Falling for my brother's biggest rival

Sienna's POV

The heavy thud of the plane’s landing gear hitting the tarmac shook me out of my thoughts. I pulled my small rolling suitcase from the overhead compartment, taking a deep breath of the stale, recycled cabin air. Stepping down the stairs and onto the terminal gate, a wave of new resolve washed over me.

Well, maybe not entirely new.

I had been planning to pay my older brother, Dylan, a surprise visit for months. When I realized the semifinals of the National Collegiate Hockey Championship were happening in New York today—only a few hours from now—I grabbed the opportunity, booked a last-minute flight, and swore myself to secrecy.

I couldn't wait to see the look on his face.

Dylan and I had always been close. Despite the distance, he was still the person I could call at any hour when I needed someone to talk to. He'd probably yell at me for showing up without telling him first.

But I'd take the yelling.

At least I'd get to see him.

Walking through the crowded airport, I switched my phone off flight mode and opened our chat history.

Me: wyd? 🙃

Dylan: Preparing for a game. Why?

Dylan: What's with the face, btw

I bit back a laugh.

Me: I'm just checking up on you 🙃

I quickly pocketed my phone before he could ask any more questions, a small, mischievous smile playing on my lips.

He had absolutely no idea.

The yellow cab ride from JFK to the stadium was anything but peaceful.

Manhattan moved past the window in a blur of towering buildings, crowded sidewalks, honking cars, and familiar streets I hadn't seen in years.

I rested my head against the glass, watching everything pass by.

A heavy wave of nostalgia hit me.

I hadn't set foot in New York since the day I graduated high school.

High school.

The place where everything had gone completely wrong.

Where he had—

"No."

The word slipped from my lips before I could stop it. I shook my head and looked away from the window.

Not today.

I wasn't going to think about that today.

I was here for Dylan.

That was it.

Whatever happened years ago belonged in the past.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

Ten minutes later, the cab pulled up outside the massive concrete arena. I stepped out, grabbed my suitcase, and stared up at the flashing digital sign above the entrance.

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP — SEMIFINALS.

My stomach fluttered with excitement.

This was it.

I was finally going to surprise my brother.

My phone buzzed violently in my palm.

I glanced down.

Dylan: Where are you??

I smiled.

Me: busy🙊

The typing bubble appeared almost instantly.

Dylan: You're never busy, and you're acting weird sia

I rolled my eyes.

Me: Aren't you supposed to be in the rink by now

Dylan: In a few minutes

I slipped my phone back into my pocket.

Perfect.

I had to get inside before he somehow spotted me.

I headed into the stadium to get a front-row seat, tugging on my brother's jersey with the familiar HAYES printed boldly across the back.

The arena was already packed. Fans filled the stands, many dressed in their team's colors, waving signs and cheering before the game had even properly started.

The energy was almost overwhelming.

I found my seat and settled in, pulling the jersey down slightly as I looked around.

This was Dylan's world.

The ice.

The noise.

The competition.

And somehow, I was finally getting to see it up close.

The lights dimmed slightly as the players began making their way onto the ice.

The crowd erupted.

I immediately started searching for Dylan.

And there he was.

My brother skated onto the rink with his teammates, his helmet secured, and his stick gripped firmly in one hand.

I grinned.

"That's my brother!"

The opening whistle blew.

Within seconds, the entire atmosphere changed. The sound of blades slicing through the ice, screams and cheers from the crowd, and sharp whistles from the referee filled the arena as the players fought for control of the puck.

I scooted closer, practically pressing my face against the glass in search of Dylan.

Then I spotted him.

He had the puck.

"Come on, Dylan!"

I jumped to my feet, cheering as he manoeuvred around an opposing player. The other player was bigger, with broader shoulders and tanned skin that stood out beneath the bright arena lights.

Dylan pushed past him, sending the puck toward one of his teammates.

I laughed excitedly.

That was my brother.

Always finding a way.

The opposing player recovered quickly and turned after him.

For a moment, I barely paid attention.

Until he turned enough for me to see his face.

My smile slowly disappeared.

I froze.

Something about him felt familiar.

Too familiar.

My eyes followed him as he skated across the ice, effortlessly keeping up with the play.

I stared harder.

No.

It couldn't be.

My heart began beating faster.

I knew that face.

Those sharp cheekbones.

That jaw.

That familiar way he carried himself.

I swallowed.

For a moment, the noise of the arena seemed to disappear completely.

I had spent years trying not to remember him. Years convincing myself that whatever happened between us didn't matter anymore.

And yet, one look was enough.

I'd recognize those cheekbones anywhere.

My fingers tightened around the edge of my brother's jersey. The name printed across my back suddenly felt heavier.

Because if he was here, then this wasn't just Dylan's championship anymore.

I slowly watched the player turn again.

There was no mistaking him now.

LUCA BENNETT.

My stomach dropped.

The boy who had once broken my heart was standing on the ice in front of me.

And somehow, after all these years—

He's here...