Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

36. Gray

36

GRAY

“ H ey, Gray!” Iris calls out, her red curls bouncing as she swims closer to me. Her hazel eyes sparkle with mischief, always ready for the next adventure. “Avery and I are heading back, but you should stay and enjoy the water as long as you want.”

I glance over at Avery, who offers a friendly wave before starting to gather their belongings from the sand.

“Have fun, you two!” I call out as they make their way out of the water.

As they leave, I turn my attention back to the water, letting the waves carry away any lingering stress or worries. The beach has always been a sanctuary for me, a place where I can find solace amidst the chaos of life.

“Hey, Gray, you planning on staying here?” Reid’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

“Maybe for a little while longer,” I reply, my gaze wandering back toward the shore. That’s when I spot Oakley, sitting on the sand, engrossed in a book. The sight of her in that two- piece swimsuit makes my heart race, her natural elegance on full display. She looks so peaceful, her wavy brown hair cascading down her back as the sea breeze teases at its ends.

“Go get her, tiger,” Reid teases, his tone light and flirtatious.

A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as I start making my way toward the shoreline.

The warm sand shifts beneath my feet as I approach Oakley, mulling over Reid’s playful suggestion. A mischievous idea forms in my mind, and I decide to surprise her. I tread lightly across the beach, careful not to attract her attention.

“Ah!” Oakley jumps as I snatch the book from her hands, her startled green eyes meeting mine. “Gray! What the hell?”

“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” I grin, holding the book out of her reach. “What have we got here?” I ask, flipping through the pages.

“Give it back,” she demands, her voice laced with sass. She reaches for the book, but I keep it just beyond her grasp.

“Let’s see…” I say, feigning interest in her reading material. My eyes land on a particularly steamy passage, and I can’t help but tease her. “Oh, wow, Oakley, I didn’t know you were into this kind of romance.” I read a few lines aloud, making sure to emphasize the more explicit parts.

“Gray!” Oakley exclaims, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. “Stop it!”

“Who knew you had such…tastes?” I chuckle, thoroughly enjoying her flustered reaction.

“Shut up,” she grumbles, attempting to snatch the book away again. “You’re just jealous because you don’t have time to read anything other than hockey stats.”

“Maybe you’re right,” I admit, feigning defeat. “Or maybe I’m just curious about what gets Oakley Price all hot and bothered.”

“Ugh, you’re insufferable,” she huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. “Now give me my book back.”

The sun glistens off Oakley’s wavy brown hair as she lunges for the book again. I dodge her, laughing and holding it just out of her reach. Her eyes flash with determination, her green gaze locked on the object of her desire.

“Gray, come on,” she pleads, feigning annoyance. “Give it back!”

“Make me!” I challenge her, my heart racing with excitement. A mischievous grin spreads across Oakley’s lips, and she bolts after me, her laughter ringing through the air.

“Fine! You asked for it!” she shouts, and we’re off, sprinting down the beach like two kids playing tag. The sand sticks to our damp skin, but neither of us care. We’re both too caught up in the thrill of the chase, the wind whipping through our hair as we dart along the shoreline.

“Having trouble catching up?” I call over my shoulder, teasing her as I maintain a steady lead. She huffs loudly, narrowing her eyes at me.

“Keep talking, Archer,” she warns, her spicy sass fueling her determination. “I’ll have that book in no time.”

“Promise?” I taunt, pushing myself to go faster. I can hear her panting behind me, but she refuses to give up. It’s one of the things I admire most about Oakley—her unwavering persistence.

I can’t help but feel a thrill run through me as Oakley finally catches up. She’s panting and glaring at me, but there’s laughter dancing in her bright green eyes. It’s a sight that steals my breath away.

“Gotcha!” she exclaims, reaching out to snatch the book from my grasp. But instead of letting her take it, I pull her close, our bodies flush against each other. The warmth of her skin is electric, sending shivers down my spine.

“Gray!” she gasps, her chest heaving as she tries to catch her breath. I can feel her heartbeat quickening, matching my own. “Give it back!”

“Alright, alright,” I concede with a grin, tossing the book onto the sand beside us. Her gaze follows its path, a hint of concern flickering across her face. “Come on, let’s go for a swim.”

Oakley hesitates, biting her lip as she glances toward the water. “I don’t know, Gray. What if people are watching?”

“Who cares?” I ask, brushing a stray strand of her wavy brown hair behind her ear. “Let them watch. You’re too beautiful not to be admired, Oakley.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” she retorts, though a blush creeps across her cheeks. “Fine, but only because I need to cool off after chasing you.”

“Hey, Oakley,” Reid says, slipping an arm around her waist and sandwiching her between us.

“Reid!” she exclaims, feigning annoyance, though I can tell she’s secretly pleased by his playful gesture. Her green eyes flash with a mixture of amusement and uncertainty as she glances between us. “You two are ganging up on me now?”

“Absolutely,” I reply with a wink, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “You know we’d never let anything happen to you, right?”

“Besides,” Reid adds, his voice laced with charm, “if anyone is going to be watched, it’ll be us. We’re irresistible, after all.”

“Speak for yourself, playboy,” Oakley teases, but I can see her resolve weakening. She looks out at the ocean, biting her lip as she considers our words.

A mischievous gleam sparkles in Oakley’s eyes as she suddenly breaks free from our grip. “You know what?” she asks, her voice filled with determination. “I challenge you both to a race. Whoever makes it to the water first wins.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” I tease, my heart pounding with excitement at the prospect of this playful competition.

“Absolutely,” she retorts, her green eyes daring us to underestimate her. “In fact, I’ll give you guys a head start.”

“Confident, aren’t we?” Reid smirks, his gaze locked on Oakley with admiration.

“Damn right,” she replies, taking a few steps back and crouching into a runner’s stance. “Three, two, one…go!”

Oakley darts toward the water like a gazelle, her long legs carrying her quickly across the sand. I exchange a glance with Reid and we take off after her, our laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves.