PUCK ME ON ICE

Chapter 19

Ryder’s POV

This was working out perfectly—her mother seeing us together.

“What are you two doing here?” her mother asked, curiosity and suspicion laced in her voice.

I opened my mouth to answer, but Tessy jumped in before I could utter a single word.

“Mom! We... we ran into each other near the entrance, so we decided to eat together,” Tessy blurted out, offering a tight, awkward smile.

Her mother’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Tessy, you came to a restaurant this fancy all on your own?”

She asked the question like eating at a high-end place was some sort of taboo for her daughter.

“Yes, Mom,” Tessy said smoothly, crossing her arms. “I’ve been working extra hard lately, so I thought I’d treat myself. Besides, seeing as I’m going to be the stepdaughter of a billionaire soon, I should probably get used to it, right?”

Before I could say anything, my dad walked up to the table.

“Ryder! I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight,” he said, looking surprised.

“Neither did I,” her mother chimed in, a fond look coming over her face. “But this is a good thing! Our kids are hanging out and getting along already.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, though I was pretty sure no one would have noticed anyway.

“Since you’re both here, why don’t you join us for dinner?” her mother added warmly.

“That sounds like a great idea,” I said, leaning into the role.

“No, Mom!” Tessy cut in, her tone instantly hardening. “We just finished eating, and you know I have classes tomorrow. I need to get home and prepare... We really have to go.”

Before her mother could protest, Tessy grabbed my hand and yanked me toward the exit. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as she practically dragged me out of the main dining room.

“Ouch. Feisty, aren't we?” I teased the second we stepped out into the night air.

The moment we cleared the doors, she dropped my hand like it was on fire. “Sorry,” she muttered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Then she rounded on me, glaring. “And what did you mean, 'That sounds like a great idea'?! You are genuinely a sick man, Ryder.”

A slow grin spread across my face. “I didn't do anything wrong. I just thought it’d be nice for us to hang out with our parents for once.”

“I really can’t deal with you,” she sighed, throwing her hands up in defeat. “Let’s just go.”

We walked over to my car in silence. The drive back to her apartment was completely quiet—she stared out the passenger window the whole time, refusing to say a word. I kept stealing glances at her out of the corner of my eye while keeping my hands on the wheel.

She really didn't need to stress so much about getting caught or worry about our parents' sudden engagement. I was never going to let that marriage happen anyway.

When I finally pulled up outside her building, I killed the engine, popped the trunk, and got out to grab all her shopping bags.

“You don’t have to worry about those,” she said, stepping up beside me. “I can carry them up myself.”

“Nonsense, Tessy,” I said, flashing her a quick wink as I pulled the bags out. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I let my girl carry all this heavy lifting?”

She didn't bother arguing with me and turned to lead the way up to her apartment door. When we reached her landing, she turned around and held out her hands.

“Okay, you can hand them over now,” she said.

I smiled, handing the heavy shopping bags to her one by one. “Make sure you actually wear those new clothes I bought you, Tessy. You’re with Ryder now.”

“Whatever, Ryder,” she scoffed, stepping inside and slamming the door right in my face.

I chuckled under my breath, shaking my head as I walked back down to my car.

By the time I drove back to my own complex and unlocked the door to my apartment, I found a handful of my hockey teammates sprawled across the living room couches, watching sports highlights.

“Well, well, well... look who it is! The married man!” one of them whistled, sparking a round of laughs.

I didn't even bother taking the bait. I just shook my head and tossed my keys onto the counter.

“Seriously though, Ryder,” Owen said, leaning forward on the sofa with a grin. “Everyone’s still a little shaken up about you suddenly being in a relationship with... well, Tessy.”

“What can I say?” I replied, a cool smile playing on my lips as I leaned against the kitchen island. “She’s a sweet girl after all.”

Tristan walked over, popping the cap off a bottle of beer and handing it to me. “Here. Drink this.”

“Thanks,” I said, taking a sip.

“So, spill,” Tristan asked, curiosity written all over his face. “Where did you two go tonight?”

“Nothing crazy,” I said casually. “Just took care of some things to keep my girlfriend happy.”

“Right,” Tristan muttered, a subtle hint of irritation flashing in his eyes. “And now you’re back home to make yourself happy, I take it?”

My brows furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That b***h Rebecca is waiting for you in your bedroom,” Owen chimed in, his tone dripping with scandalous excitement. “You better watch your step with that one, man. Danny is completely unhinged—messing around with his girl isn't going to end well if he finds out.”

Tristan snapped his head toward Owen, clearly annoyed. “Can you at least show a little respect for Tessy?”

“Hey, don't look at me—I didn't invite Rebecca over here,” I said, stepping back as irritation flared in my chest. “I’m going to go see what the hell she wants.”

“Hey, turn up the music!” Owen yelled out to the rest of the room as I turned toward the hallway. “I don't want to hear any moaning through the walls!”

I ignored him, stroking down the dark hallway until I reached my bedroom door. I grabbed the handle, pushed the door open—and my eyes widened in complete disbelief.