, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Especially not with Connor and now, with Levi. Still… How bad could it actually be? 5: HOPE Hope’s POV “The team is probably done with their practice now. Do you want to meet them?” Although a flicker of nerves still danced in my chest, I knew this was inevitable. Sooner or later, I’d have to face them. I already knew a lot about the team—more than I probably should—thanks to Connor talking about them nonstop. Their positions, their injuries, even their habits on and off the ice. Being with him had its advantages, I guess. “If that would be alright.” “Of course,” Beth smiled warmly. “They’ll be under your care from now on.” I followed after her toward the rink, the sharp sounds of skates slicing through ice and bursts of laughter echoing through the air. It made my pulse quicken, a mix of excitement and nerves tangling together in my chest. When we arrived, the players were already winding down, removing their helmets and neck guards. Sweat-damp hair, flushed skin, easy laughter—it was a scene that looked straight out of a sports romance movie. I trailed behind Beth as the boys greeted her enthusiastically. The first person that caught my attention was Levi. He sat at the far end of the bench, slightly apart from the others, his head tilted down as he drank from his water bottle. His gaze was fixed on the ice. That same dark aura clung to him like a second skin. There was no shortage of eye candy on the team. God, they were all unfairly attractive. But Levi stood out in a way that made it hard to breathe. Not just because of his looks, but because of his overall charisma. “Beth, long time no see!” A bright voice snapped me out of it. A blonde-haired guy with pink cheeks grinned at her, winking playfully. “I missed you during our vacation.” “Oh, stop it, Desmond,” Beth waved him off, unimpressed. “You were having the time of your life on the Caribbean beaches. You made me do a lot of extra work after you were seen nearly having an orgy in public. Thanks, by the way. You ruined my vacation.” Desmond Clark. Number 16. Goaltender. Certified playboy. “Oh, come on,” he laughed easily. “I really missed the way you scold me. I wish you’d do it in bed, too.” My eyes widened before I could stop myself. So that’s how he was. Beth looked older than him by more than a decade, but clearly, that didn’t matter to him in the slightest. It took him a second longer to notice me. When he did, he froze mid-step, his gaze dragging slowly over my face like he was assessing something worth keeping. I dipped my head politely. “Good day.” A slow, playful smirk spread across his lips. “Well, well, well… who’s this?” His tone dropped, amused and intrigued. “Did you bring me a gift, Beth?” Beth immediately pulled me slightly behind her. “Don’t even try, Desmond,” she said flatly. “She’s your new PT.” “Don’t mind him,” she added under her breath. “He’s a flirt, but harmless—as long as you don’t entertain him.” Noted. Before I could respond, she guided me toward the center, drawing the attention of the rest of the team. My gaze flickered instinctively back to Levi. Still nothing. He didn’t even look up. My brows knit together slightly. “Nice job on your first day back,” Beth announced. “That’ll be your only vacation for a while, so I hope you made the most of it. Some of you clearly did more than others.” Her eyes slid meaningfully to Desmond, who only winked in response. “Anyway,” she continued, “I’m here to introduce your new Physical Therapist.” I stepped forward, offering a steady smile despite the weight of multiple gazes settling on me. “Nice to meet you, everyone. I’m Hope. From now on, I’ll be under your care as much as you’ll be under mine. Let’s get along well together.” “Let’s get along well,” Desmond echoed lazily. “I like the sound of that.” I ignored him. Beth’s advice was already proving useful. A man stepped forward then, one who carried a natural authority that made the others turn to him. The captain. “The name’s Forest,” he said with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you, Hope. We’re glad to have you.” Forest DeAndre. Number 9. Captain. Forward. A legend in his own right. Even at age 36, he carried himself like someone who owned the ice. “All members are here except for one—our newest player, Connor,” he added. “Seems he extended his vacation. He’ll be back by next week. I’ll introduce you then.” I forced my expression to remain neutral at the mention of his name. I tried not to let it show that he was my boyfriend of four years. Well, ex-boyfriend. Forest removed his glove and extended his hand. I took it, firm but respectful. “I might be one of your most loyal customers,” he said lightly. “This body’s not getting any younger. What they say is true—the more you wear, the more you tear.” I smiled. “No worries. I’ll do my best to keep you as injury-free as possible.” “Can you do that for me too?” Desmond cut in, pouting exaggeratedly. A small laugh slipped out of me. “I’ll do it for the entire team.” “The entire team, you say?” Another voice joined in. I turned to see two identical faces watching me with identical expressions. The Sullivan twins. Scott and Spencer. Defensemen. Numbers 5 and 6. “It might be difficult for you to treat Levi,” Scott said casually. That name again. “He won’t let anyone touch his shoulder aside from Nate, even when it’s already in a bad state since the last season.” With those words, everyone’s attention moved toward Levi. Including mine. He exhaled slowly before pushing himself off the bench, grabbing his things like he intended to disappear without a word. But I saw the slight tightening of his jaw, the almost invisible grimace. He was in pain. My body moved before I could think. I reached him just as he turned, my fingers brushing lightly against his shoulder. “Did you hurt yourself?” I asked gently, applying the faintest pressure. However, that proved to be a big mistake. Before I could even react, I was shoved back. It wasn’t as forceful, but it was enough to make me stumble back. Levi turned to me, his chest rising and falling, his eyes sharp—furious, like I had crossed a line no one was allowed to touch. “Levi!” Beth snapped. The world tilted for a second, but strong hands caught me before I could hit the ice. Fortunately, Forest was able to catch me just in time. “I told you not to fucking touch me,” Levi spat. His voice was cold and cutting, a stark contrast to his god-like face. Just like that, irritation flared inside me. Forest steadied me, his expression tightening as he looked at Levi. “Levi,” he said, voice firm, almost fatherly. “The season’s coming up. We can’t afford to lose you. Let Hope check your injuries.” “Captain’s right,” Scott added, frowning. “We’re always on edge because of you. It’s affecting everyone.” Levi raised a brow, unimpressed. “So?” he said flatly. “Should I just leave the team then? Would that fix everything?” Thick, awkward, and heavy silence filled the rink. No one answered. No one dared to. A slow smirk tugged at his lips. “That’s what I thought.” And just like that, he turned and walked away, leaving behind nothing but tension and the faint echo of his footsteps. The moment he disappeared, a collective breath seemed to release. “I thought he’d gotten better,” Forest muttered, rubbing his temple. “Now, it feels like he’s worse.” “Did something happen over the break?” “Probably not,” Spencer shrugged, a hint of disdain slipping through. “He likely stayed locked up in his fancy penthouse the entire time. He’s just always been like that.” I glanced at him. “Like what?” “A germaphobe.” Scott nodded. “A chronic one. He doesn’t like strangers touching him—at all. Heck, he won't even let us touch him sometimes.” “Guess that’s why he’s untouchable on the ice,” Spencer added dryly. 6: HOPE Hope’s POV “Damn, you’re really good at this,” Forest groaned, his voice low and satisfied as my fingers worked carefully over his knee, easing out the stiffness that had settled overnight. “I find it hard to believe this is your first time working as a sports team physical therapist. You’re a natural.” A small smile tugged at my lips, warmth blooming in my chest at the praise. “I’ve been doing this for my dad for years,” I said, keeping my hands steady, applying just the right amount of pressure. “My co-workers usually come to me too when something hurts. I guess I just got better over time.” Even if I never landed a job that matched my degree, I still found ways to use what I knew—helping Freya, the janitor with the chronic back pain, my landlady who insisted on lifting things twice her weight, even the fruit vendor down the street who refused to rest his shoulders. Seeing the tension leave someone’s body, watching pain fade, even just a little, always made something in me feel right. “Well, you’re all done,” I said, giving his knee a light pat. “We don’t want to overstimulate the area. You’ve got that practice game coming up, right?” Forest hopped off the bed, testing his weight, then bounced side to side. His face lit up. “Yo, I feel light as a feather.” “Yo, cap. I need more footage. Big boss wants more Levi con—” We both turned as the door swung open. A tall, lanky guy stepped in, wearing a beanie, his arms covered in tattoos, piercings catching the light with his movement. He stopped mid-step when he saw me, brows lifting. “New PT?” “Yup,” Forest said easily. “Aiden, this is Hope. Hope, this is Aiden—our photographer, videographer, social media manager… basically everything concerning that realm.” “Sup,” Aiden said with a small nod. I gave a quick wave. “Nice to meet you.” He studied me for a second, then smirked slightly. “Let me guess. You’re here for Desmond? Or the twins? Actually… nah. You’re probably here for Levi, right? Most of the past PTs were.” “What?” “Don’t try to get into his pants,” he added casually. “It gets messy. I still remember that red-haired girl who almost pulled it off.” He shuddered like he’d witnessed a crime scene. “The entire team couldn’t practice well for an entire week!” “Wait,” I cut in quickly, shaking my head. “I’m not here for anyone. I’m here for myself and my family.” The words came out firmer than I expected, backed by years of putting my life on hold for Connor. Aiden’s expression shifted, surprise seen across his face. “Huh. That’s… new.” Before things could get awkward, Forest slung an arm over my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Hope’s not like the others,” he said, grinning. “And she’s really good too.” Aiden’s lips curved into a more genuine smile this time. “I like you already, Hope. I just hope you survive the wrath of Levi Reeve.” I shrugged lightly, flexing my fingers. “Trust me. I’ve probably dealt with worse.” Forest chuckled, digging into his pocket before pulling out a voucher and handing it to me. “Go grab yourself a drink,” he said. “There’s a place nearby.” I glanced down and nearly did a double take. “Aurum?” The name alone felt expensive. They were known for their absurdly overpriced drinks, catered to people who didn’t blink at spending twenty dollars on coffee. I’d never even stepped foot inside that place.” “Oh, you don’t have to—” “Come on,” Forest insisted. “You earned it after surviving Levi yesterday. Plus, the team’s sponsored by Aurum. We’ve got unlimited vouchers.” “…Thank you.” ~.~ Getting a smoothie from Aurum felt less like ordering a drink and more like attending a presentation. They told me where the berries came from, how they were harvested, even the altitude of the farms they were grown on. By the time I got my drink, I wasn’t sure if it tasted better or if I was just trying to justify the fact that it cost twenty-eight dollars for a sixteen-ounce cup. Either way, it was good. I was already walking through the parking lot, heading back toward the rink, a small smile on my face as I savored the rich blend of berries. Just then, a hard shove slammed into my back. I stumbled forward, my grip loosening just enough for the smoothie to slip from my hand and crash onto the pavement. “No!” My twenty-eight-dollar smoothie. Okay, it was technically free—but still. The tragedy stood. I spun around, ready to call someone out, only to freeze at the sight of a crowd rushing past me—girls and guys alike, cameras in hand, voices overlapping in frantic excitement. “Don’t waste the chance. We have to find him!” “His car’s still here! He didn’t go inside yet!” “Where the hell is he?!” They scattered like a pack on a hunt, scanning every corner, every shadow. I opened my mouth, trying to get their attention, but I got nothing, not even a glance. With a sigh, I looked down at the fallen cup, then picked it up, holding it for a second longer than necessary before heading to the dumpsters behind the rink. A moment of silence for my drink. However, as I turned away, I caught sight of a figure behind the dumpster. “Levi?” I called cautiously. His head snapped up, eyes locking onto mine instantly, sharp and irritated. “What are you doing there?” For someone rumored to be a full-blown germaphobe, hiding behind a dumpster felt wildly out of character. “Be quiet,” he snapped. “I heard him!” a voice shrieked nearby. “He’s this way!” “Shit,” Levi muttered under his breath. And just like that, everything clicked. They were looking for him. Before I could overthink it, I grabbed his hand—cold and firm–-and pulled him along with me, moving fast, weaving through the lot. But the moment we turned the corner, more fans appeared. Levi cursed behind me, immediately shifting directions, dragging me this time. “What the hell is security doing?” he muttered, glaring toward the entrance where the crowd was thickening. “The back entrance,” he decided, pulling me with him again. I glanced at him, really looked this time. Was this what his life was like? Constant chasing. No space to breathe. No room to just exist. It honestly felt… exhausting. My gaze dropped briefly to our hands, still clasped together. He hadn’t pushed me away like he did yesterday. Maybe necessity overrode his preference. When we reached the back entrance, it was empty but locked. “Fuck,” he snapped, already pulling out his phone, calling someone. “Beth. Open the back entrance.” A faint voice crackled through the speaker. “We’re on it! Sorry, Levi!” We waited for too long. Footsteps echoed again—closer this time. Louder. They were coming. At that moment an idea hit me. It was wild and completely irrational, but it was the best idea I could come up with at this moment. “Take off your jacket,” I said. “What?” I didn’t wait. I stepped forward and yanked it off him, tossing it behind a nearby potted plant. “Hey! Do you know how much that costs?” “Not important right now,” I shot back, my heart hammering against my chest. The voices were right there, seconds away from discovering us. I stepped into him, backing him against the wall, closing the space between us. Then I rose onto my toes, wrapping my arms around his neck, angling myself just enough to block his face completely. “Hey, new PT,” he started, voice warning. “If you think this is—” I didn’t let him finish. I pressed my lips against his.

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