The Center's Secret

Declan Hayes has one rule: never let them see behind the mask.As the Maple Creek Thunder's intense and brooding center, Declan is known for shutting down plays and shutting out people. Off the ice, he keeps his head down, avoids the spotlight, and guards his past like a well-defended goal. But when the team lands a new media deal, he's suddenly the center of attention—and under the watchful eye of Elle Martin.Elle's assignment is simple: shadow the team, get the scoop, and help the fans fall in love with hockey's most private players. She didn't expect to be drawn to the one who refuses to open up. Declan's gruff exterior hides something deeper, and when Elle uncovers a secret that could shake the entire franchise, she's faced with an impossible choice.Publish the story that could make her career—or protect the man who's slowly claiming her heart.As the pressure builds on and off the ice, Declan and Elle must decide if love is worth risking everything.A spicy, emotional hockey romance with a guarded forward, a driven reporter, forbidden tension, and a secret that could ruin it all.