As I was getting out of my gear, one of the players came over and talked to my mom. He told her about a kids’ team in the area and suggested she bring me to tryouts. My dad was against it, and I remember him arguing with my mom later that night about how it was too expensive, and we couldn’t afford it, but my mom refused to listen.

  She took on extra work and got me signed up the next week. It became our thing we did together. For four years, she took me to every practice, sat and cheered me on at every game. I got better and better at the game, and she got sicker and sicker until finally her spot on the bleachers became empty.

  That’s when my life turned to shit, and hockey became the only thing that I could hold on to—the one thing that gets me out of bed in the morning.

  When I’m on the ice, I’m free.

  All I feel is the cold air whipping at my face and the adrenaline rush pounding through my blood, making me feel alive.

  All I hear is the swish of the blade against the ice and the crack of the stick as I nail the puck into the net.

  I live for these small windows of reprieve.

  On the ice, I’m not the guy whose mom died when he was eight or who has the drunk dad that hates his son.

  I’m Knox fucking Stone. The top-scoring and highest-paid NHL player in the league. And this year, I’m getting another one of those cups just because I can.

  TWO

  SAVI

  “My brothers are going to kill me if I bring another pet home.” I stroke the black fur of the newest addition to the animal shelter, and the cat purrs under my touch.

  “You are the only one that she lets pet her,” Wren says, her blue eyes shining with amusement.

  After college, I came back here ready to start my career as a veterinarian. I knew at a very young age I wanted to help as many animals as I could. I’ve been working full-time at the Blue Haven Veterinarian Clinic with Dr. Matthews, but on my off time, I volunteer at the local animal shelter and provide services to the animals that have been left behind.

  “You even look alike,” Wren laughs, giving one of the shelter dogs a treat.

  I knew when I first walked in here a few months ago that Wren and I would hit it off. She’s a year younger than me at twenty-five, with long hair so blonde it almost looks white. With her big blue eyes and small, petite body, she reminds me of one of those pixie fairies.

  She runs the shelter, and we immediately bonded over our love of animals. I swear she has the biggest heart I know. You could be having the worst day, and just being in her presence makes everything start to feel better.

  The animals feel it too. She’s like a real-life Snow White, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if I happened to walk in here one day and see birds and squirrels sitting on the windowsill as she breaks out in song.

  “She lets you hold her,” I point out.

  Smiling, I study the cat. She does look like me. I feel my heart tug at the connection I’m feeling. It’s rare for a grown cat to be black with blue eyes.

  That has to be a sign, right?

  “All animals love me,” she grins. “I don’t count. I’m talking about every single person who has come in to adopt a pet. They all want her because of her looks, but she’s a spitfire and won’t have a single thing to do with people.”

  “That’s because she’s a badass bitch and most people suck.” I eye the blue-eyed beauty, and I swear her eyes go straight to my soul. “Shit,” I mutter, knowing I’m going to cave with this one.

  “You felt the connection,” she smiles. “Looks like Freya found her human.”

  “Freya,” I murmur the name quietly. I rub behind her ears and get a loud purr in return. “I like that. Goddess of war and love.”

  “Freya was a badass bitch, too. I thought it suited her,” she grins.

  “It’s perfect.” I pick her up, and she immediately nudges her head into my neck. “I’m blaming you if my brothers disown me for bringing home another stray.”

  “I’ll gladly let your brothers lay it on me. All four of them are gorgeous,” she winks and wags her eyebrows at me.

  “Three are married with kids, and one is engaged,” I remind her.

  “Yeah, I know,” she huffs. “I can’t believe we met after they all were taken.”

  “Trust me, they are right where they should be,” I laugh. “I’ve never seen four grown men fall so hard in my life.”

  “And that is why I will be forever single and be known as the crazy animal lady,” she says, reaching over and stroking Freya’s soft fur. “All the unicorns are taken.”

  “You are preaching to the choir. We can be two crazy animal ladies together,” I laugh. “I’ve already started my collection,” I say, kissing the top of Freya’s head. At least my bed won’t be so empty tonight. She might be just what I need to fill the void I’ve been feeling lately.

  I balance the carrier in one hand and the pet supplies in the other as I insert my key into the front door of our family’s beach house. Gifted to us by our parents, my brothers and I own the blue two-story that has become my home recently.

  After a few good investments, Mom and Dad sold the house we grew up in and bought a few properties to rent out as a retirement Airbnb business, this one included. They travel around now, enjoying their properties in different areas of the world, and stay here when they come home to visit all their grandkids.

  While I was away at college, my brothers lived here together and, one by one as they got married, they moved into their own homes. My brother, Miles, left not too long ago when he completely moved in with his fiancé, Olivia, so now it’s just me taking care of the place.

  It’s our gathering spot during the summers and holidays, and becomes full with all my brothers’ families. Even though it gets hectic, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I adore my nieces and nephews and love that I get to make memories in this beach house with them.

  One day, the house will go to them, and any children I have—not that I’ll be having kids anytime soon. That would require having sex, which would require someone of the opposite sex…something that hasn’t gone so well for me in the past.

  I ignore the tightness in my chest and push away any thoughts that want to bring me back to that night as I set Freya’s carrier down on the floor.

  “Time to see your new home, sweet girl.” I open the crate door, and she saunters out to explore.

  Now that all my brothers have moved out, I’ve been slowly updating the decor, and I love the cozy beach vibe I’ve created. With the pale wood floors and white walls, I made sure to bring in subtle colors with throw pillows on the big grey sectional and rugs scattered throughout the lower level.

  Various shells and light blue vases sit on the mantle, and framed photos of our family line the driftwood side tables. The black pool table sits opposite the sofa, where the walls are covered with portraits Travis has drawn of all the kids in various stages of their lives.

  My oldest brother, Travis, is a tattoo artist and started Inked with our other brother, Jake. They became so well known in the art community that they opened a second location in Crystal Isle, about an hour south of here.

  At that time in his life, Travis was a single dad and needed a change, so he ended up moving there to run that business while Jake oversaw Blue Haven. People come from miles around to get tattooed by them, but Travis’s first love will always be portrait drawing. He’s gotten into several big art galleries over the years and has made quite a name for himself.

  His portraits are better than any photograph I’ve seen, and you can’t help but get drawn into the emotions he captures.

  Walking into the open-concept kitchen, I set my bags on the white granite island and pull out my purchases before setting up Freya’s kitty litter box in the laundry room and getting the rest of the items out of my car.

  I couldn’t resist buying this tall seagrass scratching tree and bed that matches perfectly with my decor. Setting it up by the windows lining the back of the house, I smile at how cozy it looks. If I were a cat, I would want to look at a beautiful view while I napped.

  With floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s my favorite part about the house. I never tire of waking up to the beautiful blue water endlessly stretching out into the horizon and watching the waves rushing to meet the shoreline.

  I smile as Freya finds the scratching tree before leaping up to the bed on top and stretching out for a nap. Being the queen she is, she’s already acting like she owns the place, and with the small fortune I dumped at the pet store tonight, she’s definitely being treated as one.

  Even though I adore all animals, we’ve only ever had dogs in our family, so it’s a nice change of pace. Don’t get me wrong, I brought a few stray cats home over the years when I was younger, but I always ended up finding them a good owner. My parents had their hands full already with my four brothers and me, so one dog was their limit for our crazy family.

  Picking up the empty boxes, I put them in the recycle bin and head to my bedroom to change into my workout clothes. I’ve never been an early-to-rise morning person. I much prefer to sleep in as late as I can and get my exercise in after work. I find it helps me sleep better, too, which is a major plus.

  Changing out of my pink scrubs, I throw on a pair of gym shorts and a sports bra before lacing up my running shoes.

  I started running when I was fifteen. It became like therapy to me. It was the only thing that would take me out of my head and bring me some peace from my intrusive thoughts. For that one hour, I was just a normal teenager again and not the damaged one that I felt like inside.

  Walking to the master bathroom, I gather up my long, dark hair in a ponytail. My vivid blue eyes stare back at me as I secure it with a hair tie.

  Except for the eye color, I’m a spitting image of my mom. My brothers got her beautiful greys, and I got my dad’s baby blues. I even match her dusting of freckles across the nose and her full, plump lips.

  It took a long time and some major self-work over the years for me to be able to look in the mirror and love what I see. You wake up real quick to the cruelties in the world when someone tries to take your innocence at fifteen.

  At the time, I blamed my looks on what got me into trouble, and for a while, I despised what I looked like. I wanted to dull myself and just blend into the background whenever I went out, not wanting the attention it brought.

  It wasn’t until I was sixteen and met Tristan that I began to see myself again. I fell hard for him. We dated for two years, and I really thought we would get married someday in my young, naïve mind.

  After high school graduation, he made it known that he wanted to do the whole college experience and didn’t want to be tied down to anyone. I was heartbroken, of course, which is why I decided to accept a scholarship up in Georgia. The last thing I wanted to do was run into him at parties and watch him go through his fuckboy stage.

  Looking back now, it was the best thing that happened to me. It forced me to stand on my own two feet and regain my confidence and independence. I no longer had someone to hide behind, and it pushed me to put myself out there and face my demons.

  Don’t get me wrong, they still like to surface every once in a while in my dreams, and trusting men isn’t my strong suit, but I’m damn proud of how far I’ve come.

  Heading back out into the kitchen, I make sure Freya has food and water before walking out onto the back deck as I take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Breathing in a deep inhale of the salty air, I close my eyes and let the ocean’s presence wash over me as I feel a sense of calmness weave its way in.

  I do a few stretches, then bypass the outdoor kitchen and pool before making my way down the wooden steps leading to the beach below. Once my tennis shoes hit the powdered sand, I take off at a jog toward the water’s edge before following the shoreline at a steady run.

  The sun is setting low, reflecting beautiful orange hues on the water. Most families have gone in for the day to prepare dinner, so except for an occasional beachcomber, I have the stretch of sand to myself.

  My legs begin to burn as I push myself to the limit. Sweat forms on my body as I set a strong pace. My mind clears, and all I focus on is the steady rhythm of my breathing and the soft thud of my shoes hitting the packed sand beneath my feet.

  When I was up in Georgia, I always knew I would end up back here.

  This is where I belong…

  Along the shores of Blue Haven.

  It’s home and always will be.

  THREE

  KNOX

  “I still think you should have given her a heads up. She’s not going to like this,” I grip the steering wheel harder as I whip down the interstate toward Blue Haven, weaving in and out of traffic. My custom black Audi R8 leaves an echoing sound of thunder in its wake. Just like on the ice, I have complete control of every movement and turn, always pushing the fine line of danger.

  “Trust me, it’s better just to rip the band-aid off with Savi than let it fester for days. She knows you’re back in town, so it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise to see you,” Miles’s voice filters through the speaker, and I easily detect the humor in it.

  I’m glad someone is finding this situation funny.

  Miles has been my best friend since middle school. He’s the closest person to me, and one of the few who know about my past. His family welcomed me right away into theirs, and for that I will always be grateful. There’s no telling where I would be right now if it weren’t for him.

  He’s also Savi’s older brother, which makes things a whole hell of a lot more complicated. Let’s just say she’s not my biggest fan. Not that I can blame her. I’ve done a really good job of pushing her away and keeping her at arm’s length.

  I’ll gladly take on that anger, though, and the fiery blue storm in her eyes that I always seem to evoke. Anything is better than the fear I saw in them that night eleven years ago.

  Gritting my teeth, I force the emotions away. It’s bad enough I have to relive them at night. I don’t need them coming out during the day, too.

  “Seeing me on the street, yes, but not in her goddamn house,” I say through clenched teeth.

  “It’s my house too, along with my brothers. It doesn’t make sense for you to keep staying at a hotel until you find a house to buy. Plus, it will make us all feel better knowing she’s got you there to look after her.”

  “I’m pretty sure she’s not going to see it that way,” I mutter. Part of me knows I’m walking into the lion’s den and should keep my distance from her like I’ve always done in the past. The selfish part of me, though, can’t seem to stay away no matter how hard I try, even when I know I should.

  “Listen, it’s a big house, and you’re staying in Ryder’s old apartment out by the pool. You don’t even have to see each other if you don’t want to.” I hear someone in the background speaking to Miles, and listen to the muffled conversation before he gets back on. “The band that’s playing tonight just got here, and I need to talk to them before they go on. I’ll call you later when you’re settled in, and you can let me know how it went,” he chuckles.

  “If I don’t answer, that means she murdered me, and it’s too late.”

  “Noted,” he laughs. “You know,” he says with a pause, and I can only imagine what bright epiphany just popped into his head. “This is probably a good thing. It will give you a chance to hash out your differences and finally learn to get along. I should have thought of forcing you guys to live together a long time ago.”

  “Or…I end up in the middle of the ocean with cement bricks tied to my feet.”

  “Or that,” he chuckles, before hanging up.

  Sighing, I throw my ball cap on the front seat next to me before aggressively raking my hand through my hair and putting it back on.

  With Miles’s wedding in the spring, maybe he’s right. We do need to find a way to at least coexist. The last thing I want to do is ruin my best friend’s wedding because we can’t keep our emotions in check. Savi and I have been tiptoeing around what happened for years, and maybe it’s time to fully face it head-on. I just don’t know where that’s going to leave us once we do, and that scares the hell out of me.

  Taking the exit, I head toward the small coastal town and slow down as I approach the Welcome to Blue Haven sign.

  Ryder’s Restores comes into view first, sitting across from the local marina to my right. The sleek black building has tall windows lining the front, and I get a glimpse of the cars being showcased on the main floor.

  Beams of light shine down, highlighting each individual supercar that is being featured for the month. Miles’s younger brother, Ryder, has built a very impressive business from the ground up. Everyone who’s anyone knows he’s the one to go to if you want any work done on exotics and supercars.

  He found me this beauty that I’m driving and did an amazing job on the upgrades. I tell all my rich hockey buddies to go to him, and not one has been disappointed.

  Making my way further into the downtown area, small businesses line the streets on either side now. I see the lights on at Inked, the local tattoo business owned by Travis and Jake, as I pass by.

  They are the only ones that I let ink me. You could say that I was their guinea pig and offered up my virgin skin at sixteen as a blank canvas for them to practice on. Inking my skin became a way for me to express my feelings on the inside when I needed a way to release them. I’ve since had both arm sleeves done and the left side of my chest, each line done with purpose and meaning behind it.

  A beautiful blend of pain, chaos, and the briefest glimpse of beauty, if you look hard enough, is etched permanently on my skin. To those who don’t know the real me, it’s just tattoos and adds an edge of danger that women seem to love when they get a look at them.

  The few that do know see them for what they are. My open scars that will never heal and the demons that will forever be waiting in the shadows, hoping one day, I’ll let them get the best of me.