His Secret PuckBunny : Dark Hockey romance (TCP #2)

Chapter 26 - Lily's Birthday

Lily and Caleb stepped out of their car, their eyes widening at the sheer grandeur of the property.

"Wow, this place is amazing," Lily exclaimed, her eyes darting from the pristine lake to the sprawling mansion nestled amidst the trees.

They approached the front entrance. The imposing wooden doors swung open and revealed Ana with a beaming smile.

"Welcome, you two! So glad you could make it," Ana said, pulling Lily into a tight hug and exchanging a friendly handshake with Caleb.

The interior of the lake house exudes rustic elegance, with wooden beams, large windows, and tasteful decor that blended seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

"And here's the living room with a view to die for," Ana announced, gesturing towards the expansive windows that framed the picturesque lake.

"This is incredible. I can't believe we get to stay here for the weekend."

Just then, the unmistakable roar of an engine cut through the air, diverting everyone's attention toward the window.

"What's that?"

They made their way to the front door, pushing it open to find Danny, Ana's younger brother, already on the porch, eyes wide with awe. And there, in a cloud of dust and exhaust fumes, was Pavel cruising up the driveway astride a sleek, gunmetal gray motorcycle.

The deep, powerful rumble reverberated through the air as Pavel brought the bike to an idling purr in front of the house. The late afternoon sunlight gleamed off the machine's curves, lending it an almost supernatural glow.

Lily's breath caught in her throat as Pavel cut the engine, the sudden silence seeming to amplify the excited thudding of her heart. She couldn't tear her eyes away as he swung his lean, denim-clad leg over the seat and dismounted with an easy, athletic grace.

The soft leather of his jacket stretched deliciously across his broad shoulders. Her bottom lip between her teeth, drinking in the sight. Every deliberate movement exuded an aura of confident, rugged masculinity that heightened his already magnetic presence.

"Cool," Danny exclaimed with a wide grin across his face.

"Yeah he is." Lily whispered.

"Since when does he have a motorcycle?" Caleb blurted.

Pavel strolled up the porch steps and exchanged a complicated handshake with Danny involving fist bumps and finger snaps.

"Hey there, little man."

"Cool motorcycle, Uncle Pavel," Danny grinned, awestruck. "Can I get on?" Before Pavel could respond, Ana intervened, arms folded across her chest.

"Excuse me, young man," she cut in sternly. "No, that could be dangerous."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want that. I could get in an accident and lose my ability to walk." The boy punctuated the sarcastic remark by gesturing exaggeratedly at his wheelchair.

Ana's features remained stoic, though her lips twitched with the faintest hint of a smirk. "Very funny, kid."

"Don't worry, kiddo. We can add a sidecar and then go for a ride."

"Yes please." The fourteen year old beamed.

They shared another fist bump, and Pavel took the chance to approach Lily. Their eyes connected, conveying a wordless understanding that ran beneath the surface.

"What's up Lily." He smirked, "Happy birthday."

They stood face to face, a charged tension lingering between them.