It happened in a hotel room in Vancouver. A stolen bottle of whiskey. Laughter about old pranks. Then silence.

“I’ve got you,” Leo whispered against his mouth. “No more trading you away.”

Leo Castellani never thought he’d hear that voice again.

The One He Didn't Trade

“You’ve got history,” Coach said, glancing between them. “Good. Use it.”

Leo’s throat tightened. “I was scared.”

Later, in the quiet of Leo’s apartment, with the Stanley Cup shining in the next room, Jamie pulled out a worn, dog-eared paperback from his bag. Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy.