Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Anonymous Host:
“One of my favorite players once said, ‘Hockey’s what I do, not who I am.’ That stuck with me. Because it’s a reminder that we’re all multi-layered. You can be a great player, a great friend, a great partner, but you’re also your own person, and that’s worth celebrating. And there’s life after hockey, too. Don’t forget that.”
[She starts frosting the cake, swirling chocolate and vanilla frosting together into a marbled design.]
Anonymous Host:
“So, here’s today’s takeaway: don’t lose yourself to what you love. Love it, nurture it, but don’t forget to nurture yourself, too. Find the things that make you feel like you, even if they have nothing to do with hockey, or baking. Whether it’s painting, hiking, or just taking a day to binge your favorite show, make time for it. Trust me, your passions and the people around you will thank you for it.”
[She finishes the cake, topping it with chocolate curls and a small vanilla flower decoration in the center.]
Anonymous Host:
“Here’s to finding the balance. To being passionate but not consumed. To loving deeply but remembering to love and prioritize yourself first. And to making a cake that’s as sweet and balanced as life should be.”
[She cuts into the cake, showing the contrasting layers of chocolate and vanilla, then takes a bite.]
Anonymous Host:
“Until next time, keep your priorities in check, your layers even, and your frosting on point. And remember… whether you’re on the ice or in the kitchen, the best moves always start with a strong center.”
[The video fades out with the Icing the Cake logo over a close-up of the perfectly layered cake as soft hockey arena sounds play in the background.]
Comments:
@HockeyMom27
“This hit me right in the feels. My son is obsessed with hockey, and I keep reminding him there’s life outside the game, too. Thank you for this reminder!”
@SugarAndSlapshots
“‘Keep your layers balanced.’ Why is this the best metaphor I’ve heard in forever?”
@GoalieGuru34:
“‘Hockey’s what I do, not who I am.’ That line needs to be on a locker room wall somewhere. #LifeLessons”
@PuckAndPastries
“When she said, ‘You’re more than the things you love,’ I felt that.”
@HockeyWifeLife
“This is what I’ve been telling my husband for YEARS! Thanks for saying it in a way he might listen to!”
29
HAYES
“You’re awesome at that,” Riley says, curling into me to rest her face against my neck. I gather her into my arms, still breathing fast. We’re sweaty and naked and blissed the fuck out.
“We are awesome at that,” I smile, panting hard and stroking a sweaty curl from her forehead, watching her heavy-lidded eyes flutter open and gaze into mine.
Her hand cups my cheek. “I’m glad I waited. I’m glad it was you.”
“Me with an audience,” I smile.
“An audience of helpers,” she muses. “Don’t sideline them. You know how they get.”
I grin and hitch her leg over my hip, breathing in the scent of sex that clings to us like a drug. Riley’s body is so warm and soft against the hard planes of my body, fitting perfectly in every way.
“There was never anyone else,” I admit. “No one got close to tempting me before you.”
She blinks with surprise, reaching out to stroke my eyebrow and cheek, fingers featherlight. “Really?”
“Really. And no one will again.” I know this in my heart, and I’m not fearful of her response. She needs to know I’m a one-woman man, and she’s it for me. My sweet Riley, who cries out for God when she comes and whose nose turns pink with every orgasm. Sweet Riley who touches my prickly brother, Jacob, with tenderness, and laughs extra hard at Shawn’s jokes because she realizes he’s seeking her approval. Riley, who makes me feel like a king even though I share the throne with two others and who notices the smallest things to make us feel seen. Our sweet girl has become the magnet at the center of our lives, joining us with barely any effort.
“Hayes.” Her voice is husky, and her touch is reverent. Her throat crackles when she swallows.
We haven’t spoken about the future. Not yet. There are hurdles to jump—our friends, her dad, society, hockey—but none of it worries me because nothing is more important to me than she is. But there’s a real chance that Riley won’t be on the same page, and I have to be prepared to be patient.
“Yeah, princess.” I bring her hand to my mouth and kiss her knuckles like a gentleman in a black-and-white movie.
She shakes her head, staring at my lips. “Where did you come from?”
“Pretty sure my mom and dad did something unspeakably gross, and nine months later, I emerged from somewhere I don’t want to think about.”
Her chuckle is warm and throaty, and I enjoy having the chance to make her laugh.
“I don’t deserve you.”
Tipping her chin so she’s forced to look at me, I frown. “Oh, pretty girl. You absolutely do.”