Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

14. Oakley

14

OAKLEY

A cold draft slips through the hallway as I lean against the wall outside the locker room, unable to stop replaying the fight in my head. Gray had never been the physical type…he would always use his words before anything else. When did that change? And more importantly, why?

“Oakley?” Gray’s voice calls out to me, pulling me from my thoughts. He emerges from the locker room, his sandy-blond hair damp from exertion, his brown eyes filled with a mix of concern and frustration. He raises a hand, palm facing me, signaling that he doesn’t want any questions or comments. “Just…please, not right now.”

“Fine,” I mutter, crossing my arms and biting back my curiosity. Part of me wants to confront him, to make sense of what just happened, but I won’t push him, not right now at least.

“Let’s just go,” Gray says, his tone softening.

“Alright,” I agree reluctantly, my own emotions simmering beneath the surface. The doors open and close again, Theo and Reid walking out. I want to ask them what happened, but even Reid has a dark expression on his features.

A gust of wind whips at my hair as we step outside. Gray strides ahead of me, his shoulders tense. Reid and Theo follow behind, their low voices barely audible over the sound of our footsteps on the pavement.

“Charlie dropped me off earlier,” Theo says, breaking the silence as we make our way back to the car.

“You can drive back with us,” Reid replies, his voice strained.

We get to the car, and Gray opens the back door for me to squeeze in, following after me. As we settle into our seats, I glance sideways at Gray, whose jaw is still clenched tight. I wish I could reach out to him, but I know better than to push my luck. Instead, I pull my coat tighter around me.

The car engine hums softly as we pull away from the ice rink, and I can’t help but wonder if we’re heading back to the house. Before I can voice my curiosity, Gray cuts me off.

“Oakley,” he says, his voice low and steady, “I have something to show you.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and I glance over at him, trying to read his expression. His warm brown eyes meet mine for a moment before he reaches into the back, retrieving a garment bag.

“Reid, stop at that gas station up there,” Gray says. I frown and take the bag while the car comes to a stop.

“Put this on,” he instructs, handing it to me carefully. “No questions, just trust me.”

I unzip the bag, and my breath catches when I see the familiar blue figure skating dress nestled inside, its fabric shimmering under the dim car light. It’s the same one I admired earlier at the store, the one that brought back so many memories of my time on the ice.

“Gray…” My voice wavers, touched by the unexpected gesture. “You didn’t have to?—”

“Please, Oakley,” he interrupts gently, his eyes imploring me to comply. “Just put it on.”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. As much as I want to ask what he has planned, or why this dress seems so important to him, I decide to trust him.

I get out of the car and slip into the nearest bathroom, clutching the blue figure skating dress tightly. The cold tiles under my feet ground me as I lock the door behind me.

I carefully examine the fabric and run my fingers over the intricate patterns that adorn it. A flood of memories wash over me—days spent practicing on the ice, the feel of my skate blades slicing through the frosty surface, and the exhilaration of mastering a new routine with all the boys watching me.

Slipping out of my clothes, I pull the dress on over my head, feeling the silky material glide over my skin. For a second, I almost forget everything that’s happened recently—the betrayal, the pain, and the uncertainty—as I’m transported back to a simpler time.

“Who would’ve thought I’d be wearing something like this again?” I mutter, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. My green eyes sparkle with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, while the dress accentuates my curves in a way that feels both familiar and empowering.

Taking a deep breath, I open the bathroom door and step back into the world, feeling oddly exposed yet strangely invigorated in the dress. As I approach Gray, Reid, and Theo, their gazes turn toward me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle.

“Wow, Oakley,” Gray says, his eyes wide with admiration. “You look…adorable.”

Their eyes trace my every movement like they’re trying to memorize me. It’s a heady feeling.

“Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Reid remarks with a smirk, his green eyes dancing with mischief. “You look stunning, Oakley.”

“Thanks,” I retort, rolling my eyes at his exaggerated compliment. I know he’s just being playful, but sometimes his flattery can be overwhelming.

“Alright, so where are we going?” I ask, eager for answers. My curiosity is threatening to burst out of me like an overinflated balloon.

“Patience, Oakley,” Gray interjects, cutting me off with a smile that’s both disarming and infuriating. He takes my hand in his and gives it a reassuring squeeze. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”

I huff in annoyance but follow Gray’s lead without protest. Reid falls into step beside me, while Theo trails behind us silently, his expression sullen.

“Gray, seriously, can you at least give me a hint?” I plead, my impatience getting the better of me.

“Oakley, just trust me,” Gray says softly, his brown eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. “It’s something you’ve been missing, and I think it’s time for you to have it back.”

“Fine.” I’ll have to remind him later just how little I like surprises.

Snowflakes dance in the air as we approach the outdoor ice rink, the lights casting a warm glow on the glistening surface. There are only a few people here, scattered like constellations across the vast expanse of ice. I can’t help but feel my heart race with excitement and nostalgia—it’s been so long since I last set foot on an ice rink.

“Here we are,” Gray announces, his breath visible in the frosty air. “Thought you could use a little time on the ice.”

“Wow.” The word escapes me in a whisper, my eyes wide as I take in the scene before me. It’s more than just a trip down memory lane; it feels like coming home to a part of myself that I thought I had lost forever.

“Got something for you.” Gray hands me a pair of skates with a playful grin on his face. “It’s been way too long since you last skated, Oakley.”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion. My fingers brush against the cold leather of the skates, both familiar and foreign at the same time. I look up at Reid, who offers me an encouraging smile. “How did you guys even know about this place?”

“Let’s just say we have our ways,” he replies cryptically, opening the door for me. “Come on, let’s get you back on the ice where you belong.”

My hands shake slightly as I lace up the skates, trying to remember the proper technique from my figure skating days.

I finish lacing up the skates, and I stand up carefully, my legs wobbling slightly under the unfamiliar weight of the blades.

“Take it easy,” Gray advises, his hand hovering near my elbow as if ready to catch me should I stumble. “You’ll get the hang of it again in no time.”

“Right.” With a deep breath, I follow Gray and Reid onto the ice, my heart pounding in my chest. It’s been years since I last skated, and I can’t help but wonder if I still have what it takes to glide gracefully across the ice like I used to.

“Ready?” Reid asks, holding out his hand for support.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply, taking his hand and stepping onto the ice with more determination than I feel.

The cold air stings my cheeks as I step onto the ice, feeling the familiar weight of the skates on my feet. My heart clenches, and I blink back tears that threaten to spill over. The memories come rushing back—the early mornings at the rink, the smell of the ice, the sound of laughter echoing through the air.

“Hey, you okay?” Reid’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, concern etched on his handsome face.

“Yeah,” I whisper, sniffling and brushing away a stray tear. “Just…a lot of memories.”

Reid nods, understanding in his eyes, and offers his hand. “Let’s get you back into the swing of things, huh?”

I hesitate for a moment before wrapping my fingers around his strong, warm hand. As we set off together, I feel my legs wobble beneath me, unsteady after all these years.

“Easy there,” Reid chuckles softly, steadying me with a firm grip on my waist. “It’ll come back to you, Oakley. Just take it slow.”

“Right.” I take a deep breath, focusing on the sensation of the blades cutting through the ice beneath me. With each shaky stride, I feel my confidence returning, and Reid’s reassuring presence bolsters me further.

“See? You’re getting the hang of it already.” Reid grins, his green eyes shining with pride.

Warmth floods my chest as I realize how much I’ve missed this feeling.

“Look at you go, Oakley!” Gray exclaims, his warm brown eyes filled with admiration.

“Thanks,” I reply, a grin stretching across my face. The more I skate, the more I feel that sense of lightness, freedom, and happiness I haven’t experienced in years. It’s breathtaking, intoxicating even, and I find myself laughing from sheer joy.

“Alright, try this,” Reid challenges, playfully nudging my shoulder before taking off at a swift pace.

“Hey, wait up!” I call out, picking up speed as I chase after him. Gray follows closely behind, and our laughter echoes through the cold air.

“Can’t catch me!” Reid teases, looking back at me over his shoulder, his wavy blond hair whipping around his face.

“Is that so?” I shoot back, determination fueling my strides. My heart races with adrenaline.

“Almost got you!” Gray chimes in, making a daring leap to close the gap between himself and Reid, their competitive spirits igniting.

My inner thoughts bubble up as we continue to skate together. “I can’t believe how much I’ve missed this,” For a moment, I allow myself to forget the pain of recent events.

“Okay, okay, truce!” Reid finally relents, slowing down and raising his hands in mock surrender. We all come to a stop, panting and grinning like children.

“See? I told you we’d catch you,” I tease, nudging Reid with my elbow.

“Only because you had Gray’s help,” he retorts playfully before pulling me into a one-armed hug.

“Hey, what can I say? Teamwork makes the dream work,” Gray chuckles, patting Reid on the back.

“Indeed it does,” I agree, feeling a swell of gratitude and happiness in my chest.

I glance around the rink and spot Theo, leaning against the railing on the sidelines, his eyes locked on Reid and Gray as they skate. The sight tugs at my heartstrings—it’s not like him to be so distant…or, at least, it wasn’t always.

“Hey, Theo!” I call out, skating toward him, feeling the ice beneath me as if it were a second skin. “Why don’t you come join us? It’s more fun than it looks!”

He turns to face me, his blue eyes icy and distant. “I’m fine right here,” he replies curtly, his tone colder than the air surrounding us.

“Come on, don’t be such a killjoy,” I push, giving him a teasing smile in hopes of breaking through that wall he’s built around himself. “You know you want to.”

“Oakley,” he snaps, his voice laced with irritation, “I’m not interested in doing anything with you, alright? I’m just here for my brothers.”

His words sting, slicing through me like the sharp edge of a skate. For a moment, I stand there in shock, unable to process what he’s just said. Is this really the same man who once held me close and whispered sweet nothings in my ear?

“Fine,” I mutter under my breath, swallowing the lump of hurt that’s suddenly formed in my throat. “I was just trying to be nice.”

“Maybe it’s time you stopped,” Theo retorts, his expression unreadable.

My chest tightens as I force back the tears threatening to spill over. Turning away from him, I skate back toward Reid and Gray, determined to not let Theo’s cruel dismissal ruin an otherwise magical evening. Every glide and spin seems to echo my rising emotions, and I can’t help but wonder how things went so wrong between us.

Reid’s strong arms encircle my waist. “Hey,” he says, his voice gentle and warm, like a soothing balm for my wounded heart. “Remember how I used to throw you when we were younger?”

I blink back the tears that threaten to spill from my eyes, forcing a smile onto my face as I nod. “Yeah, I remember. You’d toss me into the air like I weighed nothing at all.” A faint laugh escapes my lips, the sound hollow and unconvincing. Still, it seems to do the trick, as Reid’s eyes light up with excitement.

“Think we can still pull it off?” he asks, an impish grin playing on his lips.

“Are you kidding?” I retort, momentarily forgetting my hurt as I arch an eyebrow at him. “You’ve been lifting weights since then, and I haven’t gained that much weight. We should be able to do it.”

“Alright then,” Reid replies, his green eyes sparkling with determination. “Let’s give it a shot.”

I hesitantly place my hands on Reid’s shoulders, feeling the solid muscles tense beneath my fingers. My pulse quickens as we lock eyes, and for a moment, I’m transported back to our carefree days on the ice. “Ready?” I ask, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“Always,” he replies, his grip tightening around my waist. “Are you?”

“I have no idea.”

With a deep breath, I brace myself for what’s about to happen. First Reid begins to spin us, and then Reid releases me and I soar through the air.

Time seems to slow as I rotate in midair, my body instinctively knowing what to do even after all these years. And when Reid catches me, our bodies melding together seamlessly as we land back on the ice, I can’t help but let out a whoop of joy.

“See?” Reid grins as he sets me down, his breath hot against my ear. “Told you we still had it.”

I laugh. “You were right,” I admit, feeling the warmth of his embrace chase away the chill that Theo’s cold words left behind. “We still make a great team.”

“It’s been so long since I’ve done anything like that.”

“Are you having fun?” Gray asks, his voice soft with genuine concern.

“Actually…yes,” I admit, surprised by the words even as they leave my lips. “I didn’t expect to enjoy this so much.”

“Good,” he says, squeezing my hand gently. “You deserve to have fun, Oakley.”

My chest tightens with emotion as I gaze into his sincere eyes. It’s hard to believe that just a short time ago, my world felt shattered and bleak. But now, surrounded by these men who care for me, I feel a glimmer of hope.

“Thank you, Gray,” I whisper, tears pricking the corners of my eyes. “For everything.”

“Anytime, Oakley,” he replies, pulling me into a warm embrace. “We’re here for you, no matter what.”

As we hug, I steal a glance at Reid, who’s watching us with a tender smile, and Theo, who still stands apart, his expression inscrutable. Despite the lingering hostility from Theo, I can’t deny the powerful connection I share with these men—a bond that grows stronger with each passing moment.

“Come on,” Gray says, releasing me from his embrace and taking my hand. “Let’s keep skating.”

“Okay,” I agree, my heart swelling with gratitude as we skate away, our laughter mingling with the crisp winter air.