Excerpt One
“Hi. Are you lost?” I ask.

Wow. That sounded like the worst pickup line ever, and I immediately regret saying it.

Before I can excuse myself, she turns around and gives me a curious look. 

“No. At least I don’t think so,” she says. “Is Maple Falls even big enough to get lost in?”

I laugh. “That’s a good question.”

Why did I even say that? I’ve only been in town a short time, so I wouldn’t be able to help if she needed it.

“Honestly, I’m trying to decide what to do next,” she says. “I’m not used to having so much free time on my hands.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I admit. “What’s free time?”

She gives me a casual smile. “So what recommendations can you give a Maple Falls visitor?”

I knew it. She didn’t seem like a local.

I raise my eyebrows. “Well, I probably won’t be much help since I just arrived in town myself.”

She smiles. “Ah, another new person. That’s a relief because I’m assuming everyone else in this town already knows each other.”

“Most likely,” I agree. “But you’re not the only newbie, so don’t worry.”

“What brought you to Maple Falls, Washington?” she asks. 

“Work,” I reply. This is the truth. I just leave out the hockey part, and I’m not sure why.

She flashes a slight smile. “That’s a good reason.”

I’m trying not to stare, but this woman is stunning. So flawless it can’t be ignored. And it’s obvious she has a confidence and openness that instantly draws people in. 

“And while we’re on the subject, what made you come to this booming metropolis?” I ask, before she catches me staring.

A flash of amusement spreads across her face. “I’m visiting my aunt, and I actually left a booming metropolis to come here.” 

“Really? Where?”

“New York.”

Now it all makes sense—she has a city girl vibe. She’s confident, polished, and a little bit mysterious.

“Ah, the city that never sleeps. It’s a great place,” I say. “One of my favorites for sure.”

She nods slowly. “It is. But there’s something special about this little town too.”

“I agree,” I say. “I moved here from Tennessee. Not quite as fast-paced as New York, but more thrilling than Maple Falls.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “I don’t know…I’ve heard Maple Falls isn’t as sleepy as people think.”

“Really?” I ask, leaning in a little.

She lowers her voice dramatically, even though the only other people nearby are across the street. “I heard there might be a town scandal happening right now.”

“Ooh, now that’s interesting.”

“Yes, it is,” she says with a playful smirk. “And they even have their own professional hockey team.”

I laugh. “Yes, I’m familiar with the Ice Breakers.”

She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes at me with curiosity. “Hockey fan?”

I shrug, unable to hide the grin pulling at my lips. “More than a fan. I play on the team.”

Her eyes widen. “Wait—seriously?”

“Weston Smith, defense,” I say, offering my hand. I’m not sure why I added my player position, but it doesn’t matter now. Maybe she likes hockey? 

She takes my hand and grins. “Fiona Hale. And wait until I tell my aunt. She’s going to lose her mind when she hears this—she’s a die-hard fangirl of your team.”

I chuckle. “We love our fans. I’m sure I’ll meet her sooner or later.”

She studies me for a moment, clearly still processing. “So, you’re a hockey player.”

Excerpt Two
“It’s finally game day!” Aunt Dee squeals as we weave our way through the buzzing arena concourse. The hum of anticipation hangs in the air, and it’s electric as fans flood in from every direction. The smell of popcorn and fried food fills the chilly air. 

The seats are filling up fast, and the place already feels like it’s vibrating with energy. It’s clear this isn’t just a game to Maple Falls. This town takes its hockey very seriously, and I’m starting to understand why. It’s a chance for this tight knit community to come together and celebrate something good amid everything else.

Aunt Dee is fully in her element and decked out from head to toe in Ice Breakers merch. Her jacket is bedazzled, and her makeup includes bright blue eye shadow. Her ears are once again adorned with her hockey puck earrings. I lucked out because she has an entire wardrobe of Ice Breakers garb, and I’m wearing one of her jerseys, paired with a knit beanie featuring the team’s logo. Admittedly, I kind of love my outfit.

“This is insane,” I say, glancing around at the organized chaos. Fans are lined up at the concession stands and merch booths. Seeing all of this reminds me how important this town is to all these people.

“I told you tonight would be epic,” Aunt Dee says smugly, already snapping a few selfies. “The first game of the season is like Christmas. Now let’s get to our seats so we don’t miss the face-off.” 

Face-off? I guess I need to study up on hockey lingo if I’m going to sit next to her at these games.

She practically drags me down the stairs to our row. As soon as we reach our seats, the first few cords of “Ice Ice Baby” pump through the sound system, and the entire building comes alive. Lights swirl across the ice to the beat of the music, and Aunt Dee immediately starts dancing in place, singing every single word. I laugh and join in on the chorus which is the only part of the song I know. There’s something incredibly entertaining about watching her do finger guns while mouthing every lyric with complete confidence. This is going to be quite an evening. 

The lights dim further, and a booming echo fills the arena. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the inaugural home game of your NHL Maple Falls Ice Breakers!”

The crowd begins screaming, clapping, and stomping their feet. And I can’t help but feel just as excited. I’ve never seen anything like this. Every single person around me seems completely consumed by the moment.

“And now, let’s introduce tonight’s visiting team—the Great Lakes Vikings.”

A sea of boos cascades through the stands as the opposing team glides onto the ice. Aunt Dee leans over, launching into a rapid-fire breakdown of the Vikings’ roster, including top players, stats, and weaknesses in defense. I try to follow, but it’s all going over my head. I do admire her passion for the sport. I’m beginning to think she missed her calling, because her knowledge is astounding. I wonder how much time she spends studying all these facts.

“And now…the moment you’ve all been waiting for…” the announcer declares, dragging out the anticipation like he’s done this before.

Aunt Dee grips my arm like a giddy child waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning. 

“It’s time,” she whispers, her eyes locked on the tunnel.

“Introducing your Maple Falls Ice Breakers!”

The lights blaze, and the music surges as one by one the team skates out onto the rink. The crowd goes wild, making the floor shake like an earthquake. My heart thuds in rhythm with the beat as we listen to the team introductions.

“Weston Smith,” the announcer calls, causing me to jump to my feet, clapping and yelling along with the rest of the fans. It’s surreal hearing his name echo across the stadium because I know him. It almost feels like I’m friends with a celebrity.

“There’s your friend,” Aunt Dee teases, elbowing me with a knowing smirk.

I roll my eyes but can’t stop grinning. “Yep, there he is—my friend.”

She lets out a dramatic sigh and resumes clapping. I do the same, watching Weston skate effortlessly around the rink, high-fiving his teammates and soaking up the love from the crowd. All the players move like they’re part of the ice—fluid, fast, and completely in control. It’s mesmerizing to watch.

 

Excerpt Three
This town has a serious love affair with hockey, and honestly, it’s amazing to witness. The energy in the room crackles with excitement, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in it. Everywhere I turn, people are talking about the upcoming season like it’s a holiday they’ve waited all year to celebrate. When Troy Hart, the Ice Breakers’ owner, steps up to the mic with Coach Hauser at his side, the crowd quiets instantly. They speak confidently, assuring the crowd they are in for an exhilarating season.

As they finish, the room erupts in cheers and applause, the sound practically shaking the walls. It’s the official kickoff of the season, and it feels more like a celebration than a press event. I can’t help the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel tonight because this is the first time in years I’m not suiting up with the Wolves. I thought there’d be more sadness and more doubt. But instead, I feel…charged. The optimism in the room is contagious, and I find myself feeding off it.

I weave through the crowd, shaking hands, exchanging high fives, soaking in the warmth and enthusiasm from fans who already seem to have my back. But even as I’m nodding along and thanking people for their support, my eyes are scanning the room.

I’m looking for Fiona.

It doesn’t take long to find her sitting alone at a table tucked near the edge of the room with a wine glass in her hand. Her effortless elegance radiating as it did earlier in the evening. The quirky aunt and her bright pink dress are nowhere in sight. 

I hesitate for a few seconds. I want to go talk to her, but I also don’t want to overdo it. If I sit down, she might start thinking I’m intentionally following her. Then again, I haven’t spoken to her since I arrived tonight. And technically, I am supposed to be mingling with the guests. This is part of the job.

I take that as my answer and make my way to her table. “Is this seat taken?” I ask, placing my hand on the back of the empty chair. “I’m worn out and need a place to hide for a few minutes.”

She grins. “I’m not surprised. Schmoozing with fans seems like hard work.”

I chuckle as I sink into the chair. “It definitely takes a lot of energy.” 

“I was actually surprised you didn’t get up there and give a speech,” she says, sipping her drink.

This makes me laugh. “Me? Nope. I leave that to my teammates. Speeches aren’t my thing.”

“Well, you seem to have a lot of people rooting for you,” she says. “There’s a real buzz about the new team. I’m looking forward to seeing a game.”

Hearing this is music to my ears.