Match Penalty: Coach’s Daughter Hockey Romance (The Rookie Hawkeyes Series Book 1)

Cammy’s hand rests in mine as we drive up the long gravel road to her grandparents’ house in the rental car we picked up from the airport. The landscape is a picture-perfect Midwestern winter—a light dusting of snow blankets the ground, a string of smoke curling from the chimney, and the faint glow of lights in the windows. It’s cozy, idyllic.

Everything I’m not.

“My grandparents are going to love you,” she says, squeezing my hand as if willing me to believe it.

I glance at her, her soft smile doing little to calm the churning in my stomach. “How did Seven take it when you told him that I was coming?’

Cammy falls silent, not looking in my direction, but her finger twitches the moment I ask.

‘Cammy…’ I say, quickly glancing over at her while keeping a sharp eye on the road. ‘You told him I was coming with you, right?’

Finally, her eyes drift over to mine. ‘Not in so many words but…’

My head instantly falls against the headrest as I let out a groan.

‘…he knew I flew out to Vancouver to bring you back. He had to know that this was a possibility.’

‘Does he know that we’re officially together?’ I ask. I have a feeling I already know the answer, and it’s not in my favor.

Cammy plasters on an encouraging smile that’s tinged with nerves. “He’ll warm up. It might take some time, but he will. He doesn’t have much of a choice. I’m not giving you up a third time for anyone.’

Hearing her say that is encouraging, but I still grip the steering wheel tighter with one hand as the house comes into full view. I pull her hand up to mine and kiss the back of it. ‘I hope you’re right, because we’re about to find out.’

The front door swings open, and my worst fears are confirmed. Seven storms out like a man on a mission, his jaw set, his eyes locked on me. Right behind him is a guy almost as big as he is—must be Cammy’s uncle Eli.

Brynn trails after them, Milo perched on her hip, grinning ear to ear. Behind her, a woman who could be Cammy’s twin if she were twenty years older steps out. That must be her mom.

“Shocking…Seven doesn’t seem thrilled,” I mutter, trying to keep my voice steady.

Cammy squeezes my hand again, her voice firm. “It’s going to be fine. Just… be yourself.”

I snort. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

The car barely comes to a stop before Seven yanks the door open.

“Cammy,” he says, his voice low but commanding. “Go inside.”

She stiffens, her fingers tightening around mine. “Dad, no—”

“Cammy,” he repeats, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Go. Inside.”

I glance at her, giving her a small nod. “It’s okay. I’ve got this, mon amour.”

‘Don’t call her that,’ Seven warns.

I stare back at him. I’m not scared of the man, but he and I are going to have this out so Cammy and I can move on with our lives. I’m not letting her go this time, and if he thinks that leaving the Hawkeyes is the best I can do to prove how much I love her, than he has no idea what I’m capable of giving up for her.

I glance back at her and give her another reassuring nod.

Her eyes dart between us, reluctant, but she finally climbs out of the car. Brynn meets her halfway, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and steering her toward the house.

I climb out of the car next, and Seven comes around to my side.

He waits until they’re inside before turning to me, his expression hard as steel.

“JP,” he says, his voice dangerously calm.

I stand tall despite the weight of his glare. “Coach.”

Seven crosses his arms over his chest, Eli standing just behind him like backup. “I warned you to stay away from her.”

“And I tried,” I admit, my voice steady. “But I can’t. I’m not going to give her up. Not for you. Not for the Hawkeyes. Not for anything.”

Seven’s eyes narrow, his jaw ticking, but I press on.

“I respect you, Seven,” I say, my voice firm. “As my coach, as one of the best goalies to ever play the game, and as Cammy’s protector. But loving your daughter isn’t something I can turn off or walk away from. And just like Cammy isn’t a product of who raised her… neither am I.”

Seven’s silence stretches, heavy and taut, his eyes boring into mine.

Finally, he exhales a slow breath, shaking his head.

“She deserves everything this world has to offer.’

I nod. ‘And I swear to God that Cammy won’t ever want for anything. She’ll have whatever she asks for—you have my word.’

He blows out a breath. He knows his daughter is just as stubborn as he is, and I’m too stupid to back down.

‘You know I’m going to be watching every step,” he says, his voice low. “If you screw this up—”

“I won’t,” I cut in, meeting his gaze. “Not this time. I’d rather lose everything else than lose her.”

For a moment, I think he’s going to hit me—his fists ball at his side, his jaw is tight enough that he looks like he might break a tooth. But finally his eyes lighten just a little, another exhale softening his tense shoulders… just barely.

“It’s Thanksgiving. Come inside,” he says gruffly, turning on his heel and heading toward the house. Eli gives me a once-over before following.

I let out a breath and head up the steps.noveldrama

Inside, the warmth of the house is a stark contrast to the tension outside. Cammy is standing by the fireplace, her cheeks pink, her smile bright as she talks to her mom. Brynn and who I presume to be her grandmother are setting the table, while Milo plays in his highchair.

Seven brushes past me, clapping a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “Let’s get that turkey carved.”

Cammy’s eyes meet mine. Her smile softens, and in that moment, the world feels like it’s shifting into place.

She walks over, slipping her arms around my waist. “You okay?”

I nod, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Your dad’s intense.”

She laughs, tilting her head up to look at me. “He just wants to make sure I’m happy.”

“Well,” I say, wrapping my arms around her. “I’ll just have to prove that I’m the man for the job.”

‘I made up a room for you two upstairs,’ Cammy’s grandma calls out to her from the kitchen.

‘Oh, thanks Gram, but I got us a hotel room just down the street. I hope that’s okay,’ she tells her, as her eyes find mine.

I pull her into my arms and plant a kiss on her lips. She giggles against my mouth. ‘I thought you might need a break from my dad,’ she whispers.

‘Have I told you today how much I love you?’ I tease.

‘Only a couple dozen times.’ Her hazel eyes stare up at mine, that warm amber color that tells me she’s happy.

‘Then, let me tell you again in case you forgot. Je t’aime, Cammy. Tu es mon amour.’

Her smile widens, and she pulls me toward the table. “Come on. Let’s eat.”

As we sit down to dinner, surrounded by warmth and laughter, I realize something.

I’ve been searching for the place where I fit, where I’m home.

I looked for it in my father, in the long line of stepfathers, stadiums, and coaches. And before Cammy found Seven, she was searching for that, too.

But, finally, we’ve both found it.

Cammy’s the place I belong.

And I want to be that for her.

I’ll never let her down.