Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

35. Oakley

35

OAKLEY

T he sun beats down as I cross my arms over my chest, refusing to budge. “I’m not getting out of the car,” I declare, feeling a bit childish but standing my ground nonetheless.

Iris laughs from the passenger seat, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, come on, Oakley! If I had your body, I’d want to show it off every chance I got.”

“Please,” I scoff, rolling my eyes even though a part of me preens at the compliment. “You’re a Paris model, Iris. You’ve already got the perfect body.”

“Perfect?” she snorts, tossing her curly red hair over her shoulder. “Trust me, there are days when I’d kill for your curves. You look amazing, girl!”

As much as I appreciate her words, I can’t help feeling self-conscious in my swimsuit. It’s been a while since I’ve worn one, and this one is extremely skimpy.

Avery smiles reassuringly. “Hey, Oakley, remember you can keep your cover-up on if you want to. There’s no pressure.”

“Thanks, Ave,” I reply, grateful for her understanding.

“Miss, I hate to interrupt,” the driver says, his voice apologetic as he catches my eye in the rearview mirror, “but I do have other passengers to pick up. Would you mind stepping out now?”

“Of course. Sorry,” I mumble, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. Sighing, I push the car door open and step out onto the warm sand, trying to ignore the uncomfortable sensation of being exposed.

“See? Not so bad, is it?” Avery grins, offering me a hand as she hops out of the car herself.

The sun casts its golden rays over the crystal-clear water, creating an almost hypnotic effect. I can’t help but be taken aback by the beauty of the scene before me; it’s been too long since I’ve allowed myself to enjoy a day at the beach.

“Wow, this place is incredible,” Iris exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.

“It really is,” I agree, momentarily forgetting my insecurities. “I think I needed this.”

“Of course you did, Oakley,” Avery chimes in with a knowing smile. “We all need a little break sometimes.”

“Speaking of breaks, where are the guys?” I ask, scanning the beach for any sign of them.

“Oh, they’re just up ahead,” Avery replies, pointing in the direction of a group of people lounging on colorful beach towels.

“How did you know that?” Iris asks. “There’s a million people here.”

“You see Theo? He’s hard to miss, isn’t he? Tall, dark, and handsome…I’d be able to find him anywhere.”

“Down, girl, you’re practically drooling.” Iris rolls her eyes.

A gust of warm ocean breeze ruffles my hair as I watch Avery stride confidently toward the boys, making her presence known. With a deep breath, I allow myself to indulge in a brief fantasy. In it, I’m surrounded by the three brothers—Theo, Gray, and Reid—all vying for my attention, their hands sending shivers down my spine as they brush against my sun-kissed skin. The thought sends a thrill through me, igniting a fire that I’ve been trying to ignore.

“Hey, Theo!” Avery calls out, waving with a bright smile. Her voice breaks through my reverie, leaving me both relieved and disappointed.

“Oakley, you’re blushing,” Iris teases, elbowing me gently. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” I lie, forcing a casual laugh. “Just admiring the view.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” she says playfully, arching an eyebrow but dropping the subject.

As we approach the guys, I can’t help but steal glances at Theo. His broad shoulders glisten under the sun, and the sight sends a jolt of desire through me. Damn him and his stupid, sexy physique.

“Hey, ladies,” Reid greets us, his grin infectious. “You made it!”

“Wouldn’t miss a day at the beach with you guys,” Iris responds, beaming.

“Hey, Oakley, are you joining us for a swim?” he asks, his bright green eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Thanks, Reid, but I think I’ll pass this time,” I reply, patting the book tucked under my arm. “I brought something to read and just want to relax.”

“Suit yourself,” Reid says with a shrug. He turns to his sister. “What about you?”

“Count me in!” Iris exclaims, already peeling off her cover-up to reveal a stunning bikini that leaves little to the imagination. Reid and Iris race to the water.

I watch as they splash into the crystal-clear waves, Gray already waist-deep and beckoning them over. The sight of their happiness is infectious, and I smile as I find the shadiest spot I can.

As I settle down on the warm sand, I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty tang of the ocean mixed with a hint of coconut sunscreen. The sounds of laughter and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore create a soothing soundtrack, perfect for losing myself in the pages of my book.

I open the novel to where I left off and become immediately engrossed, the steamy romance between the characters temporarily taking me away from my own complicated feelings. It feels good to escape, even if just for a little while.

The heroine’s passionate encounters with not one, but three gorgeous men mirror my growing attraction to Theo, Gray, and Reid. As much as I hate to admit it, the thought of being pursued by all of them sends a thrill down my spine, igniting a fire within me like I’ve never experienced before.

“Hey, Oakley.” Theo’s deep voice interrupts my reverie, causing my heart to skip a beat. “How did things go with your family earlier?”

His sudden appearance catches me off guard, and I blink at him in surprise. What does he know about my struggles with my wicked stepmother? And why would he even care?

“Wow, do you actually care?” I blurt out, a mix of surprise and snarkiness coloring my tone.

Theo’s eyes soften, and he gives me a small, almost hesitant smile. “Yeah, Oakley, I do.”

His sincerity catches me off guard, and I find myself at a loss for words. I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Well, it went well, thanks to Iris,” I admit, glancing toward my red-haired friend who’s currently laughing with Reid by the water.

“Are we going to talk about earlier?” I ask tentatively, curiosity getting the best of me. But before Theo can answer, I notice Avery approaching us with a grin on her face, and I quickly change my tune. “Never mind, now isn’t the time,” I say, nodding toward our friend.

Theo’s sigh seems to echo my own thoughts as the tension shifts, and he turns to walk away without another word. I watch him go, his tall figure retreating toward the shoreline where Reid and Gray are splashing about in the water.

“Men, am I right?” Avery says with a smirk, and I can’t help but laugh at her attempt to lighten the mood. She’s always been good at sensing when things are getting too heavy and finding a way to bring us back to earth.

“Totally,” I reply, my eyes lingering on Theo for just a moment longer before turning back to her. “Anyway, I’m just here to relax and read. No need to get caught up in all that…whatever it was.”

“Sounds like a plan!” Avery agrees, settling down beside me on the warm sand. The sun is high in the sky now, casting a golden glow over everything, and I take a deep breath, letting the salty sea air fill my lungs.

I reach for my book, fingers tracing the worn cover as I open it to the page I’d dog-eared earlier. The words pull me in, my mind quickly becoming lost in the steamy romance unfolding on the pages. For now, I push aside any lingering thoughts of Theo and the confusing emotions his presence stirs within me.