I’ve built a lot over the years. My career as an NHL star. My reputation as a power forward. My status as the face of the Denver Outlaws. But the one thing I never saw coming? Being benched with a career-threatening injury and stuck in a small town like Amber Falls.

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After a brutal hit took me off the ice, I was sent to rehab in the middle of nowhere, miles away from the city and my team, to recover. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, my physical therapist turns out to be Gabe Rivers—a single dad and the guy I almost hooked up with at a charity event years ago. The guy who’s now in charge of getting me back to the NHL.

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He’s distant, professional, and annoyingly good at what he does. Worse, he’s brought his adorable son Charlie along for the summer, and despite my best efforts, the kid’s starting to get under my skin.

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I should be focusing on my recovery. I should be thinking about my return to the game. But instead, I’m spending more time thinking about Gabe. The way he’s cautious around me, the way he keeps his emotions in check… and how, even though he swore he’d never mix business with pleasure, he can’t seem to hide the spark between us.

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Before I know it, small-town life starts feeling less like a punishment and more like a second chance—at something bigger than hockey. But with Denver calling us both back, the last thing either of us needs is a distraction.

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The only thing worse than falling for Gabe Rivers? Knowing that going home won’t change a thing.