Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

53. Oakley

53

OAKLEY

T he music swells, and Theo’s hand tightens around my waist as we glide across the dance floor. It’s our last class, and our feet move in perfect harmony, a testament to hours of practice and determination. I can’t help but feel a thrill at our progress, the confidence that now courses through me with every step. It’s a far cry from the clumsy girl who first stepped into this studio, and I grin up at Theo.

“Look at us,” I say, breathless. “We’re practically professionals!”

He smirks, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “I wouldn’t go that far, Oakley.”

“Fine, amateur champions then.” My laughter is cut short as the music fades, signaling the end of our final dance class. Applause erupts around us, and I’m suddenly struck by how many people have been watching. Heat creeps up my cheeks, but a part of me revels in the attention.

“Take a bow,” Theo murmurs, guiding me into a graceful dip. We hold the pose for a beat, allowing the room to admire our newfound prowess before straightening, laughing together.

“Excuse me, folks,” a familiar voice calls out, causing heads to turn. Reid saunters into the room, his green eyes alight with mischief as he scans the crowd. The air shifts, electrified by his presence. He has an uncanny ability to command any space he occupies, and it’s never been more apparent than in this moment.

“Reid!” I exclaim, rushing over to hug him. “What are you doing here?”

“Couldn’t miss the grand finale of my best friend’s dance lessons, now could I?” he replies, grinning down at me. His hair is tousled, as if he’s just stepped off the ice, and I can’t help but appreciate how effortlessly charming he is.

“His presence has certainly brightened up the room,” a woman nearby murmurs, and I catch more than one pair of eyes lingering on Reid. It’s not surprising—his easy smile and confidence have always drawn people in, and it’s hard not to be taken by him.

“Nice moves out there.” Reid nudges me, nodding toward the dance floor. “You’ve come a long way.”

“Thanks,” I say, my cheeks warming under his gaze. “Theo’s been a great teacher.”

“Speaking of which—” Reid glances over at Theo, who’s been watching our exchange with a guarded expression. “How does it feel to be the dancing queen’s partner?”

“More like dancing king,” I interject before Theo can answer, grinning at them both. “Couldn’t have done it without him.”

“Hey, Oakley,” Reid drawls, resting an elbow on my shoulder. “Mind if I take you for a spin on the dance floor?”

My heart skips a beat, both at the request and the way people around us seem to hold their breaths in anticipation. I glance at Theo, who gives me a nod of approval, and turn back to Reid, my cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Sure, why not?” I reply, trying to sound casual even though I’m secretly dying to see what Reid has in store for us.

“Excellent.” He grins, extending a hand toward me. As I take it, he guides me back onto the dance floor, our fingers interlocking with a familiarity that tugs at my heartstrings.

“Ready?” Reid asks, his voice low and inviting. I nod, all previous thoughts of caution evaporating in the face of his infectious enthusiasm.

“Ready,” I confirm, offering him a small smile. As we begin to move, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the fluidity of Reid’s dancing. It’s been a while since we last danced together, and the memory of our past encounters adds a layer of intimacy to our movements.

“Look at you, Oakley,” Reid murmurs as we glide across the floor. “You’re a natural.”

“Thanks to Theo,” I admit, feeling a surge of gratitude for my dance partner’s patience and dedication. “He’s taught me well.”

“Indeed he has,” Reid agrees, his eyes never leaving mine as we continue to sway in time with the music. “But there’s something to be said for your own innate talent too.”

I can’t deny the warmth that blooms in my chest at his words, but I also recognize the playful glint in Reid’s eyes. He knows how to push my buttons, and right now, he’s doing a damn fine job of it.

“Is this just flattery, or are you going somewhere with this?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Can’t it be both?” Reid counters, his grin widening. “I’m simply stating facts while also enjoying the pleasure of your company on the dance floor.”

“Right,” I chuckle, feeling my resistance crumble under the weight of his charm. “Well, keep it up then. I could get used to this.”

“Consider it done,” he promises, spinning me around with a flourish that has the room erupting in applause.

The music shifts from the gentle waltz to a sultry rhythm, and Reid’s eyes lock with mine, his grin turning wicked. “Ready for a change of pace?” he asks, his voice low and inviting.

“Bring it on,” I challenge, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Reid doesn’t hesitate, pulling me close as we transition seamlessly into a fiery tango. His strong arm wraps around my waist, guiding my movements while his free hand clasps mine tightly. We move in sync, our bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces as we glide across the floor.

I lose myself in the intensity of the dance, feeling the heat that radiates between us. Reid’s daring moves and dramatic flair capture the attention of everyone in the room, their whispers growing louder and more excited.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re an incredible dancer?” I breathe, my gaze locked on Reid’s mesmerizing green eyes.

“Only every time I step on the dance floor,” he teases, spinning me out and reeling me back in. “But hearing it from you makes it all the more special.”

“Flatterer,” I mutter, but I can’t deny the thrill his words spark within me.

Our passionate display comes to a sudden halt as Georgia, my stepsister and the bride-to-be, bursts into the room. Her icy blue eyes widen in surprise as she takes in the sight of Reid and me entwined on the dance floor.

“Oakley!” she exclaims, her perfectly arched eyebrows shooting up. “What is going on here?”

“Georgia,” I reply, trying to catch my breath. “Reid and I were just…dancing.”

“Clearly,” she drawls, eyeing Reid with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. “And since when did you become such a smooth dancer, Oakley? Last I saw, you were tripping over your own feet.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” I grumble, not bothering to hide my irritation. But instead of rising to her bait, I turn to Reid and smile. “You’re quite the teacher. I guess I just needed the right partner.”

“Anytime, sweetheart,” Reid says, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’m always up for showing you a thing or two.”

“Hello, Reid,” Georgia says reluctantly, her voice cold and sharp as she crosses her arms over her chest. The room falls silent, all eyes turning to Reid and me as tension crackles in the air.

“Hello, Georgia,” Reid says, his voice just as cold. “Long time no see.”

“Wait a minute,” one of the girls in the dance class pipes up, her eyes widening in recognition. “Are you guys the Archer brothers? Like, the famous hockey players?”

“Guilty as charged,” Reid admits with a playful wink. The room erupts into excited whispers and not-so-covert glances, and I can practically feel Georgia seething beside me.

Theo isn’t as recognizable as Reid or Gray, managing to stay out of the spotlight most of the time. But now that Reid is here, and two of the three Archer brothers are together, I should have known someone would figure out who they are.

Georgia glares at Reid and Theo. “You may be my stepsister’s dates, but don’t think that means you have any sway over this wedding. It’s still my day, after all.”

“Wouldn’t dream of stealing your thunder, gorgeous,” Reid says smoothly, though I notice the slight tightening of his jaw. It’s moments like these that remind me just how fiercely protective he is—beneath his playboy exterior, Reid Archer has a heart of gold.

“Besides,” I add, mustering up a confident smile. “It’s not like we’re trying to upstage anyone. We’re just here to have a good time and celebrate your love.”

“Right,” Georgia says with a forced smile, her eyes flickering between Reid and Theo and me. “Well, enjoy your…dancing. Just remember what I said.”

As she stalks off, I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The room buzzes with energy, curiosity piqued by the revelation of Reid and Theo’s identities.

“Reid and Theo Archer! Oh my god, I can’t believe you’re here!” one of the women gushes, her cheeks flushed as she reaches out for Reid. Reid attempts to maintain his cool demeanor, but I can sense the unease creeping in.

Theo leans in close to me, his voice barely audible over the cacophony. “We should get out of here.”

I nod in agreement, eyeing the growing crowd around us as they jostle for attention. It’s not like Reid and Theo aren’t used to this kind of adoration—being famous hockey players has its perks, after all—but right now, we need to regroup and figure out our next move.

“Let’s go before this gets even crazier,” I suggest, leading the way toward the door.

“Couldn’t agree more,” Reid says, his voice tight with a hint of amusement. Together, we weave our way through the throng of people, the air thick with the scent of perfume and heated anticipation.

“Sorry about all this,” Reid murmurs as we slip out of the room, the door closing behind us with a soft click. The sudden quiet is almost disorienting, like stepping out of a hurricane into the eye of the storm.

“Are you kidding?” I retort, unable to suppress a giggle. “You just made this the most interesting dance class of my life.”

“Interesting” might be an understatement, but there’s no denying that Reid’s unexpected arrival has shaken things up. I glance over at Theo, who looks equal parts relieved and annoyed by the sudden turn of events.

“Looks like we’ll have to find a new place to practice our dance moves,” he says gruffly, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand.

“Or maybe just stick to practicing in private,” I suggest, smirking at the thought. This wedding is going to be anything but ordinary—and with Gray, Reid and Theo by my side, I’m starting to think that might not be such a bad thing.

The cool air of the empty hallway brushes against my cheeks, a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere inside the dance studio. I turn to Reid, a teasing grin tugging at my lips.

“Wow, you certainly know how to make an entrance,” I say, cocking my hip and crossing my arms. “I’m glad to see you though. It’s a nice surprise.”

Reid leans against the wall, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “What can I say? I couldn’t resist the chance to see you in that short skirt.”

A flush creeps up my neck, but I refuse to let him have the satisfaction of flustering me. With a huff, I shove him playfully, my hand lingering on his chest for a moment longer than necessary.

“Keep dreaming, hotshot,” I challenge, ignoring the heat that spreads through my fingers at the contact. “You might be able to charm your way into the hearts of all those girls back there, but I’m not so easily won over.”

“Is that a challenge?” he asks, his eyes narrowing playfully as he catches my wrist. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine.

“Maybe it is,” I whisper, my breath hitching as he steps even closer, our noses almost touching.

Theo rolls his eyes. “If you two would stop messing around, we’ll get back to Oakley’s apartment faster, where you can give Oakley a proper hello, Reid.”

Reid snaps to attention, nodding in agreement, and I giggle in anticipation as two of my three boys grab my hands and pull me toward the door.