Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

9. Oakley

9

OAKLEY

S unlight floods the living room, casting shadows that dance over the plush couch I’m lying on. My thoughts are consumed by the harsh words Theo spoke to me last night. His voice, warm and inviting all those years ago, now feels like a cold dagger piercing my heart.

Still, as much as I should regret the two of us sleeping together all those years ago, I can’t bring myself to do so. That night is etched into my memory, an indelible mark on my soul. I remember how he was gentle and caring when he took my virginity, a side of him I haven’t seen since then. And it’s killing me not knowing why.

Truth be told, I always had a bit of a crush on Theo growing up. How could I not? He was the cool, quiet, older brother. But, I never thought anything would happen between us. How could it when he was so out of my league?

I close my eyes, my fingers running along my thigh as I think about the past.

His touch was tender, his lips soft against mine as we explored each other’s bodies for the first time. It was a moment of vulnerability neither of us had anticipated, but it felt right. We were both raw and open, our souls intertwining in the darkness.

I thought everything would change, that we would be together.

I thought wrong.

Now, it’s as if a wall has been erected between us, one I can’t seem to breach no matter how hard I try. The warmth and connection we shared that night has faded, replaced by a chilly distance that makes my chest ache with longing.

Why did he change? Why did he lock away that part of himself, leaving me out in the cold?

It doesn’t matter how many times I try to replay that night. I can’t figure out what I did wrong. What I did to make him hate me.

A sudden shift in the weight on the couch startles me from my thoughts, and I look up to find Reid’s bright green eyes filled with concern as he studies my face. “Good morning, sunshine.”

I quickly snap my hand away from my thighs, my heart rate picking up. “Hey.”

“You’re not jolly this morning,” he says softly. “What’s bothering you, Oakley?”

“Nothing,” I say quickly.

“That’s a lie. Is it Theo?”

I frown. “How did you…?”

“Someone got us into our beds last night, and it wasn’t you.” He smirks. “Your relationship has been tense since you came here. What’s going on?”

I hesitate, not wanting to discuss the searing pain Theo’s words have left behind. But it’s Reid—he sees through my defenses as easily as if they were made of glass. “It…it was something that happened between Theo and me,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Reid’s gaze sharpens, his eyes searching mine for answers. “What exactly happened between you two?” he asks, his tone cautious.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the confession. “We slept together. On the night of my eighteenth birthday.”

Reid’s frown deepens, and he hesitates before asking, “Was that the same night that Gray…” He doesn’t finish the sentence, but I know exactly what he’s referring to. That same night, before I slept with Theo, Gray had told me he loved me, and wanted to be more than friends. I was overwhelmed by the intensity of his feelings, and confused about my own. So I’d turned him down, and then slept with his brother.

“Y-yes,” I reply, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

“Wow, you really got around that night, didn’t you?” Reid teases, though I can see the concern in his eyes.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” I grumble, wrapping my arms around myself protectively. I look at him, my voice wavering as I ask the question that’s been burning inside me. “Reid, do you think it’s a mistake for me to be here? Am I messing up the bond with the three of you, because I can just leave. We can forget about the wedding and?—”

Reid sighs, running a hand through his tousled blond hair. “You’re complicating things, that’s for sure. But we all love you, Oakley.” He reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I don’t want you to go anywhere.”

The weight of Reid’s hand on mine grounds me to the present moment, but the relief I feel is short-lived. The sound of heavy footsteps approaching draws my attention to the doorway as Theo enters the room, his jaw clenched tight and his piercing blue eyes icy.

“I’m leaving,” he announces, grabbing his jacket from the hook by the door. His gaze shifts to Reid, his voice cold as he warns, “Don’t do anything stupid with Oakley.”

My heart clenches at his words, and I bite the inside of my cheek, trying to keep my spicy retort at bay. As much as I want to call him out for his harshness, I force myself to remain silent. Instead, I watch him leave, my stomach twisting into knots.

“Wow, things are really tense between you two,” Reid observes once Theo has disappeared from view. He tries to lighten the mood with a teasing grin, but even that can’t quite hide his own concern.

“Tell me about it,” I mutter, feeling a surge of anger and frustration bubble up inside me. I push it back down, unwilling to let it consume me. Reid watches me closely, his green eyes filled with empathy.

“Tell you about what?” Gray comes into the living room wearing nothing but a pair of gray sweatpants that hang loose around his waist. His hair is still damp, so he’s freshly showered. I find myself staring at his naked chest longer than I should, and I snap my gaze from him.

“Nothing,” Reid covers for me.

“Anyway,” Gray says, changing the subject, although he gives us a wary look. “What are your plans for today?” He leans against the armrest of the couch, giving me his full attention.

I shrug, releasing the breath I was holding. “I don’t know. I was just planning on relaxing, maybe exploring the city a bit, or doing tourist things.” My mind races, searching for ways to fill the empty hours ahead.

“You can hang out with us if you want,” Gray suggests. “We have practice, but before that, there’s this cooking class promotion event happening today.”

“Gray, that actually sounds like fun,” Reid chimes in, grinning from ear to ear. “But what does a cooking class have to do with hockey?” He playfully nudges Gray in the ribs.

“Promoting a healthy lifestyle, obviously,” Gray replies, rolling his eyes at Reid’s teasing.

I blink at Gray, my confusion momentarily replaced by curiosity. “Alright, I’m in. But I have to admit, I never thought I’d see the day when Gray Archer, hockey superstar, would be so excited about a cooking class.” I chuckle, trying to imagine him in an apron, flour dusting his hands.

“Aw, come on. Cooking can be fun, especially when we’re doing it together.” Gray winks at me, making my heart skip a beat.

“Sure.” I smile. “It sounds like it’ll be fun.”

“Go change,” Gray suggests.

A sudden realization hits me as I glance down at the clothes I’ve been wearing since yesterday. The limited wardrobe I packed feels embarrassingly inadequate.

“Uh, guys?” I say hesitantly, drawing Gray and Reid’s attention. “I just realized that I don’t really have clothes that are appropriate for these kinds of events. I thought you’d be busy—I didn’t realize I’d be able to hang out with you. And I didn’t exactly have time to pack properly before I hopped on that flight.”

“Then it’s settled,” Gray declares, his eyes twinkling with determination. “We’re taking you shopping. It’s not like we can have you attending events in the same outfit over and over again.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment at the thought. “I mean, I guess I could use a few more things, but I don’t really have much money to spend right now…”

“Oakley, don’t worry about it,” Reid cuts in, waving off my concerns. “We’ve got you covered. Besides, when do we ever get the chance to spoil you?”

“Guys, really, I can’t let you do that,” I protest, biting my lip. The idea of them spending their hard-earned money on me makes me feel guilty, even if their intentions are good.

“Come on, Oakley,” Gray pleads, giving me that charming smile he knows I have trouble resisting. “Just a few small, cheap things. We won’t go overboard, promise.”

“Fine,” I relent, sighing dramatically for effect. “But only a few things, okay? And nothing too expensive.”

“Deal,” Reid agrees, grinning from ear to ear.

“What if reporters see us together? You know how they love to twist things and create drama,” Gray reminds us.

His concern sends a cold shiver down my spine. The last thing I want is for our friendship to be plastered all over gossip columns, causing problems for them and their careers. I don’t want to become a burden.

“Gray’s right,” Reid chimes in, his bright green eyes thoughtful as he considers the implications. “We should probably take some precautions so you don’t get dragged into any scandals.”

“Like what?” I ask, my heart racing at the thought of being exposed to the world in such a vulnerable way. I’ve never been one for the limelight, and the idea of people scrutinizing my every move terrifies me.

“Disguises,” Reid suggests with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement.